Maternal Fetal Medicine | Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology | School of Medicine

Members of the Division:

Laura Gaudet, MSc, MD, Associate Professor, Division Chair
Jonathan Ausman, MSc, MD, Assistant Professor
Graeme N. Smith, MD, PhD, Professor

Current Graduate Students:

Leah Stanley, MSc Candidate (Translational Medicine)

Graduate Students Completing Degrees:

Logan Barr, PhD (2024)
Jennifer Armstrong, MSc (2022)
Aida Zaza, MSc (2020)
Megan Dickson MSc (2019)
Chioma Odozor, MSc (2018)
Karalyn McRae, PhD (2018)
Janelle Zhan, MSc (2016)
Malia Murphy, PhD (2015)
Carolina Venditti, PhD (2014)
Karalyn McRae, MSc (2013)
Victoria Sattarova, MSc (2013)
Jessica Stortz, MSc (2012)
Andrea Axente MSc (2010)
Tracey Weissgerber PhD (2009)
Lindsay Patrick, PhD (2008)
Michelle Dickenson, MSc (2008)
Shannon Bainbridge, PhD (2006)
Erica Harnett, MS. (2006)
Mark Bustard, PhD (2005)
Lindsay Patrick, MSc (2003)

Areas of Research Focus:

Pregnancy Outcomes and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Diabetes
Prenatal diagnosis
Pregnancy and exercise
Intrapartum fetal asphyxia
Prediction of preterm labour
Chorioamnionitis and fetal brain injury
Tocolysis (treatment of preterm labour)

Grants and Awards:

