Andrea Knittel

Andrea Knittel, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology with tenure at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, holding an adjunct appointment in the Department of Health Behavior at the Gillings School of Global Public Health. She serves as Medical Director for Carceral Obstetrics and Gynecology and Fellowship Director for the General Obstetrics and Gynecology Research Fellowship.

Her educational background includes:

• MD from the University of Michigan (2013)
• PhD in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of Michigan (2013)

Dr. Knittel's research centers on mitigating obstetric/gynecologic health disparities among incarcerated populations through investigations of substance use disorders in pregnancy, menopause-incarceration intersections, and postpartum contraception access. Her work combines clinical practice with public health frameworks to address systemic barriers across the life course.

Recent publications (2020-2024) reveal consistent focus on carceral health systems, with studies spanning gynecologic oncology disruptions, opioid treatment continuity, and HIV/menopause symptomatology in incarcerated settings. Her scholarship bridges addiction medicine, reproductive epidemiology, and prison healthcare policy.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Golden Tarheel Award (Medical Student Teaching Award) - 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024
• John and Joe Carol Thorp Big Heart Award - 2021
• James W. Woods Junior Faculty Award - 2020

As Fellowship Director, Dr. Knittel mentors obstetrics/gynecology researchers in health equity methodologies while providing clinical supervision across UNC's prison-based OB/GYN services. Her grant portfolio includes NIH-supported studies on perinatal substance use interventions though specific funding mechanisms aren't detailed in source materials.

She leads the statewide Carceral Obstetrics and Gynecology program delivering full-spectrum care to incarcerated women, trans men, and gender-expansive individuals, while directing research initiatives through the General Obstetrics Fellowship focused on justice-involved populations.