Atlas, Robert | University of Maryland School of Medicine

Academic Title:

Assistant Professor

Primary Appointment:

Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences

Additional Title:

Assistant Professor, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine Chair, Department of OB-GYN, Mercy Medical Center

Email:

ratlas@mdmercy.com

Location:

UMMC N6E12

Phone (Primary):

410-385-5151

Fax:

410-962-8763

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Education and Training

Education

Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA (major: natural science)
1980-1983

Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA (MD)
1983-1987

Post Graduate Education and Training

Internship: OB/GYN - University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
1987 - 1988

Residency: OB/GYN - University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
1988 - 1991

Fellowship: MFM - Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
1991 - 1993

Biosketch

As Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy Medical Center, Dr. Atlas is dedicated to keeping Mercy on the leading edge of care for women across their life span. Under Dr. Atlas’ leadership, Mercy’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is actively participating with other hospitals across the state in the Maryland Patient Safety Center’s Perinatal Collaborative with the aim of providing the best possible care and outcomes for all mothers and babies through the practice of evidence-based quality care, teamwork, and physician and staff education and training. In addition to the Perinatal Collaborative, Dr. Atlas serves on the Medical Executive Committee, Medical Staff Bylaws Committee, Medical Morals Committee, Continuing Medical Education Committee, Infection Control Committee, Medical Staff Quality Council Committee, Pediatric Care Committee, Performance Improvement Committee and Ethical Consult Committee.

As a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist, he continues to expand and grow Mercy’s Center for Advanced Fetal Care offering specialized services to women experiencing high-risk pregnancies.

Dr. Atlas is involved with several local organizations and community committees. He is an active participant in the Governor's Children's Cabinet, the Board of the Family League of Baltimore City, The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Baltimore City Health Department's "Baltimore Babies Born Healthy Leadership in Action Program" as one of 40 leaders in Maryland selected for demonstrated leadership capabilities and ability to impact birth outcomes in Baltimore. He is a member of the March of Dimes Board of Directors, the March of Dimes Prematurity Chairman, and serving on the HEAL (Helping Everyone After Loss) Committee.

As Assistant Professor of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Dr. Atlas continues teaching and mentoring to residents and medical students. He serves on the University of Maryland Liaison Committee on Medical Education, CREOG Committee, and the Resident Research Committee.

Highlighted Publications

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

Balducci J., Weiss P., Atlas R., Pajarillo M., Dupree W., Klasko S.: Preeclampsia: Immunologic alteration of nitabuch’s membrane? Clinical sequelae. J Mat Fet Med 6:324-328 (1997)
Lemus J, Balducci J, Atlas R, Klasko, S. Lowering the incidence of cesarean section with active management of labor. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;176:S140.
Lemus J, Balducci J, Atlas R, Klasko, S. The use of intrauterine pressure catheters in active management of labor. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;176:S142.
Atlas R, Lemus J, Reed J, Atkins D, Alger LS. Second trimester abortion using prostaglandin E₂ suppositories with or without intracervical laminaria japonica: A randomized study. Obstet & Gynecol 1998;92(3):398-402.
Rust OA, Atlas RO, Jones KJ, Benham B, Balducci J. A randomized trial of cerclage versus no cerclage among patients with ultrasonographically detected second-trimester preterm dilatation of the internal os. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000 183(4):830-5.
Rust OA, Greybush M, Atlas RO, Jones, KJ, Balducci J. A randomized trial of preinduction cervical ripening using intravaginal misoprostol alone versus a combination of transcervical foley balloon and intravaginal misoprostol. J Reprod Med 2001;46: 899-904.
Rust O, Atlas R, Rawlinson K, van Gaalen J, Balducci J. Sonographic description of the cervix at risk for preterm birth. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;184:S41.
Rust OA, Atlas RO, Reed J, vanGaalen J, Balducci J. Revisiting the Short Cervix Detected by Transvaginal Ultrasound in the 2^nd Trimester: Why Cerclage Therapy May Not Help. Am J of Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:1098-1105.
Rust OA, Atlas RO, Wells M, Prutsman, W. Cerclage in multiple gestation with midtrimester dilation of the internal os. Am J of Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:S111.
Rust OA, Atlas RO, Wells M, Prutsman, W. Midtrimester dilation of the internal os in patients without risk factors. Am J of Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:S111.
Rust OA, Atlas RO, Wells M, Kimmel S. Does cerclage location influence perinatal outcome?. Am J of Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:S111.
Benham BN, Balducci J, Atlas RO, Rust OA. Risk factors for preterm delivery in patients demonstrating sonographic evidence of premature dilation of the internal os, prolapse of the membranes in the endocervical canal and shortening of the distal cervical segment by 2^nd trimester ultrasound. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2002;42(1):68-72.
Rust OA, Atlas RO, Meyn J, Wells M, Kimmel S. Does cerclage location influence perinatal outcome? Am J of Obstet Gynecol 2003;189(6):1688-1691.
Rust OA, Atlas RO, Kimmel S, Roberts WE, Hess LW. Does the presence of a funnel increase the risk of adverse perinatal outcome in a patient with a short cervix? Am J Obstet Gynecol 2004;191:S26.
Rust OA, Atlas RO, Kimmel S, Roberts WE, Hess LW. Does the presence of a funnel increase the risk of adverse perinatal outcome in a patient with a short cervix? Am J Obstet Gynecol 2005;192(4):1060-66.