2017-2021	Joseph, K. S., GN Smith, et al. A systems approach for enhancing perinatal care regionalization. CIHR Team Grant: Perinatal Healthcare System Improvement. $1,000,000.
2017-2018	G.N.Smith, Nakatsu, K., Ozolins, T. Development of therapeutics for prevention and treatment of pre-eclampsia: One of the leading causes of preterm birth in Canada. CIHR Catalyst Grant: Catalyzing Innovation in Preterm Birth Research. $198,942
2017	G.N.Smith, A.Johri. Reproductive Sciences Vascular Studies Lab. CFI JELF Award. $160,000
2016-2023	S.W.Wen, M.Walker, GN Smith, L Gaudet, D El-Chaar, W Fraser, T Lacaze, L Zwaigenbaum, E Asztalos. An epidemiologic research program to improve maternal and child health. CIHR Foundation Scheme Grant:. $9,876,973.00
2016-2021	L Gaudet, M Velez, GN Smith, M Walker. OaK 2016-2021: Investigating Contemporary Topics in OB/MFM. CIHR, $750,000
2015-2019	G. Mbaruku, K. Yeates, G.N.Smith, Anna Nswilla. An mHealth strategy to reduce preeclampsia-eclampsia and maternal and infant death in Tanzania. Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa, International Research Development Centre. $1,000,000
2015-2017	C. Nowik, G.N.Smith. Maternal cardiovascular health: understanding perceptions of risk and improving post-partum follow-up. PSI Foundation. $14,000
2015	Mottola M, Davenport M, Duggan M, Ruchat S, Adamo K, Davies G. Evidence-based Update to the Canadian Clinical Practice Guidelines for Exercise During Pregnancy: Optimizing Maternal/Fetal Health. CIHR Knowledge Synthesis Grant. $100,000
2014-2016	S.Dunn, M.Walker, E. Darling, Z. El-Khatib, D. Fell,I. Graham, J. Grimshaw, J. Harrold, W. Peterson, G. Smith, A. Sprague,M. Taljaard. Understanding Factors Related to Evidence-Informed Practice: Attributes, Contextual Factors and Barriers to Use of the Maternal Newborn Dashboard in Ontario. MOHLTC - HSRF Capacity Research Award, $730,447 x3yr
2014-2016	S.Dunn, M.Walker, E. Darling, Z. El-Khatib, D. Fell,I. Graham, J. Grimshaw, J. Harrold, W. Peterson, G. Smith, A. Sprague,M. Taljaard. Understanding Factors Related to Evidence-Informed Practice: Attributes, Contextual Factors and Barriers to Use of the Maternal Newborn Dashboard in Ontario. CIHR, $112,000 x2.5yr
2014	A.Toprak, D.Jalink, M.Harrison, G.N.Smith. Surgical Procedure EPA Feedback Rubrics. Queen’s University FHS Special Purpose Grant, $10,000
2013-2017	Smith, G.N., C.Tayade, D.Redfearn, Vasculoendothelial health following a pre-eclamptic pregnancy. CIHR. $430,000
2013-2015	KA Nerenberg, G.N.Smith et al. The Ottawa Hospital Postpartum Vascular Risk Reduction Clinic. University of Ottawa Department of Medicine Priority Research Award. $111,323
2013	G.N.Smith. The Health Improvement after Pregnancy (HIP) Program. Shopper’s Drug Mart Women’s Health Grant, 2013, $20,000
2013	G.N.Smith. Pregnancy Complications Identify Women at Risk for Developing Cardiovascular Disease. CIHR Planning Grant, 2013. $25,000
2013	Davies GAL, Armour C, Crocker S, Feilotter H, Anger G, Walia J, Nuin P, Hull D, Mackenzie J, Smith G. Comprehensive, non-invasive prenatal genetic testing via maternal blood: A proof-of-concept study. SEAMO Innovation Fund. $90,000
2012-2014	Smith, G.N., M.Walker, R. Pal, A. Sprague. The Development, Implementation and Evaluation of a Postpartum Maternal Profile on Discharge Report. AHSC AFP Innovation Fund. $86,956
2012-2014	Armour, C., Davies,G.A.L., G.N. Smith. Noninvasive Detection of Fetal Aneuploidy via Maternal Blood: A Pilot Study. AHSC AFP Innovation Fund, $76,804
2012-2014	Sprague, Ann., M.C.Walker, G.N.Smith, S.W.Wen. Infant outcomes in the first year of life associated with maternal H1N1 vaccination, CIHR - Population and Public Health. $91,234
2012	Smith, G.N., S. Pang. Natiruretic peptides and the fetal programming of salt-sensitive hypertension. Garfield Kelly Cardiovascular Research and Development Fund, $6,000.
2012	Armour C, Crocker S, Feilotter H, Nuin P, Hull D, Mackenzie J, Davies G, Smith G. Noninvasive detection of fetal aneuploidy via maternal blood: a pilot study. SEAMO Innovation Fund. $88,280
2011-2016	Retnakaran, R., Smith, G.N., et al. A Pre-conception Cohort to Study Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Pre-gravid Determinants, Early Pregnancy Bio-markers, and Postpartum Cardio-metabolic Risk Factor Profile. CIHR, $804,195
