Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health Honors Philip Darney, MD, MSc, for His Commitment to Women’s Health

New York, NY—Philip Dempsey Darney, MD, MSc’s, research in obstetrics and gynecology has expanded access to contraception for women around the world. In recognition of his accomplishments, Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health (PRCH) will present Dr. Darney with the 2009 Kenneth J. Ryan, MD, Physician Leadership Award. The award’s namesake, Dr. Kenneth Ryan, was a founding member of PRCH who was instrumental in developing dedicated programs for obstetrics and gynecology, as well as broadening basic research in the field. This award is given each year to a doctor whose career-wide efforts have resulted in substantial improvements to reproductive healthcare.

“I can think of no one with greater accomplishments in the teaching of our discipline,” says Dr. Darney’s colleague, Phillip G. Stubblefield, MD. “Philip Darney’s research has led to a steady stream of cutting-edge publications on fertility control.”

Dr. Darney’s research focuses on contraceptive development, maternal mortality reduction, sexually transmitted diseases, and prevention of HIV/AIDS, especially in areas that lack adequate reproductive health services. A professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Dr. Darney created the country’s first fellowship in family planning, which trains physicians in contraception and abortion. Family planning fellowships have since spread to 18 additional universities throughout the country. Dr. Darney is also codirector of the UCSF Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, which he founded in 1999.

Dr. Darney will receive the award during a luncheon at the 57th Annual Clinical Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on May 5 in Chicago. Renowned researcher David Grimes, MD, will give the keynote speech, “Politics, Power, and Procreation: How Federal Policies are Undermining Women’s Reproductive Healthcare.” PRCH board chair-elect Douglas Laube, MD, MEd, will present the award.