Debbie Penava
UME Director
Associate Professor
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University
Biography
Debbie Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH is a graduate of Western University’s obstetrics and gynecology program, completing training in 1999 after graduating from medicine in 1994 and psychology in 1990. After passing the Royal College specialty examination, she attended Harvard University (1999-2000) and was awarded her Masters of Public Health.
Dr. Penava began her practice in 2000 as an Assistant Professor at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, sited originally at St. Joseph’s Health Care, and then transitioning to London Health Sciences Centre with the new co-localized department in June 2011.
Her clinical practice is focused on normal obstetrical care, including prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum care. She shares care in the My Clinic (a specialized clinic for pregnant women with elevated BMI) with Dr. deVrijer and many other professionals. Her gynecology practice includes all aspects of care, with a focus on pelvic pain, contraception and transgender health.
Dr. Penava has received many awards for her teaching of students over the years and continues to involve trainees at all levels in her practice.
Research
Dr. Penava is an Associate Scientist in the Maternal Fetal Medicine Group at Children’s Health Research Institute and has served as a reviewer for many CIHR grants over the years. She works to engage and mentor residents in research methodology and training. She is a co-investigator with the Collaborative Obesity in Pregnancy Research Group, which if funded by the CIHR.
