Dr. Johana Ullmo | Obstetrics | Best Researcher Award

Doctor at Hospital of the Holy Cross and Saint Paul, China

Dr. Johana Ullmo is a skilled obstetrician-gynecologist based at the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau in Barcelona, Spain. Since 2020, she has held the position of Médico Adjunto in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics affiliated with the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. She plays a crucial role in the Placental Insufficiency Unit, managing complex pregnancies involving intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia. In 2024, she became the lead obstetrician in the Perinatal Mental Health Unit, supporting women with mental health challenges and social risks during the perinatal period. Passionate about maternal-fetal medicine, Dr. Ullmo is completing her PhD on cardiac remodeling influenced by anti-angiogenic environments in preeclampsia. She contributes to numerous research initiatives and clinical trials and is a frequent participant and presenter at international conferences. Her career integrates patient care, research, and innovation in women’s cardiovascular and reproductive health.

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Education

Dr. Johana Ullmo earned her MD in Medicine from the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya in 2015. Following graduation, she pursued residency training in Gynecology and Obstetrics at Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus (2016–2020), where she developed strong clinical and surgical competencies. Her academic path reflects a continuous pursuit of excellence, with clinical exposure complemented by international training at the Hôpital Necker des Enfants Malades (Université Paris V) in France, where she completed a two-month research residency. She is currently in the final stages of her doctoral thesis, which explores the role of anti-angiogenic environments in cardiac remodeling in patients at risk for preeclampsia. This advanced study not only underscores her expertise in maternal cardiovascular health but also reflects her commitment to translational research. Her education, grounded in evidence-based practice, has shaped her as both a practitioner and a scholar in women’s health.

Work Experience

Dr. Ullmo has a rich and diverse clinical background. She began her medical career in 2020 as a Médico Adjunto at Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus and continued at the Consorci Sanitari de Barcelona, before taking her current position at Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. She has also contributed as a co-investigator in clinical trials at ISGlobal (2020–2021), focusing on obstetric complications and COVID-19 in pregnancy. Her primary role centers on high-risk pregnancies, especially in the Placental Insufficiency Unit, and as of 2024, she leads obstetric care in the Perinatal Mental Health Unit, where she provides specialized care for vulnerable women. Dr. Ullmo’s integration of clinical duties with research and teaching responsibilities highlights her holistic approach to maternal care. She is known for her multidisciplinary collaborations, participation in national and international conferences, and her dedication to improving maternal-fetal outcomes through both clinical innovation and research.

🏆 Awards & Honors

While specific awards were not detailed, Dr. Ullmo’s recognitions stem from her impactful contributions in prestigious international congresses such as ISUOG, the ESC Congress, and the World Congress in Fetal Medicine. Her repeated selection as a presenter for oral communications and posters reflects her scientific credibility and leadership in maternal-fetal health. She serves as corresponding author and principal investigator in peer-reviewed studies, evidencing her academic stature. Her participation in European-funded research projects (e.g., ANGIOCOR) and randomized clinical trials highlights her collaborative reputation in maternal health innovation. Dr. Ullmo’s nomination as lead obstetrician for perinatal mental health and her active roles in clinical protocol development further demonstrate her professional esteem and institutional trust. These roles and recognitions, in tandem, position her as an emerging expert in preeclampsia, maternal cardiovascular risk, and perinatal health equity.

Research Focus

Dr. Ullmo’s research bridges maternal-fetal medicine and cardiovascular obstetrics, with a strong emphasis on preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and placental insufficiency. Her doctoral thesis explores cardiac remodeling in pregnant women under anti-angiogenic stress, aiming to decode early cardiovascular risk in women predisposed to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. She has actively contributed to longitudinal studies evaluating fetal cardiac function using advanced imaging techniques like 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography. Her clinical research is enriched by her participation in the ANGIOCOR project, and she has studied the impact of biomarkers (e.g., sFlt-1/PlGF ratios) on diagnosis and prognosis. Beyond cardiovascular focus, she engages in clinical trials on COVID-19 in pregnancy and perinatal mental health screening. Her holistic approach addresses both somatic and psychological risks, advocating for integrative care models in obstetrics. She blends observational research with clinical implementation, offering real-world benefits to maternal healthcare.