Rust, A, Atlas R, Gersbach E, Roberts W, Larkin R, Hess LW. A randomized trial of late versus early external cephalic version for the treatment of abnormal presentation at term. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2005;193:S129.
Matsuo K, Lynch MA, Kopelman JN, Atlas RO. Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy immediately after intrauterine pressure catheter placement.. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008;198(2):e8-9
Matsuo K, Scanlon JT, Atlas RO, Kopelman JN. J. Staircase sign: a newly described uterine contraction pattern seen in rupture of unscarred gravid uterus. Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2008;34(1):100-4
Babischkin Jeffery S; Bonagura Thomas W; Udoff Laurence C; Vergara Christine O; Johnson Harry W; Atlas Robert O; Pepe Gerald J; Albrecht Eugene D. Estrogen stimulates the human endometrium to express a factor(s) that promotes vascular smooth muscle cell migration as an early step in microvessel remodeling. Endocrine2009;35(1):81-8.
Matsuo K, Mudd JV, Kopelman JN, Atlas RO. Duration of the second stage of labor while wearing a dental support device: a pilot study. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2009;Aug;35(4):672-8.
Baschat Ahmet A; Kasdaglis Tania L; Aberdeen Graham W; Turan Ozhan M; Kopelman Jerome L; Atlas Robert; Jenkins Chuka; Blitzer Miriam; Harman Christopher R. Serum pentraxin-3 levels at 11 to 14 weeks' gestation: association with maternal and placental characteristics. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology2009;201(3):298.e1-6.
Keeler Sean M; Kiefer Daniel G; Rust Orion A; Vintzileos Anthony; Atlas Robert O; Bornstein Eran; Hanna Nazeeh. Comprehensive amniotic fluid cytokine profile evaluation in women with a short cervix: which cytokine(s) correlates best with outcome? Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009;201(3):276.e1-6.
Bakhru, A, Atlas, RO. Evidence of something serious: new vaginal lesions resembled older sores in patient’s mouth. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009;201(4):427.e1-2.
Dangel AR, Atlas RO, Matsuo K. Headaches in pre-eclampsia: a clinical dilemma in diagnosing intracranial hemorrhage. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2009;146(2):232-3.
Kasdaglis T; Aberdeen G; Turan O; Kopelman J; Atlas R; Jenkins C; Blitzer M; Harman C; Baschat A A. Placental growth factor in the first trimester: relationship with maternal factors and placental Doppler studies. Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology2010;35(3):280-5.
Bakhru Arvind; Atlas Robert O. A case of postpartum cerebral angiitis and review of the literature. Archives of gynecology and obstetrics2011; 283(3):663-8.
Seravalli V, Block-Abraham DM, Turan OM, Doyle LE, Kopelman JN, Atlas RO, Jenkins CB, Blitzer MG, Baschat AA. First-trimester prediction of small-for-gestational age neonates incorporating fetal Doppler parameters and maternal characteristics. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Mar 11. pii: S0002-9378(14)00227-0. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2014.03.022. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 24631442.
Block-Abraham, DM, Turan OM, Doyle LE, Kopelman JN, Atlas RO, Jenkins CB, Blitzer MG, Baschat, AA. First trimester risk factors for preeclampsia development in women initiating aspirin by 16 weeks of gestation. Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Mar;123 (3): 611-7. Doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000000118. PubMed PMID: 24513777.
Block-Abraham DM, Turan OM, Doyle LE, Kopelman JN, Atlas RO, Jenkins CB, Harman CR, Blitzer MG, Baschat AA. First trimester maternal characteristics, Doppler parameters and serum analytes after preeclampsia. Hypertens Pregnancy 2013 Nov 1. Doi: 10.1002/uog.13242. (Epub ahead of print) PubMed PMID: 24186154.

