UR Medicine Faculty
The University of Rochester Medical Faculty Group
(URMFG) consists of over 900 specialist and primary care providers spanning 19
departments.
URMFG is certified by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
Accountable Health Partner
Accountable Health Partners (AHP) is a network of
over 2,000 community and UR medical faculty and a dozen leading hospitals throughout the
region. AHP offers a full range of care.
James R. Woods, Jr., M.D. is Professor and past Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, New York. For 16 years Dr. Woods was chief of Maternal Medicine at URMC followed by 11 years as chairman of the Depart...
James R. Woods, Jr., M.D. is Professor and past Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, New York. For 16 years Dr. Woods was chief of Maternal Medicine at URMC followed by 11 years as chairman of the Department. During the past 8 years he has led a dedicated gyn menopause practice. Dr. Woods has authored or co-authored over one hundred forty articles on communication in medicine, complications of pregnancy, and menopause management. He has authored 6 books on obstetrics and four books on menopause management, including one on breast cancer for the gynecologist. Since 1991, he has been the editor-in-chief of the Peri-FACTS Ob/Gyn Academy, an international on-line educational program for obstetric and gynecologic care providers combining articles, clinical cases, grand rounds lectures and teaching videos. In 1996, an endowed Professorship honoring Dr. Woods was established at the University of Rochester. He has been named in Best Doctors in America for many years. In 2010 Dr. Woods was honored by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists with the Outstanding Service Award for District II for his “tireless efforts in the area of obstetric patient safety”. In 2012 he received the lifetime achievement award from the District II American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Woods has lectured extensively on communication in obstetrics and more recently on menopause management. He has pioneered strategies for transforming some of the most challenging clinical interactions with patients after adverse or challenging outcomes into extraordinary opportunities for compassionate communication between clinicians and their patients and family members.
Certified Specialties
Maternal and Fetal Medicine
- American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Obstetrics & Gynecology
- American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Faculty Appointments
Professor
-
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SMD)
Credentials
Residency & Fellowship
Fellowship, Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA Medical Center. 1974 - 1976
Residency, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tripler Army Medical Center. 1971 - 1974
Internship, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tripler Army Medical Center. 1970 - 1971
Education
MD | Wake Forest University School of Medicine.1970
Awards
Annual Service Award for District II of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.2010
2010 Community Champion.2010
Strathmore's Who's Who.2010
International Association of Business Leaders.2010
Guide to America's Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists.2008
Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare.2006
March of Dimes Health Leadership Award for Physician & Education.2006
Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States.2006
Who's Who in Medical Sciences Education.2005
American Men and Women of Science.2004 - 2005
Who's Who Among America's Teachers.2004
Served on Advisory Board of American Hospital Association, Maternal and Child Health Division..1997 - 1999
The 2,000 Best Doctors in the Northeast.1996 - 1997
Endowed Chair honoring Dr. Woods was established at the University of Rochester, James Woods Professorship of Perinatal Medicine.1996
Recipient of the 1993 Hannah G. Solomon Award - Humanitarian Service, presented by Nat'l Council of Jewish Women, Roch. Section.1993
Best Doctors in America Listed under: Addiction Medicine, Addicted Pregnant Women, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medic.1992 - 2010
Best Poster Presentation for SGI "Differential Onset of Auditory & Visual Function in the serially Tested Fetal Lamb".1984
Best Resident Scientific Paper Armed Forces District, ACOG, Las Vegas, Nevada "Amniotic Fluid Lipid, Preliminary Observations.1973
Best Resident Scientific Exhibit Armed Forces District, ACOG, Seattle, WA "Water Vacuum Suction Curettage 1st Trimester Abortion.1972
Eagle Scout.1954
Publications
Journal Articles
Prevention of PPROM: Current and future strategies
Mingione MJ; Pressman EK, Woods JR.
The Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine. 2006; 19(12): 783-789.
Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.. 1991 February 10 (2):107-9. Epub 1900 01 01.
Prenatal sonographic features associated with an imperforate anus and rectourethral fistula.
Hearn B; Sherer DM; Abramowicz JS; Woods JR Jr.
JCU. 1991; 8: 508-512.
Sonographic diagnosis of a viable ampullary tubal pregnancy at 14 weeks gestation.
