Ozhan Mehmet Turan, MD, PhD, Invested as the M. Carlyle Crenshaw, Jr., MD and Lillian Ruth Blackmon, MD Professor of Maternal Fetal Medicine

Donor Generosity Paves Way for Dr. Turan to Continue Mission of Improving Outcomes for Mothers and Babies

In front of an in-person audience of friends and colleagues gathered in Westminster Hall, Ozhan Mehmet Turan, MD, a world-renowned obstetrician whose contributions to complex obstetric surgery represent the gold standard of patient care, was invested as the inaugural M. Carlyle Crenshaw, Jr., MD, and Lillian Ruth Blackmon, MD Professor of Maternal Fetal Medicine. Dr. Turan is a Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM). In addition, Dr. Turan serves as an Executive Vice Chair for the Department, Division Chief for Maternal Fetal Medicine, Medical Director for the Center for Advanced Fetal Care, and Program Director for Fetal Therapy and Complex Obstetric Surgery.

Best known for his achievements in clinical care, scientific research, and innovative interventions that have prevented the death of countless mothers and their babies, Dr. Turan has extensive training in fetal interventions and complex obstetric surgeries. Originally practicing medicine in Istanbul, Turkey, he repeated his residency and fellowship training at the University of Maryland once he relocated to the United States. As an American Board-Certified physician for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Maternal & Fetal Medicine, one of Dr. Turan’s main passions is identifying abnormal placental development and preventing adverse fetal and maternal outcomes. For this, he founded the Fetal Therapy Program and Complex Obstetric Surgery Program in 2014, which have both grown in patient volume exponentially since their induction.

The late Dr. Crenshaw, Jr., was a distinguished figure in the realm of high-risk maternity care who dedicated 39 years to advancing the field of obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine. He announced groundbreaking research ranging from diabetes management in pregnant women to innovative treatments for maternal bleeding disorders. His commitment to the community was exemplified by the establishment of an obstetrics care unit in Easton, Maryland, catering to disadvantaged women facing high-risk pregnancies. This commitment to accessible and exceptional healthcare resonated through his wife, Dr. Blackmon, who continued their shared dedication to medicine.

Dr. Blackmon, a prominent neonatologist, forged her path in the medical field through exceptional patient care, research, and leadership roles. Her impact at UMSOM was monumental, including her role as Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and her contributions to the establishment of the Neonatology Fellowship Training Program Endowment and the M. Carlyle Crenshaw, Jr., MD and Lillian Ruth Blackmon, MD, Professorship in Maternal Fetal Medicine.

Irina Burd, MD, PhD, the Sylvan Frieman, MD, Endowed Professor and Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, served as the master of ceremonies, along with Mark T. Gladwin, MD, the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean, University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, Baltimore.

“Knowing him in his capacity as a phenomenal physician-scientist, I can tell with 100 percent certainty that I do not know any other more deserving physician-scientist to receive this prestigious endowment,” said Dr. Burd. “Dr. Turan’s talent, professionalism, skill set, passion for innovation, and evidence-based approach to patient care are truly exemplary.”

An impressive 18 members from the Crenshaw and Blackmon families attended the ceremony in person, while Dr. Blackmon attended virtually. Speaking on behalf of his parents was Bill Crenshaw, son of Dr. Crenshaw, Jr., and Dr.  Blackmon.

In directly addressing the audience, Mr. Crenshaw remarked, “I am awed at your presence because all of you are professionally and personally working for better outcomes for our mothers and babies.”

Other speakers at the ceremony included Christopher R. Harman, MD, FRCS(C), Professor and Past Chair, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at UMSOM, along with Andrew M. Malinow, MD '81, Professor, Departments of Anesthesiology and Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and Vice Chair of Academic Affairs and Faculty Development, Department of Anesthesiology at UMSOM; Catalin S. Buhimschi. MD, MMS, MBA, Department Head, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Professor, Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago; and Mehtap A. Aygun, MD ’80, FACOG, FABIHM, Attending Physician, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mercy Medical Center.

Dr. Harman, who recruited Dr. Turan from the Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine at Yale University, praised him for his commitment to his patients.  “Your commitment to the health of Maryland mothers and their babies, both before and after birth, makes you the perfect person to represent the perinatal principles embodied in this professorship.”

“Here is a clinician who is constantly striving to get the best outcomes for his patients… there is no one I can think of here at the School of Medicine who better demonstrates an exemplary standard of excellence as an obstetrician and gynecologist,” said Dr. Malinow.  

Longtime colleague and friend, Dr. Buhimschi, regarded Dr. Turan as, “one of the most productive maternal-fetal medicine subspecialists in the United States,” with over 120 publications, national and international guest speaker presentations, and abstracts.

Commenting on the great responsibility of holding the endowed professorship, Dr. Aygun spoke directly to Dr. Turan: “Ozhan, you have great shoes to fill as the M. Carlyle Crenshaw, Jr., MD, and Lillian Ruth Blackmon, MD, Professor of Maternal Fetal Medicine,” he said. “But you share Dr. Crenshaw’s exceptional qualities, intelligence, wisdom, and dedication. I have no doubt that you will leave behind, as Dr. Crenshaw did, a department marked with deep and thoughtful attention to excellence.”

Following the presentation of his Investiture medal by Dean Gladwin, Dr. Turan expressed his gratitude, while acknowledging the tremendous support he has received at the School of Medicine. “As you know, success not only depends on how much you work. It also depends on where you work and how much support you are receiving,” said Dr. Turan. “My success is not just because of me. I am in a place where I can grow well. I have been well supported ever since I started at the University of Maryland.”

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