Leader. Speaker. Innovator.
Dr. Versha Pleasant is an OB/GYN passionate about reversing breast cancer-related
health disparities through genetics, precision medicine, and health justice.
Dr. Pleasant is a board-certified OB/GYN physician practicing clinical genetics, specializing in the care of those at increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer due to gene mutations or family history. She also provides specialized gynecologic care to breast cancer survivors. In addition to medical consultation and counseling, she performs risk-reducing surgeries for those at increased risk for ovarian cancer and procedures for those having gynecologic side effects from breast cancer treatments.
She is particularly interested in breast cancer outcomes and genetic testing barriers facing Black women. Dr. Pleasant is an implementation scientist that conducts research exploring the impact of universal breast cancer risk assessment as a way to address racial health disparities. She is also founder of the Redefining the Crown Project, aimed at exploring the experiences of Black women who have undergone hair loss related to chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.
Dr. Pleasant received an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia in French and a master of public health degree from Yale University. She worked for several years for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Rwanda and Côte d’Ivoire. After deciding then to pursue a medical degree, she returned to the United States where she completed her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. She pursued OB/GYN residency training at the University of Michigan, followed by a fellowship in Cancer Genetics & Breast Health at the University of Michigan.
She currently serves as Director of the Cancer Genetics & Breast Health Program at the University of Michigan. She is also Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Cancer Genetics & Breast Health National Working Group. She serves as a member of the Committee on Breast Health of The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO).
Dr. Pleasant was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Afro-Caribbean and Indian parents. Her interest in the field of cancer is rooted in her own family history which includes several generations of breast cancer. The loss of loved ones to cancer and its ripple effect ignited her desire to empower others to know their family history and to be the healthiest version of themselves. She also observed the impact of racial health disparities on cancer outcomes and is dedicated to reversing these injustices.
She currently resides in Michigan with her husband and two children.
Curriculum Vitae
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2016-2020: Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2012-2016: Doctor of Medicine
Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC.
2004-2006: Master of Public Health: Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases
Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT.
2000-2004: Bachelor of Arts: French (Minor: Biology)
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.
Pleasant V, Merajver S. Universal genetic counseling and testing for Black women: A risk-stratified approach to addressing breast cancer disparities. Clin Breast Cancer. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.clbc.2024.11.024.
Pleasant V, Kotian A, Hammoud MM, Maben-Feaster R. The importance of discussing the history of racism in medical student education. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2024;67(3):499-511.
Austin S, Hanson EN, Delacroix E, Bacon E, Rice J, Gerido LH, Rizzo E, Pleasant V, Stoffel EM, Griggs JJ, Resnicow K. Impact of barriers and motivators on the intention and confidence to undergo hereditary cancer genetic testing. J Genet Couns. 2024. doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1926.
Pleasant V, Chapel E, Momoh A, Manorot A, Carver A. Gestational Gigantomastia: Case Report and Review of Treatment Options. Ann Case Rep. 2024;9(2):1-9.
Pleasant V. Gynecologic Care of Black Breast Cancer Survivors. Curr Breast Cancer Rep. 2024;16:84-97.
Pleasant V. Patient counseling for breast cancer screening: Taking changes to USPSTF recommendations into account. OBG Manag. 2023;35(12):43-49.
Hamilton FL, Pleasant V. Obstetrics and Gynecology Care in LatinX Communities. Obstet Gynecol Clin N Am. 2024;51(1):105-124.
Pleasant V. Preface: The Time is Now: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Obstet Gynecol Clin N Am. 2024;51(1):xiii-xvii.
Pleasant V. A Public Health Emergency: Breast Cancer Among Black Communities in the United States. Obstet Gynecol Clin N Am. 2024;51(1):69-103.
Consulting Editor: William F. Rayburn; Editor: Versha Pleasant. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2024;51(1).
Pleasant V, Pearlman MD. Does tamoxifen use increase the risk of endometrial cancer in premenopausal patients? OBG Manag. 2023;35(8):17-18, 20-21.
Pleasant V, Purkiss A, Merajver S. Redefining the “Crown”: Approaching Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia among Black Patients with Breast Cancer. Cancer. 2023;129(11):1629-1633.