Sherer DM; Smith S; Allen TA; Woods JR Jr.
JDMS. 1991; 7: 12-14.
Immediate fetal tachycardia following intrapartum saline amnioinfusion for repetitive variable decelerations with oligohydramnios.
Cialone PR; Sherer DM; Woods JR Jr.
Journal of Obstet Gynecol. 1991; 11: 348-349.
Pulsating" midline (falxcerebri), associated with severe hydrocephalus.
Sherer DM; glantz JC; Metlay LA; Lapham LW; Woods JR Jr.
JDMS. 1991; 7: 34.
Severe bilateral pleural effusion, transient.
Sherer DM; Abramowicz JS; Woods JR Jr.
The Fetus. 1991; 1: 4.
Prenatal sonographic findings associated with clefting of the upper two thirds of the fetal sternum.
Mahone PR; Sherer DM; D'Angio C; Woods JR Jr.
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1991; 166: 1219-1221.
Pulsating midline (falx cerebri), associated with severe hydrocephalus.
Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.. 1990 December 9 (12):729-31. Epub 1900 01 01.
Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.. 1985 December 93 (6):759-64. Epub 1900 01 01.
Effect of graded reductions in utero-placental blood flow on the fetal lamb.
Skillman CA; Plessinger MA; Woods JR Jr; Clark KE.
Contraception.. 1974 September 10 (3):305-10. Epub 1900 01 01.
Books
The Little Book of Menopause: Living with the Challenges of Breast Cancer
(2019)
Authors: Woods JR, Warner E, Bonham A
Publisher:
periFACTS Press 2019
The Little Book of Menopause: Understanding the biology and management of menopause (Expanded Edition)
(2018)
Authors: Woods JR. Warner ED
Publisher:
periFACTS Press 2018
The Little Book of Menopause: Understanding the biology and management of menopause
(2017)
Authors: Woods JR, Warner ED
Publisher:
periFACTS Press 2017
The Handbook of Patient Safety compliance: A Practical Guide for Health Care Org
(2005)
Authors: Rozovsky FA; Woods JR Jr.
Publisher:
Jossey-Bass 2005
What do I say? Communicating Intended or Unanticipated Outcomes in Obstetrics
(2003)
Authors: Woods JR Jr; Rozovsky FA
Publisher:
Jossey-Bass 2003
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America
(1998)
Chapter: Cocaine in Pregnancy: Recent data on maternal and fetal risks
Authors: Plessinger MA, Woods JR Jr
Publisher:
WB Saunders Co 1998
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America
(1998)
Chapter: An introduction to reactive oxygen species and their possible roles in substance abuse
Authors: Woods JR Jr, Plessinger MA, Fantel A
Publisher:
WB Saunders Co 1998
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America
(1998)
Authors: Woods JR Jr
Publisher:
W.B. Saunders Co. 1998
Loss in Pregnancy or in the Newborn Period.
(1997)
Authors: Woods JR Jr; Woods JE
Publisher:
Anthony Jannetti Publishing Company, Pittman, New Jersey 1997
Prenatal Cocaine Exposure
(1996)
Chapter: Obstetrical Pathophysiology of Cocaine
Authors: Glantz JC, Woods JR
Publisher:
CRC Press 1996
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
(1993)
Chapter: Significance of amniotic fluid meconiuim
Authors: Woods JR Jr and Glantz JC
Publisher:
WB Saunders Co, Philadelphia 1993
Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
(1993)
Chapter: Heroin, cocaine and phencyclidine: Obstetric Perspectives
Authors: Glantz JC, Woods JR Jr
Publisher:
JB Lippincott, Philadelphia 1993
Clinical Maternal-Fetal Medicine
(1993)
Chapter: Drug abuse in pregnancy: Hallucinogens, stimulants, alcohol and opiates.
