Robert Abrams | SIU School of Medicine

About me

Robert Abrams, MD, is the director of obstetrics for the South Central Illinois Perinatal Center. He is also executive director and professor of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at SIU School of Medicine. He has been director of obstetrical ultrasound for SIU since his arrival in 2007. Because of his interest in academics, he is an active member on the admissions committee for SIU School of Medicine and has received the APGO Excellence in Teaching Award.

Abrams earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and obtained his medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at University of Illinois-Chicago Medical Center and served as administrative chief resident in his final year of residency. Following this, Abrams was in private practice in general OB-GYN for two years. He then pursued a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at Loyola University Medical Center. Abrams has been at SIU Maternal-Fetal Medicine since 2007.

Abrams is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. He is double board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine. He has published numerous articles in the field of high-risk obstetrics and has been a speaker both nationally and internationally on obstetrical ultrasound. Abrams earned his certified physician executive degree in 2019.

Gender

Male

Additional languages spoken

Spanish

Education & training

Positions

Executive Director – Center for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist

Board Certifications

Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Medical School

Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL

Residency

University of Illinois, Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Fellowship

Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL

Research

Research Interests

Maternal Fetal Medicine, Preeclampsia, Prenatal Ultrasound, Amniocentesis, Multiple Gestation, Genetic Counseling, High Risk Pregnancy, Diabetes, Cervical Insufficiency, Hypertension in Pregnancy

Publications

Adekola H, Unal E, Thompson G, Sondgeroth K, Abrams R. “Spontaneous Septostomy in a Monochorionic-Diamniotic Twin Gestation: A Pictorial Essay.” J Clinic Ultrasound. 2020.

Pratt K, Groesch K, Wilson T, Abrams R. “Implementing a standardized hypertensive postpartum discharge protocol to decrease readmission rates.” The Society for Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2020.

Abrams R and MMRC members. Illinois Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Report. October 2018.

Ghareeb A, Pratt K, Aguirre F, Raw A, Diaz P, Groesch K, Wilson T, Delfino K, Nelson, E, Abrams, R. “Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) vs. Maximum Vertical Pocket (MVP) for the Assessment of Oligohydramnios.” Central Association of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. 2018.

Ghawi H, Radel L, Stark C, Cuppini C, Durbin A, Abrams R. “Prevalence of Intracardiac Echogenic Foci in Fetuses Exposed to THC.” Fetal Cardiac Symposium. July 2018.

Abrams, R. "Hypertension in Pregnancy: A Review of Current Guidelines." Curr Womens Health Rev. 11:109-119. 2015.

Abrams, R. "Editorial (Thematic Issue: Preeclampsia and Modern Approaches to Diagnosis and Therapy)". Curr Womens Health Rev. 11:90. 2015.

Abrams, R. "Sleep Deprivation." Obstet Gynecol Clin N Am. 42 (2015) 493-506.

Neiman, V, Groesch K, Abrams, R. "Management of the Diabetic Mother During Labor: Effects on Neonatal Hypoglycemia Rates." Central Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. April 2012.

Doerr C, Groesch K, McCoye K, Abrams, R. "Comparison of Visually Estimated Blood Loss Versus Calculated Blood Loss in Vaginal and Cesarean Deliveries: Pre- and Post-Hemorrhage Training Analysis". Oral Presentation- Central Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. April 2012.

Groesch, KA, Torry RJ, Wilber AC, Abrams R, Bieniarz A, Guilbert LJ, Torry DS. "Nitric ozide generation affects pro- and anti-angiogenic growth factor expression in primary human trophoblast." Placenta. 32:923-931. August 2011.

Leavenworth JD, Groesch KA, Xin Hu, Malm S, Torry RJ, Abrams, Torry DS. "Dysregulation of PML Expression in Preeclamptic Placentae." Reprod Sci. 17(4):339-49. April 2010

Brylka, D, Abrams, R. "Sonographic Detection of an Unsuspected Intra-abdominal Surgical Sponge in a Pregnant Patient." Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. Volume 26, Issue 10, 1445-1448. October 2007.

Abrams, R., Besinger, R. "Headaches in Pregnancy." THe Interface of Neurology & Internal Medicine. Chapter 143. 2007.

Abrams, R, Besinger, R, Mestril, R. "Prevalence of Heat Shock Protein (HSP) 10 in Serum of Women with and without Preeclampsia at Time of Delivery." Department of Physiology - Loyola University Medical Center. 2007.

Abrams, R, Mittendorf, R, et al. "Proonged Usage of Prphylactic Intravenous Antibiotics for Preterm Premature Rupture of the Membranes may be Associated with Fetal Inflammatory Response Syndrome." Amer Journ Obstet Gynecol. Volume 195. 2005.

Abrams, R, Besinger, R, Gianopoulos, J, Mittendorf, R. "Prolonged use of Prophylactic, Intravenous Antibiotics for Preterm Premature Rupture of the Membranes does not Appear to Enhance Sterilization of the Chorioamnion Space." Amer Journ Obstet Gynecol. Volume 193. 2005

Abrams, R., Patel, A, Elam, G, Derman, R, Shulman, L. "Are We Rewarding the Wrong Behavior? A Closer Look at Who Takes Extra Duty." University of Illinois Chicago. Oral Presentation - CREOG. Dallas, TX. March 2002.

Awards

American Association for Physician Leadership Mentor, 2020

Co-worker Observation Reporting System Leader, 2018

Team STEPPS Leader, 2017

Editor of Special Preeclampsia Issue - Current Womens' Health Review, 2015

Directed the OB Ultrasound Unit to Accredidation in Obstetrical Ultrasound, Gynecological Ultrasound, and Fetal Echocardiography by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine

Most Professional SIU faculty member award, 2010, 2011, 2012

APGO Teaching Award, 2010

CREOG Outstanding Teaching Award, 2010

Illinois Patients' Choice Five-Year Honoree

Administrative Chief Resident, 2001-2002

Excellence in Medical Student Education Award, 1999-00, 2001-2002

Excellence in Research Award - Senior Research, 2002

Clinical anatomy instructor of medical students, 1999-2002

Robert Abrams, MD