Clifford Wai, MD

Associate Professor
Obstetrics & Gynecology

Contact Information

UT Southwestern Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75390

Office Phone: 214-648-3639

clifford.wai@utsouthwestern.edu

To make an appointment, call 214-645-8300.

Biography

Dr. Clifford Wai, who is fluent in both Cantonese and English, is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Fellowship Director of the Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Program at UT Southwestern. He is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a member of the team of urogynecologists who treat women with pelvic floor disorders, such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and fecal incontinence. Dr. Wai attended medical school at Georgetown University and completed residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown University Medical Center, where he was Administrative Chief Resident. During his fellowship training in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at UT Southwestern, Dr. Wai became interested in research to understand and help women with urinary and fecal incontinence. Among the topics he has investigated is the role of nerve injury in anal and urinary incontinence. Committed to treating every patient as an individual, Dr. Wai hopes that the research he is doing will result in promising new treatments for patients with pelvic floor disorders. A central theme in his philosophy towards patient care is in improving quality of life. He believes every patient is distinct and that treatment plans need to be individualized for each patient. Dr. Wai is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, the American Urogynecologic Society, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Education

FellowshipUT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (2003)
ResidencyGeorgetown University Hospital (2000)
InternshipGeorgetown University Hospital (1997)
Medical SchoolGeorgetown University Medical Center School of Medicine (1996)

Research Interests

Childbirth related pelvic floor injury
Effect of episiotomy on the pelvic floor
Nerve injury to the lower urinary tract

Publications

Featured
Effect of periurethral denervation on smooth muscles of the lower urinary tract.

Wai CY, Liehr P, Boreham MK, Schaffer, JI, Word RA , American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology , December 2004; (191):1950-60

Featured
Contractile properties of the denervated external anal sphincter

Wai CY and Word RA , Am J Obstet Gynecol , 2009; (200):653.e1-7

Featured
Recovery of external anal sphincter contractile function after prolonged vaginal distention or sphincter transection in an animal model

Wai CY, Rahn DD, White AB, Word RA , Obstet Gynecol , 2008; (111):1426-34

Featured
Effect of prolonged vaginal distention and sphincter transection on physiologic function of the external anal sphincter

Wai CY, Miller RT, Word RA , Obstet Gynecol , 2008; (111):332-40

Featured
Effect of periurethral nerve transection on the female urethra

Wai CY, Liehr P, Tabbals HF, Segar M, Schaffer JI, Word RA , Am J Obstet Gynecol , 2003; (189):1637-45

Contractile properties of the denervated external anal sphincter

Wai CY and Word RA , Am J Obstet Gynecol , 2009; (200):653.e1-7

Recovery of external anal sphincter contractile function after prolonged vaginal distention or sphincter transection in an animal model

Wai CY, Rahn DD, White AB, Word RA , Obstet Gynecol , 2008; (111):1426-34

Honors/Awards

AUGS/June Allyson Foundation Research Fellowship Award

CREOG National Faculty Award for Excellence in Resident Education

Outstanding Faculty Teacher, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Outstanding Graduating Resident in Gynecology, Georgetown University Medical Center

Outstanding Graduating Resident in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Georgetown University Medical Center

Professional Associations/Affiliations

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

American Urogynecologic Society