Book Chapters

Rust OA, Atlas RO, Jones KJ, et al. A randomized trial of cerclage versus no cerclage among patients with ultrasonographically detected second-trimester preterm dilation of the internal os. Mosby Year Book of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2002.
Rust OA, Atlas RO, Reed J, et al. Revisiting the short cervix detected by transvaginal ultrasound in the second trimester: why cerclage therapy may not help. Mosby Year Book of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2003.

Abstracts

Atlas, R.O., Bolognese, R.J.: Perinatal Outcome of Triplets: Is There A Place For Selective Reduction? ACOG, District III, Costa del Sol, Spain, November 7 - 14, 1992.
Atlas R, Heard N, Balducci J, Fritch G, Davidson N, Cummings RV: Abbot Tdx FLM assay vs L/S and PG in predicting fetal lung maturity. Department of Ob/Gyn, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA. Amer J ObGyn Jan 1993.
Atlas, R.O., Heard, N., Balducci, J., Fritch, G., Davidson, N., Cummings, R.V.: Abbott TDx FLM Assay vs L/S and PG in Predicting Fetal Lung Maturity (Society of Perinatology) January 1995 (poster presentation)
Balducci, J., Weiss, P., Atlas, R.O., Pajarillo, M., Dupree, W., Cummings, R.V.: Preeclampsia: Immunologic Alteration of Nitabuch’s Membrane? Society of Perinatal Obstetricians (SPO), Atlanta, February 1995 (poster presentation)
Klasko, S.K., Atlas, R.O.: Emphasizing the Care Component in the Primary Care Initiative. 1996 CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, New Mexico (oral presentation)
Lemus J., Balducci J., Atlas R., Klasko S.: The use of intrauterine pressure catheters in active management of labor. Society of Perinatal Obstetricians, Anaheim, CA 1997 (poster presentation)
Lemus J., Balducci J., Atlas R., Klasko S.: Lowering the incidence of cesarean section with active management of labor. Society of Perinatal Obstetricians, Anaheim , CA 1997 (poster presentation)
Balducci J., Sobel R., Lemus J., Rust O., Atlas R., Klasko S.: Hospital costs of induction of labor versus spontaneous labor. Society of Perinatal Obstetricians, Miami Beach, FL 1998 (poster presentation)
Atlas R., Abrams L., Amig W., Reed J., Balducci J., Rust O: Thoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB) monitoring in normal laboring patients undergoing epidural anesthesia: Society of Perinatal Obstetricians, Miami Beach, FL 1998 (poster presentation)
Atlas R., Balducci J., Lobello J., Rust O., Klasko S: Is Abbott TDx-FLM of amniotic fluid a reliable test for fetal lung maturity in diabetic mothers? Society of Perinatal Obstetricians, Miami Beach, FL 1998 (poster presentation)
Rust OA, Greybush M, Singleton C, Atlas RO, Balducci J. A comparison of preinduction cervical ripening techniques. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, San Francisco, CA 1999 (poster presentation)
Rust OA, Atlas RO, Jones K, Benham B, Balducci J. A randomized trial of cerclage vs no cerclage in patients with sonographically detected 2^ndtrimester premature dilation of the internal os. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Miami Beach, FL 2000 (oral presentation)
Rust OA, Greybush M, Atlas RO, Balducci J. Does combination pharmacologic and mechanical preinduction cervical ripening improve ripening to delivery interval? Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Miami Beach, FL 2000 (poster presentation)
Rust OA, Atlas RO, Balducci J, DeFulvio J, Romero R. Patients presenting with cervical funneling in the midtrimester and who subsequently delivery a preterm neonate <34 weeks have evidence of increased extracellular matrix degradation and subclinical intrauterine inflammation. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Miami Beach, FL 2000 (poster presentation)
Balducci J, Sokolowski D, Patterson M, Bosanac C, Atlas RO, Rust OA. Twin discordance: long-term outcome. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Miami Beach, FL 2000 (poster presentation)
Rust O, Atlas R, Rawlinson K, Balducci J, vanGaalen J. Sonographic description of the cervix at risk for preterm birth. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Reno, Nevada 2001.
Rust O, Atlas R, Reed J, vanGaalen J, Balducci J. Regression analysis of perinatal morbidity for 2^nd trimester sonographic evidence of internal os dilation and shortening of the distal cervix. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Reno, Nevada 2001.
