Rachel A. Newman, MD, MBA

Biography

Rachel A. Newman, MD, MBA, is an Assistant Professor in the Divisions of Fetal Intervention and Maternal-Fetal Medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, where she also serves as Associate Program Director for the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences residency program.

Dr. Newman earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Art History from Wellesley College, graduating magna cum laude. She completed her medical degree at Tufts University School of Medicine, where she was awarded a Global Health Travel Grant, and concurrently obtained a Master of Business Administration in health policy and management from the Heller School at Brandeis University. She then completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, Irvine, serving as Administrative Chief Resident, followed by a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Dr. Newman is passionate about providing comprehensive care for patients with high-risk pregnancies, fetal anomalies, and, in particular, those impacted by a cancer diagnosis during pregnancy. Her clinical and research expertise reflects this commitment, spanning maternal medical complications, fetal therapy, advanced maternal age, reproductive outcomes, and equitable models of patient-centered care.

Her recent publications include studies on advanced paternal age and its impact on reproductive outcomes in the NIH nuMoM2b trial, case reports addressing rare obstetric complications, and contemporary reviews on pregnancy in very advanced maternal age. She has also authored work on complex surgical interventions such as hysterotomy for retained placenta, as well as on the use of novel therapeutics like complement blockade in severe COVID-19 during pregnancy. Dr. Newman has presented her research nationally and internationally, including oral presentations at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), focusing on cancer care in pregnancy and shared decision-making.

An active educator and mentor, Dr. Newman received the 2025 Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award from UTHealth Houston in recognition of her dedication to training residents and fellows. She also serves on the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Conflict of Interest Committee and previously contributed to the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative Anemia Task Force.

Beyond her academic and clinical work, Dr. Newman is engaged in community service and leadership, including roles with Aishel House, the Houston Impact Fund, and the Jewish Federation of North America Young Leadership and Philanthropy Cabinet. Outside of work, Dr. Newman enjoys hiking with her puppy, skiing as a professional ski instructor, and working on her Spanish.