Epidemiology

Named First Ever Medical Director of Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health

Anne Davis, MD, MPH ’02, was selected to this past October be the first medical director for Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health (PRCH), acting as an on-site advisor. In her new role, Dr. Davis will spearhead their efforts to protect and improve reproductive healthcare in the United States, ensuring that all people have the knowledge, access to quality services, and freedom to make their own reproductive health decisions. In addition to working part-time for PRCH, Dr. Davis is an associate professor of clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, an assistant director of the Kenneth Ryan Family Planning Fellowship, and an attending physician for the Family Planning Center, part of the Mailman School’s Center for Community Health and Education.

Founded in 1992, PRCH is a national network of pro-choice physicians who are committed to providing and advocating for the best possible care for patients. Dr. Davis was initially drawn to PRCH, because the organization views doctors as potential activists. She has been a member of the organization since 1997, and has served on their board since 2003.

Since commencing her position as medical director, Dr. Davis has already had the opportunity to represent PRCH. At a press conference held by Senator Hillary Clinton, Dr. Davis spoke about abortion regulations proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Davis also recently presented testimony on behalf of PRCH for the September 12 President’s Council on Bioethics hearing. These efforts build on Dr. Davis’ prior experience representing PRCH in interviews about contraception and abortion for numerous media outlets, including the New York Times, NBC Nightly News, ABC World News Tonight, the Today Show, and Glamour.

Dr. Davis will continue in her roles at Columbia University. She is also conducting a study to examine how timing affects the use of IUDs after medical abortion, and her research findings from a study about contraception in women with epilepsy were published in the June issue of Contraception.