🛠️ Skills

Dr. Ullmo offers an impressive portfolio of clinical, research, and communication skills. Clinically, she is proficient in managing high-risk pregnancies, especially those involving intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, and maternal cardiovascular disorders. She has expertise in fetal monitoring, Doppler studies, and echocardiographic imaging techniques including 2D-STE. Academically, she is skilled in systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and designing prospective cohort studies. She demonstrates competence in manuscript preparation, peer collaboration, and academic presentations. Her participation in randomized trials and role as corresponding author show strong project management and leadership capabilities. Bilingual in Spanish and fluent in English, she is adept in multidisciplinary communication, vital for team-based obstetric care. Dr. Ullmo’s contributions in perinatal mental health underscore her psychosocial assessment and counseling skills. With experience at renowned institutions and cross-border exposure in France, she is also adaptable and globally minded. Her approach combines precision medicine with empathy-driven maternal care.

Conclusion

Dr. Johana Ullmo is a highly qualified and promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetric research. Her current trajectory—combining clinical excellence with a strong academic profile—aligns well with the values of this award. Her ongoing doctoral work, leadership roles in impactful studies, and consistent scientific output demonstrate dedication and innovation. With continued support and future leadership in independently funded research, she has the potential to emerge as a global leader in her field.

Publications to Noted

Title: Low-molecular-weight heparin for prevention of preeclampsia and other placenta-mediated complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: M. Cruz-Lemini, J.C. Vázquez, J. Ullmo, E. Llurba
Citations: 90
Year: 2022

Title: Longitudinal behavior of left-ventricular strain in fetal growth restriction
Authors: C. Domínguez-Gallardo, N. Ginjaume-García, J. Ullmo, A. Fernández-Oliva, et al.
Citations: 6
Year: 2023

Title: Gestational age-adjusted reference ranges for fetal left ventricle longitudinal strain by automated cardiac motion quantification between 24 and 37 weeks’ gestation
Authors: C. Domínguez-Gallardo, N. Ginjaume-García, J. Ullmo, C. Trilla, M.C. Medina, et al.
Citations: 5
Year: 2022

Title: Cardiac dysfunction and remodeling regulated by anti-angiogenic environment in patients with preeclampsia: the ANGIOCOR prospective cohort study protocol
Authors: J. Ullmo, M. Cruz-Lemini, O. Sánchez-García, L. Bos-Real, et al.
Citations: 4
Year: 2021

Title: Fetal left ventricle function evaluated by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography across clinical stages of severity in growth-restricted fetuses
Authors: C. Domínguez-Gallardo, N. Ginjaume-García, J. Ullmo, J. Parra, A. Vázquez, et al.
Citations: 3
Year: 2024

Title: N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide as biomarker to predict pre‐eclampsia and maternal–fetal complications
Authors: M.N. Nan, C. Garrido‐Giménez, Á. Garcia‐Osuna, P. Garcia-Manau, J. Ullmo, et al.
Citations: 2
Year: 2025

Title: Cardiovascular risk assessment in women at high risk for pre‐eclampsia in first half of pregnancy
Authors: J. Ullmo, M. Cruz‐Lemini, L. Bos‐Real, M. Padilla, M. Coma‐Barbarà, et al.
Citations: Not listed
Year: 2025

Title: OC17.06: First trimester cardiac function in women with and without high risk of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: J. Ullmo, M. Cruz‐Lemini, M.C. Barbarà, S. Martorell, C. Trilla, et al.
Citations: Not listed
Year: 2024

Title: EP09.25: Longitudinal behaviour of left ventricular strain in subtypes of growth‐restricted fetuses
Authors: C.D. Gallardo, N.G. García, J. Ullmo, J. Parra, A. Vázquez-Fariñas, et al.
Citations: Not listed
Year: 2024

Title: Fetal left ventricle function evaluated by 2D-STE across clinical stages of severity in growth-restricted foetuses
Authors: C. Dominguez, N. Ginjaume, J. Ullmo, J. Parra, A. Vaquez, M. Cruz-Lemini, et al.
Citations: Not listed
Year: 2024

Johana Ullmo | Obstetrics | Best Researcher Award