Authors: Woods JR Jr, Cullen JBH
Publisher:
PPGI 1993
Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
(1993)
Chapter: Maternal, Placental, and Fetal Pathophysiology of Cocaine Exposure During Pregnancy
Authors: Plessinger MA and Woods JR Jr
Publisher:
JB Lippincott, Philadelphia 1993
Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Principles and Practice
(1989)
Chapter: Significance of meconium in amniotic fluid
Authors: Woods JR Jr, Dolkart LA
Publisher:
WB Saunders Co 1989
Stillbirth
(1987)
Chapter: Pregnancy Loss, Medical Therapeutics and Practical Considerations
Authors: Woods JR Jr
Publisher:
Williams and Wilkins Co. 1987
Pregnancy Loss, Medical Therapeutics and Practical Considerations
(1987)
Chapter: Death of a newborn: Merging parental expectations and medical reality
Authors: Woods JR Jr
Publisher:
WIlliams and Wilkins Co 1987
Pregnancy Loss, Medical Therapeutics and Practical Considerations
(1987)
Chapter: Medical training in obstetrics: Are we meeting patient expectations?
Authors: Woods JR Jr
Publisher:
Williams and Wilkins Co 1987
Pregnancy Loss, Medical Therapeutics and Practical Considerations
(1987)
Chapter: Obstetrician as outpatient counselor
Authors: Woods JR Jr
Publisher:
Williams and Wilkins Co. 1987
Pregnancy Loss, Medical Therapeutics and Practical Considerations
(1987)
Chapter: Value of the perinatal autopsy
Authors: Woods JR Jr, Benton R
Publisher:
Williams and Wilkins Co. 1987
Pregnancy Loss, Medical Therapeutics and Practical Considerations
(1987)
Chapter: Perinatal support service at the University of Cincinnati
Authors: Woods JR Jr, Klein Rev. BA
Publisher:
Williams and Wilkins Co 1987
Animal Models in Fetal Medicine (VI)
(1987)
Chapter: Application of sensory evoked potentials to perinatal physiology
Authors: Woods JR Jr, Plessinger MA, Dolkart LA
Publisher:
Perinatology Press 1987
Pregnancy Loss, Medical Therapeutics and Practical Considerations
(1987)
Authors: Woods JR Jr; Esposito J
Publisher:
Williams and Wilkins 1987
Principles of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
(1984)
Chapter: Significance of meconium in amniotic fluid
Authors: Woods JR Jr
Publisher:
WB Saunders 1984
Clinics in Perinatology
(1983)
Chapter: Birth asphyxia: Pathophysiologic events and fetal adaptive changes
Authors: Woods JR Jr
Publisher:
Ed W Rayburn 1983
Trauma in Pregnancy
(1979)
Chapter: Management of hypovolemia and hypoxia in pregnancy
Authors: Brinkman CR III, Woods JR Jr
Publisher:
WB Saunders Co 1979
Fetal and Newborn Cardiovascular Physiology
(1978)
Chapter: Antogeny of the autonomic conrol of cardiovascular functions in the sheep
Authors: Assali NS, Brinkman CR III, Woods JR Jr, Dandavino A
Publisher:
Garland Press, New York 1978
Ratings & Comments
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Ratings
Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries
4.9 stars
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care
4.9 stars
Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition
4.9 stars
Likelihood of recommending this care provider to others
4.9 stars
Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment (options, risks, benefits, etc.)
4.9 stars
Patient Comments
Dr Woods is very kind and patient. He explains everything in detail and is a great listener. I trust him with my health care as he is extremely knowledgeable.
Dec 29, 2024
I felt dismissed about my concerns. The report in MyChart did not reflect the truth.
Dec 27, 2024
Discussion of the use of hormones took place during initial meeting with Dr Woods so there was no need for a longer conversation than the one we had. Dr Woods assured me that I was healthy despite my disruptive cough - physically, I wasn't feeling the best. This said, I wasn't there to discuss my cough.
Dec 25, 2024
I've already recommended Dr Woods to many women my age who need help with menopause issues
Dec 22, 2024
I wish there were more Doctor's out there like Dr. James Woods! Dr. Woods is very caring and concerned with his patient's well being. He sits and talks with you, not down to you. He listens and tries very hard to help with your every need. I am so glad I found him, he has been so helpful with addressing my health concerns. He is the best!
Dec 10, 2024
Dr. Woods is excellent
Dec 06, 2024
He was great
Nov 27, 2024
It was so nice to spend time with a provider who took time to get to know me and my concerns. I have already recommended this practice to several friends experiencing similar issues.
Nov 10, 2024
Dr. Woods showed great concern for me!
Nov 03, 2024
5.0 stars
Dr. Woods is a true, caring professional. He listens and offers thoughtful options.