2011-2014	Joseph, K. S., Smith, G.N., et al. Preventing Severe Maternal Morbidity. CIHR Emerging Team Grant - Maternal Health: From Pre-conception to the Empty Nest. $900,000
2011-2013	Dy, J., Smith, G.N., et al. High Dose Versus Low Dose Oxytocin for Labour Augmentation, A Pilot Study. PSI, $154,000
2011	Wen, S.W., Smith, G.N., et al. The development of a collaborative research program in the study of gestational diabetes mellitus. CIHR Meeting Planning & Dissemination Grant: Reproductive and Child Health, $9,323
2010-2014	Wen, S.W., Smith, G.N., et al. Effect of Folic Acid Supplementation in pregnancy on preeclampsia. CIHR RCT. $12,408,932.
2010-2012	Smith, G.N., M.Walker, D.Redfearn, Keely, E. The Development, Implementation and Evaluation of a Cardiovascular Risk Screening Program for Women Postpartum. AHSC AFP Innovation Fund. $124,990
2010	Sprague, Ann., Smith, G.N., et al. The Implications of H1N1 on Pregnant Women & Newborns. CIHR - Health Systems Research on H1N1. $94,032
2010	Smith, G.N., M. Hird, S. MacDonald, M. Walker. Improving Long-Term Maternal Health. CIHR Café Scientifique Program, $3,000.
2010	Smith, G.N., B.A. Croy. Definition of Linkages Between Lymphocyte-based RAS, Gestational Hypertension and the Prenatal Origins of Cardiovascular Disease. Queen’s University and Kingston General Hospital Research Funds, $20,000
2010	Smith, G.N., D.Redfearn, C.Simpson, M.Walker, S.W.Wen. The Development of Pre-Eclampsia Provides a Window of Opportunity for Early Cardiovascular Risk Screening and Intervention. CIHR, $100,000
2010	Smith, G.N., et al. Pregnancy complications identify women at risk for developing cardiovascular disease. CIHR Meeting, Planning and Dissemination Grant. $10,000
2009-2011	Smith, G.N., Effect of Carbon Monoxide (CO) on Placental Function and Development. PSI. $ 168,233
2009	Smith, G.N., D.Redfearn, C.Simpson, M.Walker, S.W.Wen. The Development of Pre-Eclampsia should lead to early cardiovascular risk screening. CIHR. $100.000
2008-2013	Croy, A., G.N.Smith, M. Adams. Evaluation of Natural Killer Cell Contributions to the Known Elevated Risk For Pre-eclampsia in Diabetic Pregnancy. CIHR. $775,000.
2008-2013	Wen, S.W., S.Davidge, T.Hongzhuan, G.N.Smith, J.Trasler, M.Walker, Q.Yang. A pre-conception cohort to study preeclampsia: etiology, early biomarkers, and cardiovascular risk after childbirth. CIHR. $972,140.
2008-2010	Chen, X., S.W.Wen, G.N.Smith, M.Walker. Beta-blockers uses for chronic hypertension and gestational hypertension and adverse perinatal outcomes. CIHR. $100,000.
2008-2009	Hird, M.J., M.Walker, G.N.Smith. SSHRC Presidential Fund Initiative: Capturing the Outcomes and Impacts of Publicly Funded Research. SSHRC. $24,963.
2007-2012	Von Dadelszen, P., Y.C.MacNab, L.Magee, G.N.Smith, A.Gruslin, J.M.Moutquin, K.Walley, S.Lee, J.Russel, J.M.Ansermino, M.J.Doublas, A.Ouellet. PIERS (Preeclampsia integrated estimate of risk for mothers) validation across conditions and clinical settings. CIHR. $300,000.
2007-2011	Fraser, W., M.Walker, G.N.Smith, et. al. Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC). $4 million.
2007-2010	Wen S-W, Walker M, Smith GN, Rodger M. Folic acid supplementation in early second trimester and the risk of pre-eclampsia. Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR). $182,437
2007-2009	Smith, G.N. Carbon monoxide (CO) levels in pregnancy and the impact on fetal outcome. PSI Foundation. $168,434.
2007-2009	MacDonald, S., M.Hird, G.N.Smith. The Ethics of Contacting Patients in 21st Century Health Research: Translating Ontario’s PHIPA Provisions into Ethical Practice. PSI Foundation, $97,500.
2006	Kisilevsky B.S., Hepper P., Davies G.A.L., & Smith G.N. Environmental influences on fetal auditory processing: Laying the foundation for language. CIHR International Opportunities Development/Planning Grant - development. $25,000.00
2006	Kisilevsky B.S. & Davies G.A.L. Early detection of auditory processing deficits affecting language development. March of Dimes Foundation. $240,723.00 USD
2005-2010	Fraser W, Walker M, Smith GN, et. al. Maternal-Infant Research on oxidative stress. INTAPP. $1,700,000
2005-2009	Liston RM, Magee LA, Smith GN et. al. Birth under 29 weeks: Improving outcomes for mothers and babies. Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR). $643,000
