Jimmy Espinoza, MD, MSc, FACOG

Biography

Dr. Jimmy Espinoza joined the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences in 2022 as a Professor the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division at UTHealth Houston and most recently joined the Division of Fetal Intervention in September 2023.

Dr. Espinoza’s clinical interests include in-utero interventions for the management of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, lower fetal urinary tract obstructions, fetal pleural effusions, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and fetal neural tube defects. Additional clinical and research interests include the use of imaging modalities in the prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defects, in particular the use of 3D/4D ultrasonography in the diagnosis of fetal heart defects.

A particular focus in Dr. Espinoza’s research is the use of biomarkers for stratification of risk to develop severe features in patients with suspicion of preeclampsia. He is the lead author of the latest ACOG practice bulletin for the diagnosis and management of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

Dr. Espinoza received his medical degree from San Marcos University in Peru. He then completed his residency at the Maternal Perinatal Institute of the University of San Marcos and William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan. Dr. Espinoza completed his clinical fellowship in Fetal Medicine at the Fetal Medicine Foundation in London, United Kingdom. He also served as a Research fellow for the Perinatology Research Brand of the NICHD/NIH/DHHS and then as associated professor at the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Additionally, he holds a Master of Science (MSc) on Reproductive Health from the University of Wales in the United Kingdom.

He has held several positions throughout his career, most recently as co-director of the fetal center at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and as a tenured Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Fetal Therapy and Surgery. He was also a Member of BCM Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee.

Dr. Espinoza is a recipient of numerous awards that recognize his contributions to obstetrics, gynecology, and maternal-fetal medicine. These include the top 2% of scientists most frequently cited worldwide by PLoS Biology (H-index: 82 and i10-index: 236), the Norton Rose Fulbright Faculty Excellence Award at Baylor College of Medicine for Development of Enduring Educational Materials, and the lead author of one of the top 10 Most-Frequently Cited Articles in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology over the prior five years with the article entitled  “Identification of patients at risk for early onset and/or severe preeclampsia with the use of uterine artery Doppler velocimetry and placental growth factor” Dr. Espinoza is currently a member of the ACOG Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines in Obstetrics.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Espinoza is a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine and the Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy. He has served on several national committees as a reviewer and grant reviewer. Dr. Espinoza has obtained several NIH grant supports with over 2 million in federal funding throughout his career.

Dr. Espinoza has published over 300 peer-reviewed articles and 20 invited articles, including reviews, clinical opinions, and editorials. Additionally, he has authored or co-authored nineteen book chapters. He is a recognized local, national, and international speaker, presenting in various countries worldwide.