Oct 28, 2024
5.0
So glad that this visit was recommended!!
Oct 12, 2024
5.0
Dr. Woods is an outstanding doctor for many years in the Rochester area, his knowledge and expertise are exceptional
Oct 07, 2024
5.0
The doctor spent 45 minutes with me listening to me and giving me information about menopause and post menopausal health. Such an excellent way to begin a doctor/patient relationship. I wish all doctors did this!
Oct 01, 2024
5.0
Dr Woods is excellent and a gift to women's health
Sep 26, 2024
5.0
It was a very good experience.
Sep 21, 2024
5.0
Excellent
Sep 07, 2024
5.0
EXCELLENT. Kind, patient, and responsive to my medical concerns.
Aug 11, 2024
5.0
I did feel rushed in the appointment
Aug 08, 2024
2.2
[...] Was not really asked about why I was there. The doctor was extremely nice [...]. I have a concern and wanted a second opinion on and it wasn't addressed.
Jul 25, 2024
5.0
Good
Jul 22, 2024
5.0
Dr Woods was thorough in providing information about menopause using graphics to explain what's happening in the body over time. He also explained results of a 2002 study that may or may not have impacted my approach to navigating menopause. I shared that I wished I was aware of this practice when I was 48-49ish years old. The information that he provided would have been really helpful back then, if for no other reason to at least normalize my experience. I experienced Dr. Woods as humanistically oriented which allowed me to take the risk to share my challenging experience with my former PCP.
Jul 10, 2024
4.2
In regards to the time spent with me and the explanations provided, he undeniably exceeded most, if not all visits with other physicians. To an incredible fault. The level to which the information was dumbed down and explained to me - even though I communicated my more than adequate education and knowledge regarding the subject matter - was immensely frustrating and felt like a substantial waste of time. Moreover, the physician's compulsion to do so caused him to not listen to me as much as would have been desired. I wanted to communicate but it was difficult to get a word in. He was more preoccupied with giving a lecture regarding why I was there as opposed to listening why I felt I needed to be there. Perhaps such a lesson would be beneficial to many individuals who are not familiar with biology and/or the specific biological processes that have compelled them to seek out help. I am sure many of them are grateful to have him provide a rudimentary understanding of what is going on with their body. But for myself it was frustrating and felt like a waste of valuable time. Better yet, I wouldn't have minded being provided literature and articles to read prior to the appointment so that our time could've been better utilized and allowed me to share more, as opposed to him spending most of the time conducting a presentation reminiscent of college lecture halls. He is a good physician, no doubt, but perhaps his initial patient appointments should be catered more to the individual for whom he is providing care.
May 26, 2024
4.9
Excellent physician and staff.
May 20, 2024
5.0
Always wonderful care here.
May 19, 2024
5.0
Dr. Woods is fantastic! Always friendly, nice, funny and when the appointment is done I always feel like I was understood and given good advice and care.
May 05, 2024
Dr Woods always listens very carefully to what I have to say and tailors his advice based on the way we have talked before. He remembers issues that have happened with treatments and takes those into account when we discuss changes. He asks for my opinion on his suggestions and always lets me know I should follow up with any questions or problems rather than waiting for our next appointment if things aren't going as well as hoped. He also speaks kindly and with compassion and understanding for impact on quality of life. Further, he enquirer about serious health issues he knows have been occurring in my family, which makes me feel like he is treating me as a whole person.
Feb 16, 2024
2.6
Dr Woods talked ALOT and listened very little. He didn't seem concerned about my symptoms at all.
Feb 08, 2024
Dr. Woods is always very detailed in his explanations, answers questions thoroughly and never makes me feel rushed.
Jan 05, 2024
5.0
Dr. Woods was very kind and understanding, explained everything in an easy to understand. I even received a phone call from Dr. Woods the next morning to see how I was doing after the appointment.
Dec 22, 2023
5.0
He was thorough and offered suggestions to prevent this problem in the future.
Nov 20, 2023
5.0
Dr. Woods is kind, compassionate and put me at ease.
Nov 13, 2023
5.0
Dr. Woods is awesome and I frequently recommend him to others looking for a GYN who focuses on post menopausal patients.
Oct 30, 2023
Dr. Woods is the best doctor I have an always takes the time to explain things properly
Oct 18, 2023
3.4
This provider did a lot of talking but very little active listening.
