Jeannie C. Kelly, MD, MS

2023 Dean’s Impact Award Recipient

Jeannie C. Kelly, MD, MS is an exceptional clinician, researcher and administrator. In addition to her academic roles, she also serves as the medical director of obstetrical inpatient services and medical director for perinatal transport at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. She led the COVID-19 response for obstetrical inpatient services at Barnes-Jewish and served as the obstetrics representative on the BJC HealthCare COVID-19 Command Center. Through this role, she developed adaptive algorithms for managing COVID-19 in pregnancy, which were implemented across all BJC facilities. She has contributed to COVID-19 clinical research, publishing multiple manuscripts on the asymptomatic COVID-19 rate and COVID-19 testing update on the labor unit, severe COVID-19 disease during pregnancy, and the link between COVID-19 and hypertensive diseases of pregnancy. Kelly has particular expertise in the care of women with opiate-use disorders (OUD) in pregnancy and has received extramural and intramural funding. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated OUD. Yet Kelly continued to lead the innovative Clinic for Acceptance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE). As a result, she received multiple awards for taking care of mothers and newborns affected by opioids and for providing superior patient experiences. Kelly remains dedicated to medical education through teaching and mentoring students, residents and fellows. She is also dedicated to educating the general public through local media outlets. Despite the pandemic’s challenges, Kelly has continued to make incredible contributions locally and nationally through her leadership, clinical expertise, research and desire to educate.