Pleasant V. Benign breast disease. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2022;65(3):448-460.
Pleasant V. Management of breast complaints and high risk lesions. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2022;83:46-59.
Pleasant VA, Ulrich N, Pearlman MD, Moravek M. Reproductive considerations for patients with early-onset breast cancer. Curr Breast Cancer Rep. 2022.
Pleasant VA, Griggs JJ. Contemporary residential segregation and cancer disparities. J Clin Oncol. 2021 ;39(25):2739-2741.
Pleasant VA, Samarco A, Keeney-Bonthrone G, Bell S, Saad R, Berger BM. Use of X-ray to assess fecal loading in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Dig Dis Sci. 2019 Dec;64(12):3589-3595.
Honer W, Peng KL, Pleasant VA, Brackmann M, Ebott J, Gutfreund R, McLean K, Reynolds RK, Uppal S. Trends in surgical complexity and treatment modalities utilized in the management of ovarian cancer in an era of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Gynecol Oncol. 2019 Aug;154(2):283-289.
Patel V. 2013 Humanism in Medicine Essay Contest: First Place: Antiretrovirals and small things. Acad Med. 2013 Dec;88(12):1898-99.
2024-present: Member, Committee on Breast Health, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). Serving as a member of the international breast health committee.
2023-present: External Scientific Panel (ESP), National Human Genome Research Institute. Selected to provide expertise in cancer genetics and feedback for the Clinical Genome (ClinGen) Resource Program.
2023-present: Health Equity Rounds (HER) Creator and Moderator. Spearheaded the creation of HER to address disparities in clinical care. Reviewing and moderating University of Michigan OB/GYN resident presentations of clinical cases impacted by race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability.
2022-present: Cancer Genetics & Breast Health National Working Group, Co-Founder and Co-Director. National working group of gynecology providers who work in the areas of cancer genetics, breast cancer survivorship, and those at increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
2020-2021: AAMC Intersectionality Women of Color Working Group, Member. Selected as member from GDI to contribute to bringing visibility to personal and professional experiences of women of color in the healthcare space.
2020-2021: Healthcare Equity and Quality Scholars Program (HEQSP) Member. Selected as member of University of Michigan house officer group aimed at developing leadership skills around changing the course of, and ultimately eliminating, healthcare disparities.
2019-2021: Group on Diversity and Inclusion (GDI), ORR Liaison. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Selected as ORR Liaison to contribute to GDI strategic planning.
2018-2020: Organization of Resident Representatives (ORR) Member. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Selected as one of two Ob/GYN resident representatives for the entire country. Board member since 2019.
2023 APGO Excellence in Teaching Award
2021 Token of Appreciation from Medical Students (TAMS) Award
2019-2020 Resident of the Year
2019-2020 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching
2020: Bronze Beeper Award. Elected by medical student body for medical student education at University of Michigan Hospital.
2019: Michigan Chapter Gold Humanism Honor Society.
2019: Society of Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology (SASCOG) Resident Award. Resident who distinguishes themselves academically and has demonstrated an interest in a career as an Academic Specialist in Ob/GYN.
2018-2019: Resident of the Year Teaching Award
2019: Golden Beeper Award. Highest award elected by medical student body for best female educator resident at University of Michigan Hospital.
2017, 2018: Outstanding Educator Award. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School. For receiving the most nominations from medical students as a positive influence and role model.
2016-2019: Making a Difference Award. Michigan Medicine. Awarded on 5 occasions for performing work in an outstanding manner and demonstrating the UMHS Values in daily work.
2015: Gold Humanism Honor Society, President (Georgetown Chapter). Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC.
2014: READ Poster Award. Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC.
2014: Cura Personalis Award. Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC.
2013: Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Essay Contest Winner: First Place.
2013: Student Life Scholarship Recipient. Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC.
2012: Francophone Humanitarian Award. University of Delaware, Newark, DE. For humanitarian work in francophone Africa.
2005: Downs International Health Fellowship Award. Yale University, New Haven, CT.
2003-2004: Pi Delta Phi National French Honor Society. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.
2002: Wagenheim Creative Writing Award: First Place. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.
2003: Undergraduate Research Symposium Award. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.
