URMC Perinatal Project ECHO
The University of Rochester Medical Center’s Project ECHO model connects community clinicians with interdisciplinary maternal-fetal medicine and perinatal experts through virtual, case-based learning and collaborative education. Built on the “all teach, all learn” philosophy, Perinatal Project ECHO aims to improve pregnancy and postpartum outcomes by increasing access to evidence-based perinatal care education for providers across urban, rural, and underserved communities.
Perinatal Project ECHO provides a supportive learning environment for obstetric providers, family medicine clinicians, midwives, nurses, sonographers, social workers, trainees, and other members of the perinatal care team. Sessions are designed to strengthen clinician confidence, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and expand access to specialty expertise without requiring patients to travel long distances for care.
Program Goals
Participants in the Perinatal Project ECHO will:
- Increase knowledge and confidence in managing complex obstetric and postpartum conditions
- Improve identification and management of high-risk pregnancies
- Expand access to evidence-based perinatal care in community settings
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration across obstetric, pediatric, behavioral health, and primary care teams
- Reduce disparities in maternal and neonatal outcomes
- Enhance patient-centered and trauma-informed care practices
Structure and Schedule
Sessions are offered virtually through a secure videoconferencing platform. We have two cohorts running concurrently. Here is our current line-up for lectures for 2026.
2026 Cohort A: Thursdays at Noon
February 12 – Vasa Previa
March 12 – Respiratory Disease in pregnancy
April 9 – Preeclampsia and Future Cardiovascular Health
May 7 – GLP-1 and Pregnancy
June 11 – Nutrition in Pregnancy
July 9 – Fetal Therapy and Ultrasound
2026 Cohort B: Tuesdays at Noon
February 24 – Headaches in pregnancy – Throbbing or threatening?
March 24 – Midwifery and an Evidence-Based approach to Vaginal birth
April 21 – Structures, Strategy and Science: Charting path of breastfeeding medicine
May 19 – Placenta Accreta
June 23 – A Minute That Matters: The Science of Delayed Cord Clamping
July 21 – Perinatal Opioid Use
2027 Cohort A: Thursdays at Noon
February 11
March 11
April 8
May 13
June 10
July 8
2027 Cohort B: Tuesdays at Noon
February 23
March 23
April 27
May 25
June 22
July 27
Typical session structure:
- Welcome and announcements
- Case presentation (5-10 min) – feel free to bring your cases to us!
- Didactics and discussion (30–40 minutes)
- Questions and wrap-up
Participants are encouraged to attend regularly but may join individual sessions based on interest and availability
Links
If you would like to be invited to be a speaker, or have a topic idea for future sessions, fill out this survey.
Continuing Education
Continuing education credits are available.
Contact Information
For more information about Perinatal Project ECHO, including registration, presenting cases, or partnership opportunities, please contact:
Program Director
- Charlotte Orzolek, MD (charlotte_orzolek@urmc.rochester.edu)
Project Coordinator
- Meghan Ingerick (meghan_ingerick@urmc.rochester.edu)