The William Shippen, Jr. Professorship of Obstetrics and Gynecology

The Professorship was established in 1966 by Mrs. Cordelia Scaife May to honor the numerous contributions of William J. Shippen, Jr., MD (1736–1808), one of the nation’s early renowned physicians and the second professor on the medical faculty at Penn. The chair is also intended to foster enthusiasm in the areas of family planning and women’s health.

The son of the prominent doctor William J. Shippen, Dr. Shippen received his early medical training in colonial America. At the recommendation of Benjamin Franklin, he extended his education in Edinburgh, Scotland, and London, England. In 1765 Dr. Shippen was elected Professor of Anatomy, Surgery, and Midwifery at the newly formed medical school at the College of Philadelphia (now the University of Pennsylvania). That fall, he and John Morgan, MD delivered the first medical lectures at the College, establishing the roots of the institution that has profoundly shaped American medicine ever since.

Current Chairholder
Kurt T. Barnhart, MD, MSCE

Dr. Kurt Barnhart is the Vice Chair for Clinical Research and the Director of the Women’s Health Clinical Research Center in the Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Barnhart received his medical degree at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and he performed his residency and fellowship training as well as M.S.C.E. degree (Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics) at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Barnhart has had continuous NIH funding for his research since 1996, focusing on clinical and epidemiologic aspects of reproduction including ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and infertility. He is a recipient of The Leonard Berwick Memorial Teaching Award. He has served as the President of the Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility as well as held leadership positions in the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Barnhart currently serves and the Editor in chief for Fertility and Sterility. He is a recipient of the Leonard Berwick Memorial Teaching Award. Dr. Barnhart has been recognized among the “Best Doctors in America” and as one of the “Top Docs” in Philadelphia.

Previous Chairholders

Celso-Ramón García, MD 1966–1993
Norman B. Hecht, PhD 1997–2007