EDUCATION:

  1. Doctor of Medicine: 1989-1993, University of Illinois College of Medicine

  2. Transitional Internship: 1993-1994, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan

  3. Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency: 1994-1998, Wayne State University

  4. Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship: 1998-2001, Wayne State University

Positions and employment

  1. 2001-2006    Assistant Professor, Dept. Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN), Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan

    2006-2007   Division of Fetal Imaging and Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM), Dept. of OB/GYN, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan

    2007-present   Associate Professor, Dept. of OB/GYN, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHSC), Houston, Texas

    2008-present   Director, Larry C. Gilstrap MD Center for Perinatal and Women’s Health Research, Dept. of OB/GYN, UTHSC, Houston, Texas

    2008-present   Vice Chair for Clinical Research, Dept. of OB/GYN, UTHSC, Houston, Texas

Other Experience and Professional Memberships


  1. 2001-2006   Director, Antenatal Testing, Dept. OB/GYN, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
    2001-2006  Medical Director of Informatics, Dept. of OB/GYN, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
    2001-2006   Human Investigation Committee, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
    2002-2006   HIPAA Privacy Officer, Dept. OB/GYN, University Women’s Care, Inc., Detroit, MI
    2006-2007   Human Investigation Committee, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI
    2007-present   Committee on Practice Bulletins-Obstetrics, ACOG
    2008-present   Focus Group Leader, Perinatal Medicine and Women’s Health, Engine of Innovation, CCTS, UTHSC, Houston, Texas
    2008-present   Data and Safety Monitoring Committee, CCTS, UTHSC, Houston, Texas
    2008-present   Internal Scientific Advisory Committee, CCTS, UTHSC, Houston, Texas

Current Grant Funding


  1. Principal Investigator, Maternal Fetal Medicine Unites Network, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 2006-2010. Clinical Investigator Award, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 2008-2010.

    Principal Investigator, UTHSC (Harris County Hospitals and Universities) National Children’s Study Center (Base award), National Children‘s Study, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 2008-2014.

    Principal Investigator, UTHSC (Harris County Hospitals and Universities) National Children‘s Study (option award), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 2009-2015.

PUBLICATIONS (selected):

Refereed Original Articles in Journals (selected)

 

Hallak M, Martinez-Poyer J, Kruger ML, Hassan S, Blackwell SC, and Sorokin Y: The effect of magnesium sulfate on fetal heart rate parameters: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 181(5 Pt 1):1122-7, Nov 1999.

Blackwell SC and Berry SM: Role of amniocentesis for the diagnosis of subclinical intra-amniotic infection in preterm premature rupture of the membranes. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 11(6):541-7, Review; Dec 1999.

Mari G, Deter RL, Carpenter RL, Rahman F, Zimmerman R, Moise KJ Jr, Dorman KF, Ludomirsky A, Gonzalez R, Gomez R, Oz U, Detti L, Copel JA, Bahado-Singh R, Berry S, Martinez-Poyer J, and Blackwell SC : Noninvasive diagnosis by Doppler ultrasonography of fetal anemia due to maternal red-cell alloimmunization. Collaborative Group for Doppler Assessment of the Blood Velocity in Anemic Fetuses. N Engl J Med 342(1):9-14, Jan 2000.

Blackwell SC , Refuerzo JS, Wolfe HM, Hassan SS, Berry SM, Sokol R, and Sorokin Y: The relationship between nucleated red blood cell counts and early onset neonatal seizures. Am J Obstet Gynecol 182(6):1452-7 , Jun 2000.

Hassan SS, Romero R, Berry SM, Dang K, Blackwell SC, Treadwell MC, and Wolfe HM: Patients with a sonographical cervical length < 15 mm have nearly a 50% risk of early spontaneous preterm delivery. Am J Obstet Gynecol 182(6):1458-67, Jun 2000.

Blackwell SC , Wolfe HM, Schimp V, Hassan SS, Berman S, Berry SM, and Sorokin Y: Influence of maternal-fetal medicine subspecialization on the frequency of trial of labor in term pregnancies with breech presentation. J Mat Fetal Med 9(4):229-32, Jul-Aug 2000.

Baumann P, Blackwell SC, Schild C, Berry SM, and Friedrich HJ: Mathematic modeling to predict abruptio placentae. Am J Obstet Gynecol 183(4):815-22, Oct 2000.