2005-2008	Croy A, Smith GN, Childs T. Evaluation of natural killer cell contributions to the known elevated risk for pre-eclampsia in diabetic pregnancy. Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR). $330,621
2005-2008	Rodgers M, Walker M, Keating S, Yang Q, Kingdom J, Wen SW, Smith GN. TAPP: Thrombophilia and placental pathology. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. $180,000
2005-2008	Wen SW, Walker M, Krewski D, Yang Q, Smith GN. Environmental carbon monoxide (CO) level and the risk of pre-eclampsia (PE). Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. $107,000
2005-2007	Smith GN, Walker M. Diagnosing the development of subclinical chorioamnionitis in women with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM). Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) Foundation. $167,436
2005-2007	Walker M, Yang Q, Wen S-W, Bulman D, Little J, Smith GN. Genomics: A novel screening test for susceptibility to pre-eclampsia. Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) Foundation. $175,000
2005-2006	Medves J, Smith GN, Sprague A, Mitchell A. What factors influence rural womens' choices: Giving birth in rural Alberta and Ontario. Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR). $66,862
2004-2006	Kim, P., G.Ryan, G.N.Smith, et al.. Fetal Alert Network. Ministry of Health (Ontario Gov’t), $2,212,980.
2004-2006	Smith, G.N. Synergistic Effect of Hypoxia and Chorioamnionitis on Fetal Brain Injury. Ontario Federation of Cerebral Palsy (OFCP). $50,661.
2004-2006	Von Dadelszen P, Magee L, Douglas M, Gruslin A, Lee S, Moutquin J, Russell J, Smith GN, Walley K. PIERS (Pre-eclampsia Integrated Estimate of Risk) model: Predicting adverse maternal outcomes in pre-eclampsia. Canadian Institute for Health Research. (CIHR) $314,890
2004	Smith, G.N. 28th Annual Perinatal Investigators Meeting. IHDCYH-CIHR, $5000.
2004	Wolfe, L.A., Davies, G.A.L. Effects of Menopause on Acid-Base Regulation and Respiratory Chemosensitivity. Ontario Thoracic Society. $29,335.00
2004	Wolfe, L.A., Davies, G.A.L. Effects of Menopause on Acid-Base Regulation and Respiratory Chemosensitivity. Ontario Thoracic Society (Block Term Grant Funding). $8,000
2003	Wolfe LA, Davies GAL. Effects of prenatal exercise and preeclapmsia on indices of vascular endothelial function: A pilot study. Kingston General Hospital: Garfield Kelly Cardiovascular Research and Development Fund. $5,000
2003	Davies GAL, Wolfe LA. Value of prenatal exercise to prevent preeclampsia.Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $58,000
2003	Smith GN, O'Neill JP, Tessier JL, Johnston SL, Jamieson MA. The development of web-compatible educational material in Obstetrics and Gynecology. CTAQ. $6,000 - 1 year term
2003	Smith GN, Graham C, Walker M, Wen S-W, MacDonald S, Kisilevsky B. Pre-eclampsia: maternal and fetal outcomes and innovative therapies. Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) New Emerging Team Competition. $1,750,000 - 5 year term
2003	Fraser W, Smith GN et al. Bi-National trial of antioxidant prophylaxis in pregnancy (BINTAPP). Canadian Institute for Health Research. (CIHR) $4,900.000 - 5 years
2003	Gaudet L, Patrick L, Flavin M, Islam O, Smith GN. Is preterm premature rupture of the membranes with/without chorioamnionitis associated with neonatal brain diffusion MRI findings? Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $19,5000
2003	Macrae AR, Chitayat D, Chodirker B, Davies G, Holowaty P, Knight G, Lockner C, Mackenzie J, Palomaki G, Toi A, Van Caeseele P. The SAFER study: Second and first trimester evaluation of risk of fetal trisomies. Canadian Institute for Health Research. (CIHR) $640,000
2003	Nakatsu K, Brien JF, Smith GN, Szarek WA. Regulation of vascular function by heme oxygenase and carbon monoxide. Canadian Institute for Health Research. (CIHR) $628,866 - 2 year term
2003	Roggensack A, Smith GN, Davidge S. Endothelial apoptosis and peroxynitrite formation in the maternal vasculature of women with preeclampsia. Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $20,000 - 1 year term
2003	Smith GN. Maternal and placental involvement in the chorioamnionitis inflammatory response. Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $166,286 - 2 year term
