Joshua Nitsche, MD, PhD
Joshua Nitsche, MD, PhD, specializes in maternal-fetal medicine and simulation-based medical training at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and investigates treatment approaches for pregnant women and babies at risk for birth complications. Using his experience as a clinician, educator and inventor, he develops innovative training devices for ultrasound guided and other invasive procedures.
About Joshua Nitsche
Joshua Nitsche, MD, PhD, earned his medical degree and doctorate from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Before joining Wake Forest School of Medicine’s department of obstetrics and gynecology in 2011, he completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology and a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Nitsche’s research centers on developing best practice, hands-on simulated approaches to educate medical students, residents, fellows and established physicians in high-risk pregnancy and invasive procedures. He created an ultrasound-guided invasive procedure trainer for delicate obstetric procedures like amniocentesis, giving students the opportunity to practice hand-eye coordination and clinical skills in a safe, controlled environment.
The novel training device, which Nitsche first built in his basement workshop, was developed in collaboration with Wake Forest Innovations and Forsyth Technical Community College and is now used as an educational trainer at Wake Forest School of Medicine. The patent-pending simulator has widespread application beyond obstetrics and gynecology and can be used for ultrasound-guided medical procedures in the abdomen, neck and other areas.
In addition to the ultrasound-guided invasive procedure trainer, Nitsche develops simulated task trainers to assist with labor and delivery, allowing students and physicians the opportunity to conduct cervical exams, monitor dilation and effacement, practice vaginal deliveries and simulate emergencies.
An active clinical researcher, Nitsche also investigates blood pressure medications for pregnant women with preeclampsia and treatment approaches for babies who have growth disturbances in utero and increased risk of birth complications.
Nitsche is dedicated to identifying optimal ways and innovative technologies to train medical professionals. He is exploring industry partnerships to commercialize the ultrasound-guided invasive procedure trainer and continues to research and develop patient simulators to improve medical education, safety and health outcomes.
Specialties
Joshua Nitsche, MD, PhD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, is the assistant residency director for simulation at Wake Forest School of Medicine and specializes in:
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- High-risk pregnancy procedures
- Ultrasound guidance
- Amniocentesis
- Preeclampsia
- Hypertension
- Patient simulation research and development
- Medical education and training