The University of British Columbia | Canada
Author Profile
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Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Sarka Lisonkova's academic journey began at Palacky University in Olomouc, Czech Republic, where she earned her MD degree in 1994. She then pursued a Master's degree in Epidemiology at the State University of New York, USA, completing it in 1999. Her academic excellence continued at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada, where she obtained her PhD in Epidemiology in 2009. Following her PhD, Dr. Lisonkova undertook post-doctoral research at UBC, focusing on epidemiological studies from 2009 to 2012.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Lisonkova’s professional career is marked by significant roles both before and during her tenure at UBC. Before joining UBC, she was an Assistant Professor at Palacky University and a Visiting Researcher at the Scientific Institute of Public Health Louis Pasteur in Brussels, Belgium. At UBC, she has held various positions, starting as a Social Science Researcher from 2000 to 2007, advancing to a Research Associate, and then to an Assistant Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology from 2014 to 2019. She has been an Associate Professor in the same department since 2019 and is also an associate member of the School of Population and Public Health since 2015.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Lisonkova has made substantial contributions to the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, particularly in reproductive and child health sciences. She developed OBST 504, a course that emphasizes the critical appraisal of research in reproductive and children's health sciences, which has been incorporated into UBC’s curriculum. Her research interests include maternal and perinatal epidemiology, with a focus on understanding the factors underlying maternal and neonatal health outcomes. She is also actively involved in international collaborations aimed at preventing preterm births and improving neonatal health.
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout her career, Dr. Lisonkova has received numerous awards and distinctions. Some notable recognitions include the Harold A. Kaminetzky Prize Paper award in 2018 for her co-authored paper on maternal mortality in the United States and the Highly Cited Research Award from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2016. Additionally, she has received various scholarships and fellowships, such as the Senior Graduate Scholarship from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research and the Graduate Scholarship from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Lisonkova's impact extends beyond her research contributions. She has been actively involved in shaping future research agendas through her participation in national and international workshops and committees. Notably, she was invited to the Core Stillbirth Estimation Group by the United Nations and has contributed to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada’s workshop on maternal mortality and morbidity. Her leadership in the New Vulnerable Newborn Measurement collaboration highlights her influence in neonatal health research.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Lisonkova's legacy in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology is characterized by her dedication to improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes through rigorous research and international collaboration. Looking forward, her ongoing work with the PREBIC collaboration and other international initiatives positions her to continue making significant contributions to the field. Her commitment to education and mentorship also ensures that her influence will be felt by future generations of researchers and healthcare professionals.
Notable Publications
Racial/Ethnic Disparity in Severe Maternal Morbidity Among Women Who Conceived by In-vitro Fertilization 2024
A history of recurrent pregnancy loss is associated with increased perinatal complications, but not necessarily a longer birth interval: a population study spanning 18 years 2024
Variation in Episiotomy Use Among Nulliparous Individuals by Maternity Care Provider and Associated Rates of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury 2024
Severe Maternal Morbidity and Mental Health Hospitalizations or Emergency Department Visits 2024
Maternal mortality in the United States: are the high and rising rates due to changes in obstetrical factors, maternal medical conditions, or maternal mortality surveillance? 2024 (6)