2024: Speaker: Identification and Management of Patients with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer. 32nd Annual Primary Health Care of Women Conference. University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, MI.
2024: Coffee & Conversation. A Breast Cancer Awareness Program. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Ypsilanti, MI.
2024: Sister’s Network Greater Metropolitan Detroit Chapter 14th Annual Tea & Conversation Guest Speaker. Detroit, MI.
2024: Beyond the Diagnosis: Special Guest Speaker. Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Ann Arbor, MI.
2024: Redefining the Crown: Creator, Speaker, and Moderator. University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, MI.
2024: The Wake-Up Call Detroit Radio Show Guest Speaker: Breast Cancer in the Black Community. Detroit, MI.
2024: Health Sunday Speaker: Redeeming the Bloodline: Breast cancer and the importance of family history. Reach Church, Ypsilanti, MI.
2024: Leadership and Enrichment for Academic Diversity (LEAD) Panel Speaker: Imposter Syndrome. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2024: Operation Opportunity Speaker. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2024: Cancer Forum Presenter: “Breast Cancer Screening: A Review for Healthcare Providers.” Michigan Primary Care Association, Ypsilanti, MI.
2024: Time to Teal 5k Speaker. Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance, Ann Arbor, MI.
2024: Ob/GYN Grand Rounds Speaker: “Gynecologic Care of Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer Syndromes.” Trinity Health System, Ann Arbor Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI.
2024: Moderator: Get Healthy Together Community Event. Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2024: Fellowship Lecturer: “GYN Care of Hereditary Cancer Syndromes.” Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2023: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. “Prevention & Early Detection of Breast Cancer.” Ann Arbor, MI.
2023: Moderator: Beyond Awareness: Structural Change for Equity Symposium. University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, MI.
2023: Ob/GYN Grand Rounds Speaker: “Breast Cancer & Genetic Testing: A Refresher for the Gynecologist.” University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, MI.
2023: Western University, Workshop Speaker. “Breast Cancer in Underrepresented Groups.” Kalamazoo, MI.
2023: Ann Arbor Black Nurses Association. “Prevention & Early Detection of Breast Cancer.” Ann Arbor, MI.
2023: Rogel Cancer Center Retreat. “BRCA and Hormone Replacement.” Ann Arbor, MI.
2023: The Links, Incorporated. Patuxent River, Maryland Chapter. “THE TIME IS NOW! Take Charge of Your Health – A Look at Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer in African Americans.”
2023: University of Michigan 5th Annual Health Equity Leadership Program: Racial & Ethnic Health Disparities in Diagnosis & Management of Breast Cancer. Ann Arbor, MI.
2023: University of Michigan LEAD Program Panelist. Ann Arbor, MI.
2023: Dynami Foundation Fireside Chat on Women’s Breast Health: Panelist. Detroit, MI.
2023: University of Michigan In-Service DEI Speaker: “Black Skin, White Coat.” Ann Arbor, MI.
2023: University of Michigan REI Fellowship Didactic Guest Speaker: “Cancer Genetics & Breast Health.” Ann Arbor, MI.
2023: Karmanos Health Equity Book Club Speaker: “Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of our Nation”, By Linda Villarosa. Karmanos Cancer Center, Detroit, MI.
2023: First United Methodist Church, Conversations about Science and Religion Class Speaker: “Breast Cancer Among Black Women: Prevention, Treatment & Outcomes.” Ann Arbor, MI.
2023, 2024: Operation Breast Density Inaugural Breast Cancer Screening Symposium Speaker: “Breast Health and Genetic Counseling.” Detroit, MI.
2022: Improving Healthcare Systems Lecturer: “Historical Racism in Obstetrics and Gynecology.” University of Michigan, School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI.
2022: Women’s and Gender Studies Lecturer: “Breast Cancer Among Black Women: Prevention, Treatment & Outcomes.” University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2022: Focus on Women Event Speaker: “Breast Cancer, Genetics and Prevention.” Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI.
2022: Michigan Radiological Society Breast Imaging Meeting Speaker: “Breast MRI: Current Practices & Challenges.”
2022: Dynami Foundation Guest Speaker: “Gynecologic Care of Breast Cancer Survivors.”