Rust O, Atlas R, Reed J, vanGaalen J, Balducci J. Revisiting the clinical efficacy of cerclage in the treatment of 2^nd trimester sonographically detected premature dilation of the internal os. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Reno, Nevada 2001.
Atlas RO, Rust OA, Knerr SE. Resident learning and knowledge: does pre and post testing help in long-term retention of information? CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 2001.
Rust O, Atlas R, Wells M, Kimmel S. Midtrimester dilation of the internal os and a history of prior preterm birth. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2002.
Rust O, Atlas R, Wells M, Kimmel S. Does cerclage location influence perinatal outcome? Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2002.
Rust O, Atlas R, Wells M, Rawlinson K. Cerclage in multiple gestations with midtrimester dilation of the internal os. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2002.
Rust O, Atlas R, Fischl S, DePuy A, Kimmel S, Hess LW. Does cerclage therapy improve perinatal outcome in patients with a history of previous preterm birth and cervical changes on 2^nd trimester transvaginal ultrasound? Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, San Francisco, California, 2002.
Weiss P, Koller C, Argeles P, Atlas R, Hess LW, Wasser T. ERAS Assisted Pre-Interview Score: A Tool to "Read Between the Lines" in Matching Residents. CREOG/APGO Annual Meeting, Orlando, Florida, 2004.
Rust OA, Atlas RO, Kimmel S, Roberts WE, Hess LW. Does the presence of a funnel increase the risk of adverse perinatal outcome in a patient with a short cervix? SMFM 25^th Annual Meeting, Reno, Nevada, 2005.
Kwong, A; Fahey, J, Atlas, R, Mighty, H. Use of Obstetrical Simulator to Teach Fetal Heart Rate Interpretation. University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Baschat, A; Grimpel, Y; Turan, O; Aberdeen, G; Kuhnreich, I; Jenkins, C; Atlas, R; Harman, C; Meir, H; Blitzer, M. First Trimester Multi-Analyte Screening for Placental Development. SMFM 29^th Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, 2009.
Keeler, S; Kiefer, D; Rust, O; Vintzileos, A; Atlas, R; Bornstein, E; Hanna, N. Comprehensive Amniotic Fluid Cytokine Profile Evaluation in Women with a Short Cervix: Which Cytokine(s), Correlate(s) Best with Outcome? SMFM 29^th Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, 2009.
Baschat, A; Aberdeen, G; Turan, O; Kopelman, J; Jenkins, C; Atlas, R; Blitzer, M; Harman, C. First Trimester Placental Growth Factor – Relationship with Maternal Factors and Placental Development. SMFM 29^th Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, 2009.
Baschat, A; Aberdeen, G; Turan, O; Jenkins, C; Blitzer, M; Kopelman, J; Atlas, R; Harman, C. First Trimester Angiopoietin 2 Relationships with Maternal and Placental Characteristics. SMFM 29^th Annual Meeting, San Diego, California,.
Baschat, A; Adams, L; Turan, O; Kopelman, J; Jenkins, C; Atlas, R; Blitzer, M; Harman, C. First Trimester Integrated Screening for Fetal Growth Restriction. SMFM 29^th Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, 2009.
Baschat, A; Grimpel, Y; Turan, O; Martin, J; Kopelman, J; Jenkins, C; Atlas, R. Kuhnreich, I; Harman, C; Meiri, H; Blitzer, M. First Trimester Placental Protein-13 (PP-13) Relationship with Maternal Characteristics. SMFM 29^th Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, 2009.
Baschat, A; Aberdeen, G; Turan, O; Kopelman, J; Jenkins, C; Atlas, R; Blitzer, M; Harman, C. First Trimester Serum Pentraxin 3 Levels – Relationship with Maternal Characteristics and Placental Development. SMFM 29^th Annual Meeting, San Diego, California.
Atlas RO, Helzlsouer K, MacDonald, R, Gallicchio, L. Fetal Movement Education among U.S. OB/GYN Providers: A Nationally Representative Survey. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ 60th Annual Clinical Meeting, San Diego, California, 2012 (poster presentation)
Atkins, KL, Atlas RO, Herbert W, Blanchard, MH. Assessment of Attitudes Toward Protected Teaching Time in an Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program. APGO/CREOG Annual Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, 2014 (poster presentation).

