UAB Synopsis, Vol. 28, No. 25, June 29, 2009

John C. Hauth, MD, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, announces the appointment of G. Wright Bates Jr, MD, as director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Cynthia K. Sites, MD, stepped down in March after 4 years as division director.

“As an Alabama native and alumni of UAB School of Medicine [SOM], my goal is to build on the outstanding tradition of the division by providing compassionate patient care as we work to achieve new heights of excellence in education and research,” Dr. Bates says.

Dr. Bates joined the UAB faculty in 2007 and became director of the IVF Program in October 2008. Previously he was director of IVF and gynecological surgery, Wilford Hall Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas.

After graduating from the School of Medicine at UAB, Dr. Bates completed his internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Tennessee and became a clinical fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Harvard Medical School’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology.

Dr. Bates served in the US Air Force as a member of the 78th Medical Group, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. He was Company Grade Officer of the Year in 1996 and was awarded the Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.

He served as vice chair, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Air Force Section, in 1999 and as chair the following year. He has remained active in ACOG, filling several leadership roles. Dr. Bates also is active in the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), serving as chair of the New Initiative Advisory Group (2008) and as a member of the Development Steering Committee (2009).

In 2007 Dr. Bates received a clinical research scientist/reproductive endocrinologist fellowship sponsored by ASRM/NIH. In 2008 he won a SOM Excellence in Teaching Award. He also has a University of Alabama Health Services Foundation General Endowment Fund grant for almost $200,000 for the Center for Fertility Preservation in Cancer Survivors.