William F. Rayburn received his Bachelor of Science from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Kentucky in Lexington. He is currently Professor and Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico and the Randolph V. Seligman Endowed Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He previously held faculty positions at the University of Michigan Medical School and The University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Rayburn’s two primary areas of research are induction of labor and neurobehavior effects from prenatal exposure to centrally-acting drugs or substances. He has authored or co-authored more than 400 manuscripts in peer-reviewed scientific journals and abstracts for presentation at national meetings. In 2003 he received Award for Teaching Excellence by Medical Students, at the University of New Mexico. He serves as an examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a peer journal reviewer or editorial consultant for American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Journal of Reproductive Medicine, New England Journal of Medicine, and Journal of the American Medical Association, to name just a few.

About the lecture

A Trip to Your Neighborhood Pharmacy: An Obstetrician’s Perspective

 "A Trip to Your Neighborhood Pharmacy: An Obstetrician’s Perspective"

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Drug use has changed among women of reproductive age. New products have been marketed, more concerns have arisen regarding safety and efficacy, public awareness has increased, and certain prescription medications have been granted nonprescription status by the Food and Drug Administration.

Drug regimens for chronic illnesses are best altered, when possible, in the preconception period to include those medications that have been most thoroughly assessed in human pregnancy and that have been determined to pose the least risk. However, limitations exist when considering which medication is safe to continue when pregnancy is either anticipated or already discovered by home pregnancy testing. The following rules are helpful to explain to someone who desires becoming pregnant:

• Experience with first trimester exposure for any drug is often too limited in humans to be considered absolutely “safe”.
• Few drugs are clearly linked with specific birth defects. It is best to notify an obApril 24, 2007suspected.
• Focusing on the underlying disorder, not on the drug alone, may explain any additional hazards to the fetus.
• Determine the best method to monitor therapy (safety and efficacy).
• Avoid multiple medications if possible and choose those that are “safer”.
• The lowest effective dose is most desirable.

These principles, along with such issues as home pregnancy tests, “plan B” medications, and FDA drug classifications during pregnancies, will be highlighted.

Quoted from the 2004 Philip C. and Ethel F. Ashby Lecture Announcement Brochure.