Dr. Barbara Levy

Dr. Barbara S. Levy, MD, FACOG, FACS, is a distinguished OBGYN, leader in medicine, and lifelong advocate for advancing the quality of women’s health. Dr. Levy graduated magna cum laude with an undergraduate degree in psychology from Princeton University in 1974. She completed her medical degree from the University of California, San Diego in 1979, followed by an internship and residency in OBGYN at the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center (now the Oregon Health & Sciences University) in Portland. Dr. Levy was in private practice in comprehensive holistic women’s health for over 30 years, and served as a Medical Director for Women’s Health and Breast Center and Women’s and Children’s Services for the Franciscan Health System in Tacoma, Washington.

In 2012, Dr. Levy shifted focus from clinical practice to health policy when she joined the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as the first full-time woman physician leader. While serving as the Vice President for Health Policy at ACOG, Dr. Levy powered several impactful changes for women’s health worldwide. She directed the expansion of the Advocacy Division to support the Office of Global Women’s Health, reducing maternal mortality and building sustainable capabilities in several countries. Dr. Levy also oversaw and grew ACOG’s commitment to contraceptive access, postpartum contraception and menopause management.

Dr. Levy has long been a strong vocal advocate for women’s health, with appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show and many other media outlets. Additionally, her clinical work focuses on equitable, comprehensive care for women throughout their life course. She has published and co-authored over 85 studies and articles related to her primary research interests, including optimizing care for women with chronic pelvic pain, surgical outcomes, hysterectomy, endoscopic surgery, and physician payment policy.

Dr. Levy has been actively involved in several organizations. She served as the first female President of AAGL in 1994. She has been a member of the American Medical Association/Specialty Society Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC) since 1999, advocating for fair payment for physicians. Dr. Levy has also served as a reviewer and editor for several medical journals, including Obstetrics & Gynecology and American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.