Matthew A. Powell, MD, a noted gynecologic oncologist and researcher, has been named director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine.
Powell, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, succeeds David G. Mutch, MD, the Ira C. and Judith Gall Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, who served as director of the division for the past 20 years. Mutch will continue as vice chair of the department.
Powell’s appointment was announced by George Macones, MD, the Mitchell and Elaine Yanow Professor and head of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
“Dr. Powell is an outstanding scientist and educator and one of the finest gynecologic surgeons in the country,” Macones said. “I am confident that he will build on the tremendous division that Dr. Mutch has developed over the past 20 years.”
Director of the gynecologic oncology fellowship and a staff member at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Powell studies ovarian, uterine, cervical and other gynecologic cancers. He treats patients with precancers and gynecologic malignancies and has special expertise in minimally invasive cancer surgery and fertility-sparing surgery.
He is involved in clinical and molecular research in the field of gynecologic cancers and currently leads a national uterine sarcoma study. He also has more than 140 peer-reviewed publications.
“I am honored to be chosen as director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Washington University,” Powell said. “The quality of the faculty and trainees at the School of Medicine is simply outstanding, and the health care delivered at Barnes-Jewish Hospital is superb. I am looking forward to continuing the rich tradition of excellence in research, education and patient care that has established our medical center as national leaders.”
Powell joined the School of Medicine faculty as an instructor in 1999. He previously had served on the faculty at The Ohio State University.
He is a member of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology and a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Powell earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and biophysics from Washington State University in 1990 and his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in 1995. Following a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at The Ohio State University Hospitals and Clinics in 1999, Powell completed a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at Washington University School of Medicine in 2002.