James R. Woods, M.D.

Professional Background

James R. Woods, Jr., M.D. is Professor and past Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, New York. For 16 years Dr. Woods was chief of Maternal Medicine at URMC followed by 11 years as chairman of the Department. During the past 8 years he has led a dedicated gyn menopause practice. Dr. Woods has authored or co-authored over one hundred forty articles on communication in medicine, complications of pregnancy, and menopause management. He has authored 6 books on obstetrics and four books on menopause management, including one on breast cancer for the gynecologist. Since 1991, he has been the editor-in-chief of the Peri-FACTS Ob/Gyn Academy, an international on-line educational program for obstetric and gynecologic care providers combining articles, clinical cases, grand rounds lectures and teaching videos. In 1996, an endowed Professorship honoring Dr. Woods was established at the University of Rochester. He has been named in Best Doctors in America for many years. In 2010 Dr. Woods was honored by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists with the Outstanding Service Award for District II for his “tireless efforts in the area of obstetric patient safety”. In 2012 he received the lifetime achievement award from the District II American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Woods has lectured extensively on communication in obstetrics and more recently on menopause management. He has pioneered strategies for transforming some of the most challenging clinical interactions with patients after adverse or challenging outcomes into extraordinary opportunities for compassionate communication between clinicians and their patients and family members.