Kara Rood, MD
Physician, Associate Professor
Maternal Fetal Medicine
Conditions and expertise
- Reproductive Health
- High-Risk Pregnancy
- Pregnancy
- Preeclampsia
- Substance-Related Disorders
- Gynecology
Academics and research
Department: OB/GYN
About
- Gender
- Female
Biography
As a maternal fetal medicine physician, every day that I practice medicine in the office or on the labor floor is completely different. I often refer to my specialty as 'surprise medicine' since I never know what to expect when helping high-risk pregnant patients. I often see patients who are managing complex conditions during pregnancy, including hypertension, substance use or cancer, to name a few. I also use ultrasounds to diagnose fetal anomalies such as brain and heart defects and perform amniocentesis to check for genetic abnormalities. Part of my job involves consulting patients about lethal fetal anomalies and other issues that can affect growth and survival of unborn and newborn babies.
Highlights
- Medical Director of Substance Abuse, Treatment, Education and Prevention Program (STEPP)
Conditions and expertise
- Gynecology
- High-Risk Pregnancy
- Obstetrics
- Preeclampsia
- Pregnancy
- Reproductive Health
- Substance-Related Disorders
- Women's Health
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - Maternal and Fetal Medicine
- Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
7/1/2013 - 6/30/2016 - Residency - Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT, United States
7/1/2010 - 6/30/2013 - Internship - Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT, United States
7/1/2009 - 6/30/2010 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Saba University School of Medicine, Devens, MA, United States
5/1/2005 - 1/30/2009
Certifications
-
American Board of Preventive Medicine/Addiction Medicine
1/1/2022 -
American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology-Maternal & Fetal Medicine
4/13/2018 -
American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology
12/11/2015
Academics and research
Academia is a rigorous career path, but reaps many rewards. By working at an academic medical center, I have freedom to dig deep into important questions and share answers with my peer academics, students and practitioners. Before coming to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, I was actively involved in the research and publishing of peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. I’m pleased to continue research on hypertensive diseases of pregnancy, substance use and misuse during pregnancy, and postpartum hemorrhage.
Research interests
- Substance use and misuse during pregnancy
- Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
- Postpartum hemorrhage
Academic information
- Department:
- OB/GYN
- Division:
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
More about my research
News and media
My news coverage
- Ohio State to receive $14 million to study optimal aspirin therapy in pregnancy
- Opioid use after C-section reduced by nearly half with non-invasive pain management device
- MedTips: Awards and announcements
- Ohio State receives $4.5 million to help monitor effects of medications during pregnancy
- Research Finds Simple Urine Test Allows For Rapid Diagnosis of Preeclampsia
- Study Finds Why Obese Women Have More Surgical Site Infections After Cesarean Delivery
- Simple Test Allows for Rapid Diagnosis of Preeclampsia
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025 Dr. Rood has reported relationships with the companies or entities listed below. If you have questions about the relationships listed below, please ask the faculty member. If you have questions about how these relationships are monitored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, please contact our Compliance Office.
- Organon & Co.