Dr. Stan Williams appointed chairman of obstetrics and gynecology

Dr. R. Stan Williams has been appointed chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Florida College of Medicine after a national search, according to an announcement in December by Dr. Michael L. Good, interim dean.

Dr. R. Stan Williams

Dr. R. Stan Williams

“Dr. Williams has a unique and ambitious vision for the department and plans to expand the faculty in the areas of oncology, maternal-fetal medicine, robotics and urogynecology, as well as increase collaborations throughout the College of Medicine,” Good said. “He will work to establish the department as the best in oncology as well as in basic science research, and develop fertility preservation options for reproductive-age oncology patients.”

Williams currently serves as the Harry Prystowsky professor of reproductive medicine and the department’s division chief of reproductive endocrinology and infertility.He holds an affiliate appointment in the department of pediatrics.

“I am delighted to be offered this opportunity,” Williams said. “I have a vision for what the department will become and I think the dean and Shands at UF hospital have given us resources to help us get there. We need to expand the faculty, reestablish ourselves as No. 1 in oncology and basic science, and build collaborations with others in the College of Medicine.”

Williams plans to recruit two more gynecological oncologists, two maternal-fetal medical specialist, a urogynecologist and a robotics specialist, in addition to other faculty hires. He began as chairman on Dec. 15 after serving as interim chairman of obstetrics and gynecology since July 2007. He replaced former chairman Dr. I. Keith Stone.

Since joining the University of Florida College of Medicine faculty in 1988, Williams has been active in improving infertility services for infertile couples in Florida and the southeastern United States, including the development of an IVF program with one of the first successful preimplantation genetic diagnosis programs in the nation.

He also helped establish the Park Avenue Women’s Center and subsequently the Women’s Health at Magnolia Parke clinic for the OB/GYN faculty practice. In addition to providing clinical services, he is involved in basic and clinical research for hormonal actions and prevention of postoperative scar tissue. He has published more than 75 peer-reviewed articles, 85 abstracts and been awarded over $14 million in grant funding since joining the faculty.

Williams attended undergraduate and medical school at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and obtained residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Following residency, he served in the Air Force for three years, practicing OB/GYN at Chanute AFB, Ill. He obtained the rank of major and became the chief of ob/gyn. Williams left the Air Force to receive subspecialty fellowship training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the University of Louisville.

Board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and reproductive endocrinology and infertility, Williams is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is an active member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, among numerous other medical societies. He was the founding president of the Florida Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and has recently been elected president of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, the primary organization of professionals in the world dedicated to the practice of assisted reproductive technologies.