VERONICA GILLISPIE-BELL, MD, MAS, FACOG

The CHAMPS National Virtual Breastfeeding Conference is coming up on September 17! Over the next few weeks, we’re celebrating the knowledgeable and passionate speakers as our CHAMPions of the Week.

Today’s CHAMPion Speaker is Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, a Board-Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Associate Professor for Ochsner Health in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Gillispie-Bell is a leader in women’s health, serving as the Senior Site Lead and Section Head of Women’s Services at Ochsner Kenner and as the Director of Quality for Women’s Services across the Ochsner Health System. She is also the Medical Director of the Minimally Invasive Center for the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids.

Dr. Gillispie-Bell’s distinguished career began with earning her medical degree from Meharry Medical College and completing her residency training at Ochsner Health System. She furthered her expertise with a Master of Applied Science in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a certification in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. Clinically, she is renowned for her proficiency in advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures, particularly in the management of heavy menstrual bleeding due to fibroids.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Gillispie-Bell is deeply committed to improving maternal health outcomes. As the Medical Director of the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative and Pregnancy Associated Mortality Review for the Louisiana Department of Health, she spearheads initiatives aimed at enhancing birth outcomes for all birthing persons in Louisiana and addressing the Black-White disparity gap in maternal health. Her dedication to this cause has led her to testify before Congress, lead Congressional briefings, and speak at The White House Maternal Health Day of Action.

Dr. Gillispie-Bell’s influence extends to numerous local and national leadership roles, earning her recognition and accolades for her contributions to clinical care, academia, and community service. Her insights have been featured in prominent publications such as USA Today and the New York Times. Additionally, she has shared her expertise on platforms including Essence Festival, Good Morning America, CNBC, Scripps News, and the 1619 Project Docuseries.

We are honored to have Dr. Gillispie-Bell join us with her insight on advancing maternal health equity, improving birth outcomes, and addressing disparities in maternal care. Don’t miss her session ‘The Psychology of Change’ at the CHAMPS National conference in September!

Are you a CHAMPS National hospital or community partner? Register today to attend this and other transformative sessions by Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, Dr. Michelle Owens, Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE), and other esteemed leaders in maternal-child health!