Putting Patients First—and Teaching Others to Do the Same

By Tanya Dev

Erika Werner, MD, president of the Tufts Medical Center Physicians Organization, arrived at Tufts in 2021, stepping into dual leadership roles as chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Tufts Medical Center and as the Louis E. Phaneuf Research and Teaching Professor of Gynecology at Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM). In no time, she became a powerful force in the community, weaving her clinical expertise with a steadfast commitment to patient-centered care.

Under her leadership, the department has deepened its focus on elevating patients’ voices and advancing equity in women’s health. Her influence extends well beyond campus. A fierce advocate for maternal and infant health, she has become a trusted national voice appearing on NBC, in The Guardian, and other major media platforms. With every interview and initiative, Dr. Werner pushes for progress, driven by a simple mission: “I want to make sure healthcare gets better and better for our patients.”

For Dr. Werner, this mission is deeply tied to her role as a mentor. She believes that the connection between Tufts University School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center is essential in shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders. “It creates tremendous opportunities to educate future leaders in advocacy, research, and education,” she shared.

At the heart of her work is the desire to instill in her mentees the same principles of patient-centered care and advocacy that has shaped her own career.

“Advocacy is a real cornerstone of the OBGYN program,” Dr. Werner emphasized. “From day one, students are learning not only to care for their patients but to ensure they have access to the resources they need.”

Dr. Werner went on to share how the OBGYN department pushes its students to step beyond the classroom and immerse themselves in real-world challenges. She explains, "We don’t just offer education at a tertiary care hospital; we ensure our students spend time in communities outside of Boston, like Lowell and Southern New Hampshire." These placements expose students to the critical health disparities facing underserved populations, where access to care can be limited. It’s here that they broaden their perspectives, cultivating the empathy and commitment that transform them into advocates for their patients.

Through these hands-on experiences and the mentorship of trailblazers like Dr. Werner, students aren’t just learning about advocacy, they’re living it. “We’re proud to have one of the highest numbers of residents attending national conferences on Capitol Hill each year, where they advocate for change,” Dr. Werner noted. These events provide platforms where students can champion legislative reforms that impact everything from public health to medical education.

Dr. Werner’s dedication for patient-centered care doesn’t just shape her leadership; it also drives her research. As a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine, Dr. Werner has dedicated her career to uncovering the key factors that influence pregnancy health. Her research, much like her advocacy, centers on improving outcomes for both mothers and babies.

One major area of focus is diabetes during pregnancy. Most recently, Dr. Werner and her team uncovered critical risk factors that can predict whether women with gestational diabetes, high blood sugar during pregnancy, are at risk of developing long-term diabetes after childbirth. This discovery is a game-changer, setting the stage for better diagnostic tools and more effective treatment options. Now, she’s taking her work a step further.

“I’m collaborating with a team at nine different academic centers across the country to develop a better way to diagnose diabetes in pregnancy,” Dr. Werner shared. This cutting-edge collaboration represents an exciting leap forward in her mission to transform maternal health.

Looking back on her journey, Dr. Werner's story is a reminder to aspiring medical professionals that success in medicine isn't defined by following a preordained path, it’s about chasing what excites you. Initially determined to pursue oncology, Dr. Werner was certain it would be the direction of her career. But everything shifted the moment she delivered her first baby. At that moment, Dr. Werner discovered a new passion; one that she hadn't anticipated, but one that would redefine the trajectory of her career. "I caught my first baby and just fell in love," she recalled. "I thought, I want to do this all day."

Whether advocating for patients, mentoring future doctors, or pioneering research, Dr. Werner’s career proves that when you follow your passion, unexpected opportunities emerge.

“Follow your heart and instincts,” Dr. Werner advises. “I didn’t set out to do most of the things I’ve done, they just happened. But when you’re doing what you love, it opens doors to opportunities where you can make a real impact.”