2022: Sisters Network Inc. Guest Speaker: “Prevention & Early Detection Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC).” Detroit, MI.
2022: Alpha Epsilon Delta Guest Speaker: “What I have learned: Lessons in Healthcare & Life.” University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2022: Bethel AME Church Pink Sunday Speaker: “Breast Cancer/Breast Health.” Ann Arbor, MI.
2022: First United Methodist Church Juneteenth Speaker: “The Left-Handed Desk.” Ann Arbor, MI.
2022: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Theta Omega Omega Chapter Speaker: “Empowering Black Women to Manage their Breast Health.”
2022: NHGRI Diversity Action Plan Seminar Speaker. NIH, Bethesda, MD.
2022: NIH/NHGRI Dialogues with Docs Speaker. NIH, Bethesda, MD.
2022: Basser Center Speaker: “Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer Syndromes: A Gynecologic Perspective.” University of Pennsylvania, Basser Center for BRCA, Philadelphia, PA.
2022: Rogel Virtual Breast Cancer Forum: “Gynecologic Care of Breast Cancer Survivors.” University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2022: Rogel Cancer Center Lecturer: “Breast MRI: Current Practices & Challenges.” University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2022: Anesthesiology Book Club Speaker: “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.” University of Michigan, Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor, MI.
2022, 2024: OB/GYN Bootcamp Lecturer: “Historical Racism in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Breast Care in Ob/GYN.” University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2022, 2024: Cancer Genetics Lecturer: “Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer Syndromes: A Gynecologic Perspective.” University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2022: Women’s and Gender Studies Lecturer: “Breast Cancer Among Black Women: Prevention, Treatment & Outcomes.” University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2022: Improving Healthcare Systems Lecturer: “Historical Racism in Obstetrics and Gynecology.” University of Michigan, School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI.
2022: Ob/GYN Grand Rounds Speaker: “Genetic Counseling and Testing for Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer: Who, When, How?” University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2022: Fundamentals of Reproductive Health Speaker: “Breast Health.” University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2022: Karmanos Grand Rounds Speaker: “A Tale of 2 Women: Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Genetics.” Karmanos Cancer Center, Detroit, MI.
2022: Radiology Grand Rounds Speaker: “A Tale of 2 Women: Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Genetics.” University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2022: Finding the Right Fit: “Navigating the Many Paths of OB/GYN.” Howard University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C.
2021: Giving The Gift of Knowledge (Moderator) Webinar. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2021: Breast Health CORE lecture. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2021, 2024: Ob/GYN Resident Lecturer: “Breast Disease and Cancer Genetics.” University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2021: Limbs and Things, Cancer and the Aging Adult podcast
2021: Panel Discussion on the History of Health Disparities Within Communities of Color: Exploring the Strained Relationship Between these Communities and Healthcare (Featured Panelist). Black Medical Association, University of Michigan.
2021: Pancreatic Cancer & Clinical Trials: Why They Matter to Communities of Color (Moderator). Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center.
2020: Focus on Women: Breast Cancer (Featured Speaker). Rogel Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement Team. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2020: Health Equity Student Mentorship and Advising Panelist. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2020: Health Equity Leadership Weekend. Speaker and Panelist: Disparities in Breast Cancer. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2020: Doctors of Tomorrow Panelist. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2020: Peaceful Virtual Protest: “Black Skin, White Coat.” Black Medical Association, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2020: Ob/GYN Subspecialty Virtual Panel. University of Washington School of Medicine.
2020: Wisdom on the Wards Panelist. Black Medical Association, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2020: Melanin in Medicine Virtual Conference Panelist. Black Medical Association, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2020: Diversity in Medicine Conference Panelist. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2020: Grand Rounds: “A Tale of Two Women: Breast Cancer Genetics and the African Diaspora.” University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2013: Alumni Weekend Health Disparities Panelist. Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC.
2011: Pi Delta Phi French Honor Society Keynote Speaker. University of Delaware, Newark, DE.
2010-2012: “French in the Professional World” Lecturer. University of Delaware, Newark, DE.
2006: Master’s Tea Ceremony Keynote Speaker. Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT.2024: Health Sunday Speaker: Redeeming the Bloodline: Breast cancer and the importance of family history. Reach Church, Ypsilanti, MI.
