Obstetrics & Gynecology

News and Events

Programs and providers of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine are often the focus of news stories and features appearing in major national media. We invite you to review some stories that typify the breakthrough accomplishments of our remarkable team and highlight the impact our care has had on patient’s lives.

BioInnovate Conference Showcases Path from Innovation to Scale Through a Growing Ecosystem

An East Asian man wearing a dark gray suit and tie and a South Asian woman with long black hair and wearing a white suit. Both smiling at the audience.

Over 200 scientists, startup founders and partners in government and industry gathered at Uris Auditorium on April 23 for the 2026 BioInnovate Conference. The event, hosted by BioVenture eLab, part of Weill Cornell Medicine Enterprise Innovation, celebrates the growing ecosystem that turns scientific discovery into scalable healthcare solutions. Speakers and panelists discussed topics ranging from AI in clinical trials to reshoring domestic drug discovery and manufacturing.

Dr. Lisa Placanica, senior managing director of the Center for Technology Licensing at Weill Cornell Medicine, called the event a “convening of the village” and “mixing of the entire ecosystem.” She noted that concerted efforts by Enterprise Innovation and its collaborators led to the launch of 43 active startups that were founded on Weill Cornell technologies. These companies, with nearly half based in New York City, have collectively raised over $2 billion in financing. “We're a strong believer in building our local ecosystem and making New York City a leading biotech hub,” she said.

WCM-Q Celebrates Largest Graduating Class in its History

students wearing commencement regalia reading and raising their right hands

Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar celebrated its largest ever graduating class, which also includes a record 22 Qatari nationals, during the institution’s commencement ceremony May 5.

The institution awarded U.S.-accredited Cornell University medical degrees to 52 new doctors, hailing from 15 countries, at the ceremony, which was attended by local dignitaries, members of the faculty, and the friends and family of the graduating students. To date, WCM-Q has graduated 693 doctors since its inaugural ceremony in 2008.

“Class of 2026, you deserve great credit for the quiet dignity with which you have completed your studies, enduring two unprecedented periods of crisis, firstly during the pandemic, and more recently through the turmoil that afflicted our region,” said Dr. Javaid I. Sheikh, dean of WCM-Q, referencing the ongoing conflict engulfing the Middle East. “Your perseverance and resilience, the way you have supported one another, and your laser focus on learning the art and science of medicine have been truly impressive. I have no doubt that you will make remarkable physicians and researchers.”

Weill Cornell Centers DEI in Community—and Courage

Dr. Heidi Bender, Dr. Linnie Golightly and Fanesse Acquaye

Even as the national conversation around diversity, equity and inclusion is muted, Weill Cornell Medicine continues its work to make sure everyone has a seat at the table.

That was the message relayed on April 23 by Dr. Linnie Golightly, provost and senior associate dean of academic affairs at CUNY School of Medicine. Dr. Golightly was joined by Dr. Heidi Bender, inaugural associate dean for faculty engagement and inclusion, and Fanesse Acquaye, executive director of the Office of Culture, Inclusion & Employee Experience for a fireside chat, as part of the institution’s eighth annual Diversity Week.

The nearly hour-long conversation explored Dr. Golightly’s legacy at Weill Cornell Medicine and her lifelong commitment to building institutions where everyone can feel they belong and every voice is heard. A 1983 graduate of Weill Cornell Medicine, Dr. Golightly spent close to 30 years of her professional career at the institution—joining the faculty in 1997 and then serving as associate dean of diversity and inclusion from 2016 until her departure in 2025.

She also discussed how she’s continuing the work in her current role, noting that the process continues by focusing on the opportunities ahead instead of looking back at the challenges already overcome. She stressed the importance of bridge-building—engaging skeptics and those unfamiliar with this work rather than retreating into like-minded circles.

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