Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
To see if Melissa Joy Chen is accepting new patients, or for assistance finding a UC Davis doctor, please call 800-2-UCDAVIS (800-282-3284).
Family Planning
Gynecology
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic
4860 Y St.
Sacramento, CA 95817
Phone: 916-734-6900
Dr. Chen is dedicated to providing comprehensive reproductive health care for her patients.
Dr. Chen is an obstetrician/gynecologist with sub-specialty training in complex family planning.
Dr. Chen is focused on research to improve care for postpartum women. She is also interested in contraceptive development research.
Family Planning
B.A., Molecular and Cell Biology, UC Berkeley, Berkeley CA 2006
M.D. Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago IL 2010
M.P.H., Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago IL 2010
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Medical Center, Chicago IL 2010-2011
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Medical Center, Chicago IL 2011-2014
Family Planning, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento CA 2014-2016
Inspiration Award, American Medical Association Women Physicians Section, 2020
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District IX Mentor of the Year Award, 2020
Paul Hom Clinic Preceptor Certificate of Honor, UC Davis School of Medicine, 2016
Sciarra Resident Award in Family Planning, Northwestern University, 2013
Alpha Omega Alpha, Northwestern University, 2010
To view a detailed list of Dr. Chen's publications, please click here.
Glasier A, Edelman A, Creinin MD, Brache V, Westhoff CL, Han L, Chen MJ, Hemon A. The effect of deliberate non-adherence to a norgestrel progestin-only pill: A randomized, crossover study. Contraception. 2023 Jan;117:1-6. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2022.09.002. Epub 2022 Sep 18. PMID:36130667.
Kaunitz AM, Achilles SL, Zatik J, Weyers S, Piltonen T, Suturina L, Apolikhina I, Bouchard C, Chen MJ, Jensen JT, Westhoff CL, Jost M, Foidart JM, Creinin MD. Pooled analysis of two phase 3 trials evaluating the effects of a novel combined oral contraceptive containing estetrol/drospirenone on bleeding patterns in healthy women. Contraception. 2022 Dec;116:29-36. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2022.07.010. Epub 2022 Aug 1. PMID:35921872.
Jensen JT, Kaunitz AM, Achilles SL, Zatik J, Weyers S, Piltonen T, Suturina L, Apolikhina I, Bouchard C, Chen MJ, Apter D, Jost M, Foidart JM, Creinin MD. Pooled efficacy results of estetrol/drospirenone combined oral contraception phase 3 trials. Contraception. 2022 Dec;116:37-43. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2022.07.009. Epub 2022 Jul 31. PMID:35921870.
Chen MJ, Jensen JT, Kaunitz AM, Achilles SL, Zatik J, Weyers S, Piltonen T, Suturina L, Apolikhina I, Bouchard C, Archer DF, Jost M, Foidart JM, Creinin M. Tolerability and safety of the estetrol/drospirenone combined oral contraceptive: Pooled analysis of two multicenter, open-label phase 3 trials. Contraception. 2022 Dec;116:44-50. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2022.10.004. Epub 2022 Oct 17. PMID:36257374.
Kaller S, Ma M, Gurazada T, Baba CF, Rafie S, Raine-Bennett T, Averbach S, Chen M, Berry E, Meckstroth KR, Grossman D. "No Big Deal": A Qualitative Study of Pharmacists' Perspectives on Dispensing Mifepristone for Medication Abortion. Womens Health Issues. 2022 Nov-Dec;32(6):571-577. doi:10.1016/j.whi.2022.06.007. Epub 2022 Jul 30. PMID:35918240.
Nidey N, Hoyt-Austin A, Chen MJ, Bentley B, Tabb KM, Anyigbo C, Wilder C, Terplan M, McAllister JM, Wexelblatt SL, Murnan A, Kair LR. Racial Inequities in Breastfeeding Counseling Among Pregnant People Who Use Cannabis. Obstet Gynecol. 2022 Nov 1;140(5):878-881. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000004834. Epub 2022 Oct 5. PMID:36201781.
Matulich MC, Hou MY, Chen MJ, Uhm S, Creinin MD. Implementation of telemedicine preoperative visits for abortion procedures through 18 weeks gestation at a Northern California hospital-based center. Contraception. 2022 Oct;114:74-78. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2022.06.001. Epub 2022 Jun 22. PMID:35750146.
Chen MJ, Kair LR, Schwarz EB, Creinin MD, Chang JC. Future Pregnancy Considerations after Premature Birth of an Infant Requiring Intensive Care: A Qualitative Study. Womens Health Issues. 2022 Sep-Oct;32(5):484-489. doi:10.1016/j.whi.2022.03.004. Epub 2022 Apr 28. PMID:35491347.
Han L, Creinin MD, Hemon A, Glasier A, Chen MJ, Edelman A. Mechanism of action of a 0.075 mg norgestrel progestogen-only pill 2. Effect on cervical mucus and theoretical risk of conception. Contraception. 2022 Aug;112:43-47. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2022.03.016. Epub 2022 Mar 31. PMID:35367204.