Blackwell SC , Hassan SS, Wolfe HW, Michaelson J, Berry SM, and Sorokin Y: Vaginal birth after cesarean in the diabetic gravida. J Repro Med 45(12):987-90, Dec 2000.

Blackwell SC , Hassan SS, Wolfe HM, Michaelson J, Berry SM, and Sorokin Y: Why are cesarean delivery rates so high in diabetic pregnancies? J Perinat Med 28(4):316-20, 2000.

Blackwell SC , Moldenhauer J, Redman M, Hassan SS, Wolfe HM, and Berry SM: Relationship between the sonographic pattern of intrauterine growth restriction and acid-base status at the time of cordocentesis. Arch Obstet Gynecol 264(4) :191-3, Jan 2001.

Sorokin Y, Blackwell S, Reinke T, Kazzi N, Berman S, and Bryant D: Demographic and intrapartum characteristics of term pregnancies with early-onset neonatal seizures. J Perinatol 21(2):90-2, Mar 2001.

Blackwell SC , Hallak M, Hassan SS, Berry SM, Russell E, and Sorokin Y: The effects of intrapartum magnesium sulfate therapy on fetal serum interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha at delivery: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 184(7):1320-3; discussion 1323-4, Jun 2001.

Hassan SS, Romero R, Maymon E, Berry SM, Blackwell SC, Treadwell MC, and Tomlinson M: Does cervical cerclage prevent preterm delivery in patients with a short cervix? Am J Obstet Gynecol 184(7):1325-9; discussion 1329-31, Jun 2001.

Blackwell SC , Moldenhauer J, Hassan SS, Redman ME, Refuerzo JS, Berry SM, and Sorokin Y: Meconium aspiration syndrome in term neonates with normal acid-base status at birth: Is it different? Am J Obstet Gynecol 184(7):1422-5; discussion 1425-6, Jun 2001.

Blackwell SC , Hallak M, Hotra JW, Hassan SS, Berry SM, and Sorokin Y: Effects of intra-amniotic meconium exposure on the fetal rat: Development of a pathogenic model. Fetal Diagn Ther 16(4):203-7, Jul-Aug 2001.

Blackwell SC , Carreno CA, Hassan SS, Moldenhauer J, Wolfe HM, Berry SM, Kruger M, and Sorokin Y: Meconium-staining and meconium aspiration syndrome: Is there seasonal variation? Fetal Diagn Ther 16(4):208-10, Jul-Aug 2001.

Gervasi MT, Chaiworapongsa T, Naccasha N, Blackwell S, Yoon BH, Maymon E, and Romero R: Phenotypic and metabolic characteristics of maternal monocytes and granulocytes in preterm labor with intact membranes. Am J Obstet Gynecol 185(5):1124-9, Nov 2001.

Blackwell SC , Sahai A, Hassan SS, Treadwell M, Tomlinson MW, Jones TB, and Sorokin Y: Effects of intrapartum zidovudine therapy on fetal heart rate parameters in women with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Fetal Diagn Ther 16(6):413-6, Nov-Dec 2001.

Refuerzo JS, Blackwell SC , Wolfe HM, Hassan SS, Sorokin Y, and Berry SM: Relationship between fetal pulmonary maturity assessment and neonatal outcome in premature rupture of the membranes at 32-34 weeks’ gestation. Am J Perinatol 18(8):451-8, Dec 2001.

Blackwell SC , Refuerzo JS, Hassan SS, Wolfe HM, Berry SM, and Sorokin Y: Nucleated red blood cell counts in term neonates with umbilical artery pH £ 7.00. Am J Perinatol 18(2):93-8, 2001.

Blackwell SC , Tomlinson M, Berman S, Hassan SS, Berry SM, Sorokin Y, Hallak M, and Cotton DB: The use of magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures in the preeclamptic gravida: A cost-effectiveness analysis. Prenat Neonat Med 6:310-7, 2001.

Blackwell SC , Wolfe HM, Redman ME, Hassan SS, Berry SM, Treadwell MC, Zador I, Carreno CA, and Sorokin Y: Relationship between meconium staining and amniotic fluid volume in term pregnancies. Fetal Diagn Ther 17(2):78-82, Mar-Apr 2002.

