Dr. Melissa Gilliam is Associate Professor of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Chief of the Section of Family Planning at the University of Chicago Medical Center. An expert in pediatric and adolescent gynecology, Dr. Gilliam helps girls and women age 21 and younger who have complicated gynecologic problems or need gynecologic surgery. Dr. Gilliam specializes in bleeding problems, pelvic surgery, breast disease, and abnormal pap smears. She has interests in family planning and contraception. Her pediatric and adolescent gynecology practice focuses on the treatment of complex gynecologic problems in girls and young women.

An active researcher, Dr. Gilliam has been an investigator in several studies related to contraception and family planning. Specifically, she focuses on contraceptive use among teens and women who are at risk for unintended pregnancy. She also serves as director of the fellowship in family planning at the University of Chicago, which is dedicated to training specialists in high-level research and clinical skills related to all aspects of family planning.

Dr. Gilliam is chairwoman of the Guttmacher Institute board of directors.