Dr. Catherine Y. Spong Named NICHD Associate Director for Extramural Research, Effective September 9th

After a rigorous, national search that attracted an impressive number of truly outstanding candidates, Catherine Y. Spong, M.D. has been selected for the newly created position of NICHD Associate Director for Extramural Research, effective September 9th. She will also become Director of the Division of Extramural Research, NICHD upon final formal approval of the Institute's reorganization proposal, which is anticipated to be later this month.

Dr. Spong has served for over a decade as Chief of the Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch, NICHD, and has had a consistent history of exemplary leadership, accomplishment, and recognition throughout her career. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Missouri - Kansas City in 1991. After serving as Chief Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Dr. Spong began her career at the NICHD with a Fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, including clinical work at Georgetown University, and then became a Clinical Associate and subsequently, Senior Staff Fellow. In 2001, she was selected to lead NICHD's Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch, simultaneously maintaining a productive intramural research laboratory as Chief of the Unit on Perinatal and Developmental Neurobiology. Dr. Spong's career spans over 20 years of outstanding medical and clinical research accomplishments and contributions, and she is a recognized national and international expert in the field of maternal and fetal medicine and obstetrics and gynecology. She is a prolific author of important scientific publications and textbooks, serves as an editor of leading scientific journals in the field, and has represented the NICHD in a number of public and professional forums.

Dr. Spong has received numerous awards and recognition for outstanding performance in her career, both from the NIH and from outside sources. She has a deep understanding of the mission and operations of the NIH and of its role in supporting high quality research in the academic community through grant, contract, and training mechanisms.

Dr. Spong is a truly rare physician-scientist who has made seminal contributions both to our scientific understanding and to the health and well-being of literally countless individuals around the globe. She has the combination of knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities that are of particular value to NICHD as we move forward to redefine and strengthen our research mission. The diversity and success of Dr. Spong's experience demonstrates that she can apply her skills and experience to new areas, disciplines, and populations.

Dr. Spong brings to the new positions of NICHD Associate Director for Extramural Research and Director of the Division of Extramural Research her keen intellect, an impressive professional background, demonstrated leadership skills, and an ability to think broadly and deeply about science and medicine, all of which will make her a superb leader for NICHD's extramural research programs.