Swain Named Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health
Following a national search, Saint Louis University School of Medicine and SSM Health SLUCare Physician Group have named Monique V. Swain, M.D., chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, effective Sept. 14, 2026.
Swain brings a proven track record of health system leadership, with experience advancing graduate medical education, developing clinical programs, and driving faculty growth and quality improvement. As an expert in breast health and cancer genetics, she specializes in caring for patients who have BRCA1/2 mutations, an elevated risk of breast cancer or benign breast disease.
"I was drawn to SSM Health and Saint Louis University because of the genuine commitment to closing health inequities and understanding the social factors that affect care," Swain said. "I became a physician to help people and make sure every patient has access to equitable, high-quality care. I look forward to working with our multidisciplinary teams and communities to improve maternal outcomes, strengthen breast cancer screening, and build a women's health program that supports patients throughout their lives."
As chair, Swain will lead the department's clinical, research and educational programs to strengthen women's care in the St. Louis region. One of her priorities is care for women as they age, including closer collaboration with cardiology, oncology and endocrinology to address cardiovascular disease, cancer, metabolic disease, osteoporosis, menopause and other health needs.
"Women deserve care that evolves with them, from adolescence and their reproductive years through perimenopause, menopause and later life," Swain said. “My goal is for patients to know that SSM Health and SLU can care for them at every stage with qualified experts when their needs become more complex.”
Her training in breast health and cancer genetics will also inform efforts to strengthen breast education, risk assessment, and early detection within women's health. Swain said many patients first bring breast concerns to their OB-GYN. She wants physicians and trainees to feel prepared to evaluate those concerns, review family history, identify patients who may need earlier or enhanced screening and coordinate specialty care when needed.
Swain earned her medical degree and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Wayne State University School of Medicine. She completed a fellowship in breast health and cancer genetics at the University of Michigan School of Medicine in 2015.
Swain most recently served as residency program director of obstetrics and gynecology at Henry Ford Hospital — a role she held since 2021 — and as a clinical associate professor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She also served as division director of gynecology at Henry Ford Hospital from 2018 to 2022. Her leadership has included physician recruitment and retention, clinical quality improvement, health system integration, and initiatives to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.
An active researcher, Swain’s work has received external funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and she has published in JAMA Obstetrics & Gynecology and JAMA Oncology. She is a national examiner with the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; co-chair of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District V Annual District meeting; a member of the National Exam Committee for the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology; and chair of the Southeast Michigan Center for Medical Education OB-GYN section.
Swain succeeds Mary McLennan, M.D., who retired June 30 after 27 years of service to Saint Louis University and SSM Health SLUCare Physician Group, including serving as department chair since 2015. Greg Ward, M.D., served as interim chair during the transition.