Blackwell SC , Redman ME, Tomlinson M, Berry SM, Sorokin Y, and Cotton DB: Severe pre-eclampsia remote from term: What to expect of expectant management. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 11(5):321-4, May 2002.

Chaiworapongsa T, Espinoza J, Yoshimatsu J, Kalache K, Edwin S, Blackwell S , Yoon BH, Tolosa JE, Silva M, Behnke E, Gomez R, and Romero R: Subclinical myocardial injury in small-for-gestational-age neonates. J Maternal-Fetal Neonat Med 11(6):385-90, Jun 2002.

Chaiworapongsa T, Romero R, Kim JC, Kim YM, Blackwell SC , Yoon BH, and Gomez R: Evidence for fetal involvement in the pathologic process of clinical chorioamnionitis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 186(6):1178-82, Jun 2002.

Refuerzo JS, Sokol RJ, Blackwell SC , Berry SM, Janisse JJ, and Sorokin Y: Cocaine use and preterm premature rupture of membranes: Improvement in neonatal outcome. Am J Obstet Gynecol 186(6):1150-4, Jun 2002.

Blackwell SC , Abundis MG, and Nehra PC: Five-year experience with midtrimester amniocentesis performed by a single group of obstetricians-gynecologists at a community hospital. Am J Obstet Gynecol 186(6):1130-2, Jun 2002.

Redman ME, Blackwell SC, Refuerzo JS, Kruger M, Naccasha N, Hassan SS, and Berry SM: The ninety-fifth percentile for growth discordance predicts complications of twin pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 187(3):667-71, Sep 2002.

Blackwell SC , Redman ME, Whitty JE, Refuerzo JS, Berry SM, Sorokin Y, Russell E, and Cotton DB: The effect of intrapartum magnesium sulfate therapy on fetal cardiac Troponin I levels at delivery. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 12(5):327-31, Nov 2002.

Blackwell SC , Redman ME, Tomlinson M, Landwehr JB Jr, Tuynman M, Gonik B, Sorokin Y, and Cotton DB: Labor induction for the preterm severe pre-eclamptic patient: Is it worth the effort? J Matern Fetal Med 10(5):305-11, Oct 2001. Ob/Gyn Surv 57:273-5, 2002.

Espinoza J, Chaiworapongsa T, Romero R, Edwin S, Rathnasabapathy C, Gomez R, Bujold E, Camacho N, Kim YM, Hassan S, Blackwell S, Whitty J, Berman S, Redman M, Yoon BH, and Sorokin Y: Antimicrobial peptides in amniotic fluid: Defensins, calprotectin and bacterial/permeability-increasing protein in patients with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, intra-amniotic inflammation, preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes. J Matern Fetal Neonat Med 13(1):2-21, Jan 2003.

Sokol RJ and Blackwell SC , American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee on Practice Bulletins-Gynecology: ACOG practice bulletin: Shoulder dystocia. Number 40, Nov 2002. (Replaces practice pattern number 7, Oct 1997). Int J Gynaecol Obstet 80(1):87-92, Jan 2003.

Blackwell SC , Romero R, Chaiworapongsa T, Kim YM, Bujold E, Espinoza J, Camacho N, Hassan S, Yoon BH, and Refuerzo JS: Maternal and fetal inflammatory responses in unexplained fetal death. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 14(3):151-7, Sep 2003.

Blackwell S , Romero R, Chaiworapongsa T, Refuerzo J, Gervasi MT, Yoshimatsu J, Espinoza J, Berman S, and Yoon BH: Unexplained fetal death is associated with changes in the adaptive limb of the maternal immune response consistent with prior antigenic exposure. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 14(4):241-6, Oct 2003.

Blackwell SC , Hassan SS, Berry SM, Treadwell MC, Zador I, and Wolfe HM: Abnormal amniotic fluid volume as a screening test prior to targeted ultrasound. Med Sci Monit 9(11):MT 119-22, Nov 2003.

Bujold E, Blackwell SC and Gauthier RJ:  Cervical ripening with transcervical foley catheter and the risk of uterine rupture.  Obstet Gynecol 103:18-23, 2004.

