Earlier this week, 45 women gathered to learn from esteemed physicians Dr. Sarah Berga and Dr. Gale Burstein.

Federation highlighted Dr. Burstein in May during Jewish American Heritage Month. This week, we are thrilled to cast the spotlight on Dr. Berga.

Dr. Sarah L. Berga, an internationally renowned doctor, is a tenured Professor and Chair for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. She is also President of UBMD Gynecologists and Obstetricians, and Medical Director of OBGYN and Women’s Health Program Development for Kaleida Health.

Dr. Berga earned her Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) with High Distinction as an Echols Scholar from the University of Virginia in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Hormones and Human Behavior.  She obtained her MD at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Then, following a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Harvard University, she completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology at the UCSD in California.

Dr. Berga’s leadership positions include President of Society for Gynecologic Investigation (now Society for Reproductive Investigation), Society of Humanism in Medicine, and the American Gynecologic Club; Member of the Board of Directors of Emory Healthcare, University of Pittsburgh Physicians, and American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

She has received many awards, including the SGI President’s Achievement Award (2000), the Berthold Medal of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Endokrinologie (2005), and the SRI (SGI) DeCherney Society Lifetime Distinguished Service Award (2020).  She currently serves on the Board of the International Society of Gynecologic Endocrinology and the Board of Trustees of Salem Academy and College, the first women’s college in America founded in 1772.

Her research interests include neuroendocrine mechanisms mediating stress-induced reproductive compromise and understanding the impact of sex hormones and stress on brain function using human and monkey models. Her NIH-funded multidisciplinary research team pioneered the use of cognitive behavior therapy for stress-induced anovulation. Dr. Berga’s clinical interests include hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, IVF, and hormonal management of perimenopause, menopause, and endometriosis, and gender-affirming hormone therapy.

Federation thanks Dr. Berga for sharing her intellect and expertise with our community!