Bio
Dr. Wachtel has been practicing general obstetrics and gynecology for 38 years and has personally delivered over 6,000 babies. He continues to have an active practice in general ob/gyn, serving as a Clinical Professor. He is a nationally recognized expert in patient safety, peer review and data driven quality improvement and has served numerous roles in the field and lectured nationally and internationally. Dr. Wachtel is the Assistant Secretary for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and currently serves on the ACOG National Executive Board and Executive Committee. He is the immediate Past Chair for ACOG District IX (the state of California) and also previously served for three years on the ACOG national Executive Board. He also serves on the Executive Committee for the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative and is an Expert Medical Reviewer for the Medical Board of California.
Clinical Focus
- Menlo Clinic > Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Colposcopy and Cervical Dysplasia
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Management
- Menopausal Therapy
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Administrative Appointments
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Clinical Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2017 - Present)
Honors & Awards
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Assistant Secretary and Executive Board Member, ACOG (2018-2020)
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Executive Board Member, California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (2009-present)
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District Chair, ACOG District IX (California) (2014-2017)
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Team Leader, ACOG Voluntary Review of Quality of Care Program (2001-present)
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Program director, ACOG Voluntary Review of Quality of Care Program (2009 to 2012)
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Patient Safety Officer, ACOG District IX (2009-2013)
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Chairman, ACOG Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Committee (2007-2009)
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Chairman, Professional Practice Evaluation Committee (formerly Gynecology Quality Assurance) at Stanford (2003-present)
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Chairman, Professional Practice Evaluation Committee (formerly Obstetric Quality Assurance Committee) at LPCH (2003-present)
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Expert Reviewer, Medical Board of California (2009-present)
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Liaison committee member, ACOG Committee on Obstetric Practice (2004-2007)
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Ex Officio member, ACOG Committee on Professional Liability (2007-2009)
Professional Education
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Residency: Stanford University School of Medicine (1980) CA
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Internship: University of California San Diego School of Medicine Registrar (1977) CA
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Medical Education: University of California San Diego School of Medicine Registrar (1976) CA
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Board Certification: American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology (1982)
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BS with Honors and Distinction, Stanford University, Biology (1972)
Community and International Work
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Ecuador Integration into ACOG
Topic
Integrating Ecuador into ACOG District IX
Partnering Organization(s)
ACOG
Populations Served
Women of Ecuador
Ongoing Project
Yes
Opportunities for Student Involvement
Yes
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Implementation of a Patient Safety Program in Obstetrics for China, Beijing and Shanghai
Topic
Patient Safety in China
Partnering Organization(s)
ACOG, China Center for Diseases of Children
Populations Served
Obstetricians in China
Location
International
Ongoing Project
Yes
Opportunities for Student Involvement
No