Bedoyan JK, Blackwell SC, Treadwell MC, Johnson A, and Klein MA:  Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Associated anomalies and antenatal diagnosis: Outcome-related variables at two Detroit hospitals.  Pediatr Surg Int 20:170-6, 2004.

Blackwell SC, Hallak M, Hotra J, Refuerzo J, Hassan S, Sokol R, and Sorokin Y:  Timing of fetal nucleated red blood cell count elevation in response to acute hypoxia.  Biol Neonate 85:217-20, 2004.  Ob/Gyn Surv 60:89-91, 2005.

Bujold E, Hammoud AO, Hendler I, Berman S, Blackwell SC, Duperron L, and Gauthier RJ:  Trial of labor in patients with a previous cesarean section: Does maternal age influence the outcome?  Am J Obstet Gynecol 190:1113-8, 2004.

Mehta S, Bujold E, Blackwell SC, Sorokin Y, and Sokol RJ:  Is abnormal labor associated with shoulder dystocia in nulliparous women?  Am J Obstet Gynecol 190:1604-9, 2004.

Hendler I, Blackwell SC, Treadwell MC, Bujold E, Sokol RJ, and Sorokin Y:  Does advanced ultrasound equipment improve the adequacy of ultrasound visualization of fetal cardiac structures in the obese gravid woman?  Am J Obstet Gynecol 190:1616-20, 2004.

Blackwell SC, Hallak M, Hotra JW, Refuerzo RS, Sokol RJ, and Sorokin Y:  Prolonged in utero meconium exposure impairs spatial learning in the adult rat.  Am J Obstet Gynecol 190:1551-5; discussion 1555-6, 2004.

Bujold E, Blackwell SC, Hendler I, Berman S, Sorokin Y, and Gauthier R:  Modified Bishop’s score and inductions of labor in patients with a previous ces

Hendler I, Blackwell SC, Bujold E, Treadwell MC, Wolfe HM, Sokol RJ, and Sorokin Y:  The impact of maternal obesity on mid-trimester sonographic visualization of fetal cardiac and craniospinal structures.  Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 28:1607-11, 2004.

Refuerzo J, Blackwell SC, Sokol R J, Lajeunesse L, Fichus K, Kruger M, and Sorokin Y:  Use of over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies in pregnancy.  Am J Perinat 22(6):321-4, 2005.

Mehta S, Blackwell SC, Hendler I, Bujold E, Sorokin Y, Ager J, Kraemer T, and Sokol RJ:  Accuracy of estimated fetal weight in shoulder dystocia and neonatal birth injury.   Am J Obstet Gynecol 192:1877-80, 2005.

Hendler I, Blackwell SC, Bujold E, Treadwell MC, Mittal P, Sokol RJ, and Sorokin Y:  Suboptimal second-trimester ultrasonographic visualization of the fetal heart in obese women: Should we repeat the examination?  J Ultrasound Med 24:1205-9, quiz 1210-1, 2005.

Hendler I, Blackwell SC, Mehta SH, Whitty JE, Russell E, Sorokin Y, and Cotton DB:  The levels of leptin, adiponectin, and resistin in normal weight, overweight, and obese pregnant women with and without preeclampsia.  Am J Obstet Gynecol 193:979-83, 2005.

Louis JM, Buhari MA, Blackwell SC, Refuerzo J, Allen D, Gonik B, and Jones TB:  Characteristics associated with suboptimal viral suppression at delivery in human immunodeficiency virus-1-infected pregnant women.  Am J Obstet Gynecol 193:1266-9, 2005.

Richani K, Romero R, Soto E, Espinoza J, Nien JK, Chaiworapongsa T, Refuerzo J, Blackwell S, Edwin SS, Santolaya-Forgas J, and Mazor M:  Unexplained intrauterine fetal death is accompanied by activation of complement.  J Perinat Med 33:296-305, 2005.

Fraser WD, Hofmeyr J, Lede R, Faron G, Alexander S, Goffinet F, Ohlsson A, Goulet C, Turcot-Lemay L, Prendiville W, Marcoux S, Laperriere L, Roy C, Petrou S, Xu HR, Wei B (Amnioinfusion Trial Group):  Amnioinfusion for the prevention of the meconium aspiration syndrome.  N Engl J Med 353:909-17, 2005.