2002	Harvey M-A, Johnston SL, Davies GAL. Relationship between relaxin level in second trimester and prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse following childbirth. Physician Services Inc. (PSI) $20,000 - 6 month term
2002	Smith GN, Robinson L, Comette M, Graham T. The effect of caffeine on screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Canadian Foundation for Women's Health. $16,000 - 1 year term
2002	Smith GN. Chorioamnionitis and fetal brain injury. Premiers Research Excellence Award. (PREA)$100,000 - 5 year term
2002	Wolfe, LA, O'Donnell DE, Davies GAL. Respiratory limitation to exercise tolerance in late gestation: Fact or fiction? Ontario Thoracic Society. $28,445
2002	Wolfe LA, O'Donnell DE, Davies GAL. Respiratory limitation to exercise tolerance in late gestation: Fact or fiction? William M. Spear Endowment Fund for Pulmonary Research at Queen's University. $8,000
2001	Stulberg RA, Johnston SL, Chamberlain SM, Sauerbrei E, Smith GN. Endoanal sonography at delivery to diagnose occult anal sphincter injury. Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $19,500 - 1 year term
2001	Holden J, Smith GN et al. Unravelling the mystery of autism: From genotyping and phenotyping to prospective identification and prevention. IHRT Canadian Institute for Health Research. (CIHR) $4,180,410 - 5 year term
2001	Rodgers M, Walker MC, Smith GN et al. The TIPPS Trial: Treatment in problematic pregnancies with low molecular weight heparin. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. $401,719 - 2 year term
2001	Smith GN. Chorioamnionitis and fetal brain injury. Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI)Foundation. $128,500 - 2 year term
2001	Smith GN. The Canadian preterm labour nitroglycerin trial. Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) New Investigators Award. $250,000 - 5 year term
2000	Smith GN. Guinea pig chorioamnionitis model and cerebral palsy. Ontario Foundation for Cerebral Palsy. $29,900
1999	Smith GN. The pharmacokinetics of nitroglycerin in human pregnancy. Kingston General Hospital Equipment Grant. $10,000
1999	Smith GN. The pharmacokinetics of nitroglycerin in human pregnancy. Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $65,140 - 2 year term
1999	Fisher S, Davies GAL. Oral vs. vaginal misoprostol for the induction of labour at term.Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $11,000
1999	Ferguson S, Smith GN, Windrim R, Walker MC. The association of fetal and maternal hyperhomocysteinemia with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM).Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $11,000.00
1999	Davies GAL. Cervical length and relaxin in the prediction of preterm birth. Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $89,000
1999	Davies GAL, Duncan A. Interphase FISH. Its application to late gestation diagnosis of autosomal aneuploidy. Queen's University Dept. of Pathology Clinical Trust. $8,000
1999	Davies GAL, Harrison K. FISH for prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidy. Kingston General Hospital Clinical Grant Fund. $8,500
1999	Nakatsu K, Brien JF, Marks GS, Smith GN. Effects of nitrovasodilators, NO and CO on blood vessel function. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. $590,288 - 5 year term
1999	Smith GN. The pharmacokinetics of nitroglycerin in preterm labouring sheep. Canadian Foundation of Women's Health. $10,000 - 1 year term
1999	Smith GN. The Queen's University Perinatal Research Centre. Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund. (ORDCF) $600,000
1999	Walker MC, Smith GN, Kingdom JC, Sermer M, Donnelly J, Ash K, Wells P. Venous thromboembolism in pregnancy: Thrombophilia prevalence and obstetrical outcomes.Physicians' Services Inc. (PSI) $70,302.00 - 1 year term
1999	Windrim R, Smith GN, O'Brien K, Walker MC, Barrett J. The use of nitroglycerin to stop preterm labour: a randomized double-blind multi-centre trial. Physicians' Services Inc.(PSI) $92,000 - 2 year term
1999	Wolfe LA, Davies GAL. Early human pregnancy, A new model for the study of chemical control of ventilation. Ontario Thoracic Society. $24,300

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