Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology

The Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology counts with an experienced group of physicians who provide care in general gynecology and obstetrics, as well as specialized services in gynecology such as, endoscopic surgery; urogynecology & pelvic reconstructive surgery; menopause care and geriatric gynecology. There is active publication of scientific articles by the members of the division.

The division members see patients primarily at Temple University Hospital, but also have satellite offices at TUH – Episcopal Campus, Elkins Park, TUH – Northeastern Campus, TUH – Jeanes Campus, and in the Roxborough neighborhood. Office hours are held during the day, evenings and on weekends.

• Gabriela Algarroba, MD
• Tanise Branche, MD
• Bruce Carnivale, DO
• Lisa Cerrito, RN
• Divya Chillapalli, MD
• Kylee Clyatt, MD
• Amy T. Cruz, MD
• Shaliz Dolan, MD
• Michelle Duncan, MD
• Isabel Eisner, MD
• Katherine Fesen, MD
• Gail Herrine, MD
• Foluso Isamah, RN
• Stacey Jeronis, MD
• Yasmin Korayem, MD
• Dena Ladd, RN
• Deslyn Mancini, MD
• Kristine Milanese, RN
• Haley Mork, RN
• Faith Pullinger, MD
• Marisa Rose, MD
• Nishanth Sidduri, MD
• Samantha So, MD
• Debra L. Somers, MD, FACOG
• Henry Su, MD
• Gail T. Sullivan, MD
• Nicole Tran, DO
• Sean Tubens, MD
• Clinton Turner, MD
• Anna Zelivianskaia, MD

Specialized services in this division include:

Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine

The Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine is staffed by perinatologists who serve as consultants for all high-risk obstetrical patients within the Temple University Health System. The division members provide consultative services at Temple University Hospital and at the Northeastern Ambulatory Care Center.

Perinatologists conduct non-invasive and invasive fetal evaluations and studies and provide consultations to other clinical services. In addition, to our consultative service, the division also has a private practice, receiving referrals from within the institution, the local community and suburban locations. The division’s research efforts continue to generate many publications of scientific articles, abstracts and book chapters.

• Wadia Mulla, MD, FACOG, Director Obstetrics and Maternal Fetal Medicine
• Janine Chen, MD
• Laura Hart, MD
• Jack Ludmir, MD, FACOG
• Emily A. Oliver, MD, MPH
• Laura Fish, RN

Women's Pelvic Health Program

The Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at Temple University Hospital provides state-of-the-art care for a wide range of gynecological and urological conditions. Staffed by Carol A. Glowacki, MD, this clinic, also known as the Urogynecology Clinic, specializes in problems of the female pelvic floor.  Dr. Glowacki is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and has completed a three year fellowship in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery.

Female pelvic floor disorders are disorders that affect the muscles, ligaments, connective tissues and nerves that support and make up the bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum.

These disorders may manifest as:

• Bladder Dysfunction
  • Urinary frequency, both day and nighttime,
  • Urinary urgency
  • Urinary incontinence,  involuntary and uncontrollable loss of urine
• Pelvic organ prolapse- displacement or dropping of the bladder, reproductive organs (uterus and vagina) or rectum.
• Fecal incontinence
• Pelvic Pain- pain in the pelvis or vulva (vulvodynia or vulvar vestibulitis with possible spasm of the pelvic floor muscle
• Painful bladder syndrome, also known as Interstitial Cystitis
• Urinary tract infections
• Hematuria- blood in the urine
• Genital Fistula- formation of a hole between the pelvic organs
• Sexual dysfunction

Once a patient receives a complete pelvic examination and the type and severity of the problem has been determined, a series of comprehensive tests may be conducted in the office.  These tests help to determine the best course of treatment.

• Urodynamic studies. This test measures the activity of the bladder and urethra during filling and emptying.  The test is often useful in pinpointing the exact cause of a patient's symptoms and can lead to more effective treatment.  In addition, the study is critical in planning a patient's surgical procedure.
• Cystoscopy. This procedure involves looking into the interior lining of the bladder with a cystoscopy to rule out stones, tumors or foreign bodies.
• Biofeedback. A process similar to Kegels exercises, these techniques record bladder pressures as well as electrical activity.  As the information is recorded, it is displayed for the patient.  By watching the information, the patient learns to relax the bladder and abdominal muscles and contract the pelvic floor muscles based on the information displayed.

Following the appropriate testing, treatment options will be discussed and implemented. Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, and surgery.  Surgical options include outpatient, minimally invasive and robotic approaches, depending on the needs and preferences of the patient. Sacral neuromodulation, which utilizes a technology similar to a pacemaker, is used for treating patients with overactive bladder, urinary retention or bladder pain syndromes.  It is now approved for the use in fecal incontinence.  Botox injections at different sites in the bladder have been effective in treating bladder symptoms in patients with neurological disorders, as well as refractory overactive bladder.

Dr. Carol Glowacki heads the Section of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery

• Carol Glowacki MD, Director
• Jasjit Beausang, MD
• Kyle Markley, RN

Division of Reproductive Ambulatory Medicine

This division covers both the obstetric and gynecology/family planning outpatient services.

The obstetric service is on the 3rd floor of Temple’s Parkinson Pavilion (Zone C). A number of initiatives have been introduced in this clinic based on lessons learned from our previous community outreach projects such as the need for child care, transportation and snacks, in addition to the usual medical and social services.

The Gynecology and Family Planning Programs have been combined and are located on the 8th floor of Temple University Hospital Outpatient building. The program receives funding from the Family Planning Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania in the form of a grant. The Healthy Women Program is a state-supported cancer screening program which provides cancer screening to women not yet eligible for Medicare. There are over 10,000 patient visits a year.

• Valerie Cain, LPN
• Stephanie Corley-Logan, BSN

Division of Gynecologic Oncology

The Division of Gynecologic Oncology is directed by Karen Houck, MD. The Division is staffed by two gynecologic oncologists and two oncology certified nurses. The mission of the Division is to provide comprehensive care to women with malignant and premalignant gynecologic conditions within the Temple Health Care System. The gynecologic oncologists perform surgery ranging from minimally invasive to radical surgery (including intestinal and urological). Difficult or high-risk surgery for benign gynecologic pathology is also performed, as well as laser surgery of the lower genital tract.

Our residents participate not only in the surgical management of women with gynecologic malignancies, but also are involved in the administration of chemotherapy, the placement of intracavitary radiation implants and the surgical and medical management of complications due to the malignancy or its therapy.

• ​Karen Houck, MD, Director
• Enrique Hernandez, MD
• Christine Benckert, RN, BSN
• Lori Fadden, RN, BSN, OCN