Diplomate, National Board of Examiners - June 1988
Diplomate, American Board of OB/GYN - 1994
Fellow, American College of OB/GYN - 1995
Board Certified Maternal-Fetal Medicine - April 1998
General OB/GYN Board Recertification – 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
MFM Board Recertification – 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

Committee Member: HEAL Program (Helping Everyone After Loss) - Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore Healthcare Access - provide bereavement support, counseling and referral for inter-conception case management for women who have experienced a fetal or infant loss/

Committee Member: FIMR (Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Team) - Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore. Meet monthly to review fetal and infant deaths and identify areas to focus on to improve fetal and infant outcomes in Baltimore City. Provide conference room at Mercy and complimentary parking for member of the Committee.

Maternal Mortality Review: active member of the review team. Monthly meetings at MedChi reviewing all the maternal deaths each year and putting together recommendations to the Governor regarding areas of health to improve.

March of Dimes: Participates in speaking engagements to promote "Prematurity Prevention Strategies. Organized a Mercy Maternal Child Health team to participate in the yearly Baltimore March for Babies the last six years raising in excess of $4,000 annually for this cause.

Committee Member: Baltimore City Healthy Coalition B'more Fit, a joint program of The Family League of Baltimore City and the Baltimore City Health Department, focusing on obesity reduction for low-income women of childbearing age in Baltimore City. This program provides nutrition and fitness programs to help postpartum women living in Upton/Druid Heights, Parks Heights and Patterson Park lose weight and is available to women in the above communities who have been pregnant and are between the ages of 18 and 44 with a body mass index over 30. Weight Watchers, designed to help people lose weight using food and behavioral modifications, will be offered to postpartum women in the Upton/Druid Heights, Patterson Park North & East and Park Heights communities.

Committee Member: MedChi (The Maryland State Medical Society Maternal Mortality Review). The purpose of this Committee is to conduct an in-depth clinical review of selected cases to determine pregnancy-relatedness and preventability, as well as to identify key issues.

Advisory Board Chairman: Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) whose mission is to provide the resources (communications, infrastructure, grants, and training), leadership (vision, expertise, and coordination), and oversight (medical, regulatory, and administrative) necessary for Maryland’s statewide emergency medical services (EMS) system to function optimally and to provide effective care to patients by reducing preventable deaths, disability, and discomfort.

Walk to Remember: Speaker at “Walk to Remember” an annual event hosted by Mercy Medical Center for families and loved ones who have suffered a fetal death or loss during the previous year.

WBAL-TV: Does regular ‘live’ spots and interviews on the Women’s Doctor television segments.

Save The Cord Foundation: Site Coordinator www.savethecord.org a program that encourages new mothers to donate their baby’s umbilical cord blood for stem cell research. Save the Cord Foundation creates and provides educational awareness and distributes unbiased, factual information concerning the lifesaving benefits of cord blood and the need to preserve it.

Baltimore Healthy Start, Inc. Board of Directors: Baltimore Healthy Start Inc is committed to reducing infant mortality by utilizing a Life Course Perspective for improving the health and well-being of women and their families through the provision of comprehensive, supportive services offered in the communities where they live. The goal is to prevent infant mortality – the death of an infant before the age of one.

Robert O. Atlas, MD