Mehta SH, Blackwell SC, Bujold E, and Sokol RJ:  What factors are associated with neonatal injury following shoulder dystocia?  J Perinatol 26:85-8, 2006.

Kudish B, Blackwell SC, McNeeley G, Bujold E, Kruger M, Hendrix S, and Sokol R:  Operative vaginal delivery and midline episiotomy: A bad combination for the perineum.  Am J Obstet Gynecol 195:749-54, 2006.

Hammoud AO, Asaad R, Berman J, Treadwell MC, Blackwell S, and Diamond M:  Volume change of uterine myomas during pregnancy: Do myomas really grow?  J Minim Invasive Gynecol 13:386-90, 2006.

Mehta SH, Blackwell SC, Chadha R, Sokol RJ. Shoulder dystocia and the next delivery: outcomes and management. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2007;20:729-33.

Blackwell SC, Refuerzo J, Chadha R, and Samson J: Duration of labor induction in nulliparous women at term: How long is long enough? Am J Perinatol 25(4):205-9, Apr 2008.

Goldenberg R, Andrews W, Caritis S, Goepfert A, Ramsey PS, Rouse D, Sorokin Y, Mercer B, Thom E, Iams JD, Thorp J, Blackwell S, Leveno K, Peaceman A, Carpenter M, Wapner R, Spong C, Saade G, Davis L, Varner M, and VanDorsten JP (Steering Committee of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s (NICHD) Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network): Am J Obstet Gynecol 199(2):e14-5; Aug 2008.

Blackwell SC, Refuerzo J, Chadha R, Carreno C. Overestimation of Fetal Weight by Ultrasound: Does it Influence the Likelihood of Cesarean Delivery for Labor Arrest? Am J Obstet Gynecol In press.

Tita A, Rouse, DW, Blackwell SC, Saade GR, Spong CY, Andrews, WW. Evolving Concepts in Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Cesarean Delivery: A Systematic Review. Obstet Gynecol In press.

Chapters and Invited Reviews

Blackwell SC and Berry SM:  Role of amniocentesis for the diagnosis of subclinical intra amniotic infection in preterm premature rupture of the membranes.  Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology 11:541-7, 1999.

Blackwell SC and Sokol RJ:  Response to “Obstetrical options for myomectomy patients with and without cavity entrance”.  International Correspondence Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Collected Letters.  Vol 41:6-7, 2000.

Ghezzi F, Romero R, Maymon E, Redman M, Blackwell S, and Berry S:  Fetal blood sampling.  Sonography in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Principles and Practice –6th Edition. AC Fleischer, FA Manning, P Jeanty, R Romero – editors; McGraw-Hill Publishing Co., New York, New York; 2001, pp 775-804.

Blackwell SC and Sorokin Y:  Antenatal magnesium sulfate exposure and the risk of cerebral palsy in preterm neonates: An update.  Contemporary Therapy in Obstetrics and Gynecology.  SB Ransom, MP Dombrowski, MI Evans, KA Ginsburg – editors; W.B. Saunders; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 2002, pp 111-4.

Sokol RJ and Blackwell SC:  Shoulder dystocia.  American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Practice Bulletin No. 40.  Obstet Gynecol 100:1045-50, 2002.

Sorokin Y and Blackwell SC:  Fetal distress and intrapartum monitoring.  Fetal Echocardiography.  S Yagel, Simcha, N Silverman, U Gembruch – editors; Martin Dunitz; London; 2003, pp 553-60.

Sokol RJ and Blackwell SC:  Abnormal labor: Diagnosis and management.  Gynecology and Obstetrics Loose-leaf. Vol. 2, Chap. 73.  JJ Sciarra – editor; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Philadelphia; 2003, pp 1-15.

Blackwell SC and Sokol RJ:  Towards a perinatal electronic medical record for obstetrics.  Gynecology and Obstetrics Loose-leaf. Vol. 3, Chap. 2.  JJ Sciarra – editor; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Philadelphia; 2003, pp 1-5.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Update.  Shoulder Dystocia.  Editor-in-Chief, Sokol RJ.  Moderator: Blackwell SC.  Discussants: Berry SM and Gonik B.  Vol 24, June 2004.

Blackwell SC:  Pregnancy complicated by disease.  The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy.  Beers MH and Berlkow R – editors; John Wiley & Sons; 18th Edition.