Katharine O. White, MD MPH

Professor, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Biography

Dr. White is the System Chief of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Boston Medical Center Health System. She is also Professor and Chair of OB/GYN at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. She is the Site PI for the NICHD Contraceptive Clinical Trials Network at Boston University, and has been the PI on randomized clinical trials, cohort studies and cross-sectional surveys. Dr. White's interests span quantitative analysis, qualitative studies, and implementation science. She is the PI of the Partners In Contraceptive Choice and Knowledge (PICCK) program, a quality improvement project for contraceptive services at Massachusetts birth hospitals, with a focus on training clinicians in shared decision-making around contraceptive counseling. Dr. White is particularly interested in shared decision-making, miscarriage management, and sexual wellness/dysfunction. She frequently lectures locally and nationally on a number of topics related to reproductive health. Dr. White is also the author of Your Guide to Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss and Your Sexual Health, both published by Mayo Clinic Press.

Publications

  • Published 8/11/2025

    Huberfeld N, White KO, Cannon R. Considering Telehealth Across State Lines in Uncertain Times. JAMA. 2025 Aug 11. PMID: 40788628.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 7/22/2025

    Schreiber CA, Nanda K, Hubacher D, Turok DK, Jensen JT, Creinin MD, White KO, Dayananda I, Teal SB, Chen PL, Chen BA, Goldberg AB, Kerns JL, Dart C, Nelson AL, Thomas MA, Archer DF, Brown JE, Castaño PM, Burke AE, Kaneshiro B, Blithe DL. Contraceptive Efficacy and Comparative Side Effects of a Mini Copper Intrauterine Device. NEJM Evid. 2025 Aug; 4(8):EVIDoa2400480. PMID: 40693846.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 6/29/2025

    Bond JC, Schildroth S, White KO, Fisher R, Pukall CF, Abrams J, Wise LA. Strategies for self-management of painful intercourse among female pregnancy planners. J Sex Med. 2025 Jun 29; 22(7):1173-1183. PMID: 40413796.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 6/21/2025

    Acton LW, Lerner NM, Woodhams E, White KO. Implementing a free continuing education webinar series: a case study of the Partners in Contraceptive Choice and Knowledge (PICCK) program. Public Health. 2025 Sep; 246:105834. PMID: 40544560.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 4/22/2025

    Wong ML, Holland E, White KO, Woodhams E. Amniotic fluid embolism in late second trimester abortion: a case report. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2025 Jun; 30(3):164-165. PMID: 40261265.

    Read at: PubMed

Other Positions

  • Chief and Chair, Obstetrics & Gynecology
    Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
  • Vice-Chair of Academics
    Boston Medical Center

Education

  • University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, MD
  • Columbia University School of Public Health, MPH
  • Duke University, BS