Dr. Kellie Murphy Appointed Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Toronto

“I am honoured and excited to step into this role and embark on the next chapter of my career,” said Dr. Kellie Murphy. “We have an extremely talented department and it is a privilege to work with everyone.  In this post-pandemic landscape, I look forward to enthusiastic collaborations and to bringing us all back to our best.”

Dr. Murphy previously was head of Clinical Research in the Frances Bloomberg Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Mount Sinai Hospital, and is a Clinician Scientist at Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute. She is a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and holds a joint appointment the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation.

Recognized for her clinical trial expertise and commitment to education and mentorship, Dr. Murphy has received various notable accolades, such as the Mary Hannah Award for Distinguished Research in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellows Teaching Award. Her areas of expertise include infectious diseases in pregnancy, prematurity and perinatal epidemiology.

During her career, which spans more than two decades, she has successfully led and participated in numerous practice-changing clinical trials – including the ongoing, internationally recognized SNACS (Single Dose of Antenatal Corticosteroids) Study. For more than fifty years, pregnant individuals deemed to be at risk for preterm birth have been prescribed a double dose of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) to improve survival outcomes and decrease the likelihood of illness in babies. This eight year clinical trial – a partnership between the University of Toronto and McMaster University – builds upon a previous randomized controlled trial led by Dr. Murphy in 2008. The study aims to challenge the status quo, investigating the effectiveness of a single dose of ACS and its potential for reducing the unintended consequences to babies of a double dose.

As Dr. Murphy transitions into her new role, she will continue on the successful trajectory she has had thus far, which includes expanding the breadth of groundbreaking research initiatives aimed at re-shaping best practices in obstetrical care.

In her role, Dr. Murphy will build upon the accomplishments of the previous Chair, Dr. John Kingdom. We thank Dr. John Kingdom, for his previous successful 10 years of leadership.