Reproductive Health Needs of the Military and Veterans, Part 3

James H. Segars, MD

Reproductive health care for veterans and service members on active duty is a topic with many dimensions, from considerations of legislative policy to increased neonatal intensive care utilization for military families. This issue is part 3 of the Seminars on, “Reproductive Health Needs of the Military and Veterans,” by guest editors Alicia Y. Christy and Gilbert L. Mottla, MD.

Dr. Christy completed her undergraduate training at Princeton and her MD at Northwestern where she was elected to AOA. Alicia completed obstetrician/gynecologist (Ob/Gyn) residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (before the merger with the National Naval Medical Center), followed by a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at the combined Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS)-National Institutes of Health program. Dr. Christy is a natural leader and she has held many leadership positions while on active duty and following retirement at the rank of Colonel. Notably, she was the first woman and first African American to serve as Department Chair in the 100-year history of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in District of Columbia. Among other duties, she served as consultant to the Army Surgeon General for Women's Health Issues. After retirement, Dr. Christy was recruited to NIH and there she received a master's degree from Duke University. I shared an office with Dr. Christy during her time at NIH, the memory of which kindles fond memories of her wit, humor, and many watercolor paintings. Currently, Dr. Christy is Director, Reproductive Health Women's Health Services, in the Office of Patient Care Services of the Veteran Health Administration.

Dr. Mottla earned his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine, where he won the Dr. David Rothbaum award for superior academic achievement in obstetrics and gynecology and compassion and understanding toward patients. He completed his internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Magee-Womens Hospital, University of Pittsburgh before completing a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at The George Washington University School of Medicine.

Dr. Mottla is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and is presently a clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Georgetown University. Dr. Mottla has been recognized by Washingtonian magazine and What’s Up Annapolis magazine for Top Doctors in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He sees and consults with patients who need care in all areas of both infertility and reproductive endocrinology. Dr. Mottla currently practices as a senior physician and a member of the board of directors of Shady Grove Fertility. He also works closely with the Bob Woodruff Foundation advocating for veterans and military families. In 2017, he was awarded the Arnold P. Goldman award for Humanism in medicine by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine for his advocacy work for veterans.