Sep 20, 2023
5.0
I have already referred others.
Sep 19, 2023
5.0
Dr Woods is very kind and always there to help with any issues
Sep 13, 2023
5.0
Dr. Woods is easy to talk to and takes genuine interest in me (patient).
Aug 15, 2023
3.0
First time meeting this doctor and his mannerisms to make me comfortable are contrary to what makes me comfortable. He joked and tried to be light, I would prefer a doctor who is more serious with just the facts. So for me I did not feel comfortable [...]
Jul 28, 2023
5.0
Excellent patient caring/,interest in me
Jul 25, 2023
5.0
This practice has ALWAYS been excellent.
Jun 15, 2023
5.0
I have recommended him to others.
Jun 12, 2023
5.0
Most amazing experience I have ever had with a physician. He asked me if he could be part of my team. He let me know he could help me with my symptoms. He took time with me and made me feel like a person. The visit literally brought me to tears. I have been a nurse for almost 25 years and never felt the compassion I felt working with Dr. Woods. He is the best kept secret at the UofR. I am saddened to think that when he retires, there may not be another MD who wants to work with women who suffer from menopause.
Apr 24, 2023
5.0
It was a very good experience.
Mar 30, 2023
1.4
Provider had a list of things he tick of in his head without waiting for feedback or Q's [...]
Mar 25, 2023
I have already recommended Dr. Woods to several of my friends. He is very knowledgeable and a good listener. Helps me with all of my concerns & Issues. Great Doctor!
Mar 11, 2023
5.0
Dr. Woods is one of the best doctors I've seen for listening, explaining, and working together with me to find the right solution. He takes all concerns seriously and knows and remembers my medical info. I truly wish I had more doctors who wereThis understanding and willing to make things a partnership in finding answers to complex situations as my other chronic illnesses often cause things to be not textbook' and Dr Woods is good at avoiding a cookie cutter approach and takes time to learn individual symptoms.
Mar 09, 2023
5.0
Wish he could be my doctor for everything
Mar 06, 2023
5.0
Dr. Woods is the best!
Mar 01, 2023
5.0
Feel BLESSED to have Dr. Woods who would help me when my OB/GYN (prior) wouldn't [...] cannot thank him enough, for accepting me as his patient. [...]
Feb 16, 2023
5.0
Dr. Woods very good always follow up appt. every 6 mos.
Jan 25, 2023
5.0
Have already recommended this provider
Jan 21, 2023
5.0
Dr Woods always listens and makes he explains things thoroughly
Jan 13, 2023
5.0
Dr Woods is an expert in Menopause & we ladies are lucky to have him!
Dec 21, 2022
5.0
I would recommend my doctor to anyone. He's very kind and caring. He takes his time explaining everything and is a great listener. I feel very cared for by this doctor.
Dec 10, 2022
Dr. Woods is excellent!!
Dec 06, 2022
5.0
Dr. Woods is the best provider I have ever seen. You should have him teaching everyone how to ask questions and spend time with patients.
Dec 05, 2022
5.0
Always a positive experience.
Nov 18, 2022
5.0
An excellent clinic. Dr. Woods was so kind, caring, gentle and took time to sit and talk through my presenting condition.
Nov 13, 2022
5.0
Dr. Woods is one I would recommend to any women that requires a GYN.
Oct 06, 2022
5.0
Dr. Woods provided excellent care. He saw me within 30 minutes of the time I called his office, reviewed my entire history before the appointment. Was highly knowledgeable about the topic of my visit, was so reassuring and thorough.
Jul 28, 2022
5.0
Very honest and great doctor
Jun 05, 2022
5.0
Dr. Woods was awesome! He talk to me and not at me. He made sure I understood what would happen with care and or treatment.
Apr 28, 2022
5.0
I just can't get over how kind and respectful Dr. Wood's and Cheryl were
Apr 08, 2022
5.0
Best ever
Mar 31, 2022
5.0
Never a bad experience! Always good!
Mar 22, 2022
The provider did an EXCELLENT job with all the questions above. He spent time, listened, explained better than most providers.
Mar 18, 2022
5.0
I have no problems pertaining to their area but if I ever do they are the ones I will want to see for care
