Fostering the Future of Women’s Health at Ohio State

The new tower at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, which will include 164,000 square feet for maternal fetal medicine 

“Obstetrics and gynecology has been considered a ‘happy specialty,’ because of the joy and excitement that come with childbirth,” says Mark B. Landon, MD, professor and Richard L. Meiling Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “It is also unique in that it allows one to provide health care for women throughout their lifetime.”

Driven by this passion and a profound sense of gratitude, Dr. Landon has made a first-of-its-kind gift from a faculty member, naming a dedicated space in Ohio State’s new hospital and supporting the future of women’s health across the region. 

With this personal donation, Dr. Landon gives back to the medical center that has defined his career. He is the first faculty member to name a space in the new inpatient tower: The Mark B. Landon, MD, and Jane A. Landon Visitor Lounge, located on one of the new OB/Gyn floors. His gift will contribute to the care experience surrounding the 6,000 Buckeye Babies who will be born at the hospital each year. 

A new home for exceptional care and research

Named in his honor, the Mark B. Landon, MD, and Jane A. Landon Visitor Lounge will serve as a welcoming and comforting space for families supporting their loved ones receiving obstetric care. He is the first faculty member to name a space in the new inpatient tower. The name is under consideration with Ohio State’s Board of Trustees for final approval.

The 164,000 square-foot area for obstetrics and gynecology will be housed on the top three floors of the hospital tower, featuring an entire floor for labor and delivery as well as one for postpartum care. Private rooms will offer enhanced comforts for recovering mothers and other family caregivers. More than 50 bassinets will be available in a neonatal intensive care unit in collaboration with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to give advanced care to premature and critically ill newborns.

“Our department has always aimed to provide the best possible care, and now we’ll have a space that reflects that commitment,” says Dr. Landon.

Beyond a comforting space, the new tower will serve as a clinical research hub. Much of the department’s scientific work originates in labor and delivery, including studies led by Dr. Landon and his team concerning gestational diabetes and pregnancy outcomes.

Ohio State researchers are examining how early diagnosis and interventions during pregnancy can improve maternal and neonatal health, particularly in populations at higher risk. A recent $12 million federal grant supports a multi-site study co-led by Dr. Landon, focused on identifying predictive markers and tailored treatments for gestational diabetes. Dr. Landon believes the state-of-the-art infrastructure in the new facility will advance these efforts.

“This new hospital tower — and the spaces within it like the Landon visitor lounge — will be transformative for our patients and the clinicians who care for them,” says John J. Warner, MD, chief executive officer of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and executive vice president at Ohio State. “Our patients, including expectant parents and their loved ones will experience the most advanced, compassionate care available in a space that reflects the excellence that Ohio State is known for across our research, education and patient care missions.”

Inspiring others to pay forward

Dr. Landon’s gift goes beyond financial support. It sends a message — one of belief in the importance of academic medicine and confidence in Ohio State’s vision to lead the future of health care through innovation, patient-centered care and the training of the next generation of clinical and scientific leaders.   

“Sometimes people assume projects like the new hospital just happen. But they require support — not only from the community, but from within,” says Dr. Landon. “I hope my gift inspires others who have been touched by their time here at Ohio State to give back.”  

“This department has grown in size and scope, and I’ve had the privilege of leading this effort to expand our services to meet the needs of women at every stage of life,” he continues. “Being part of the evolution of one of America’s premier OB/Gyn departments has been one of the great joys of my career.”

“Dr. Landon’s outstanding gift and visionary leadership reflect the spirit of excellence that defines our academic medical center,” says Carol R. Bradford, MD, MS, FACS, dean of the Ohio State College of Medicine and The Leslie H. and Abigail S. Wexner Dean's Chair in Medicine. “His unwavering commitment helps foster a culture of philanthropy that will inspire others to invest in the advancement of medicine, groundbreaking research and the education of future health care leaders at Ohio State.”

A calling rooted in growth and gratitude

Dr. Landon came to Ohio State in 1987 after training at the University of Pennsylvania under the mentorship of Steven Gabbe, MD, then a rising leader in the field.

Dr. Gabbe would go on to become one of the most influential voices in obstetrics and gynecology, serving as CEO of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and a key figure in advancing maternal-fetal medicine nationally. During his tenure, he also helped shape Ohio State’s academic and clinical excellence, leaving a lasting impact on the institution. His mentorship played a formative role in Dr. Landon’s career and his ongoing commitment to women’s health.

Over the years, Landon has helped the department broaden its reach and deepen its impact, becoming one of the most respected OB/Gyn programs in the country.

What’s kept him here all these years? “It’s fundamentally the people. The culture. The shared pursuit of excellence,” says Dr. Landon. “I love working in a team-oriented environment and that’s not something you find everywhere.”

Dr. Landon’s passion for reproductive health and his commitment to mentoring residents, fellows and students have shaped a legacy of service, research and innovation. His deep interest in the physiological processes of human reproduction began during his undergraduate studies in developmental biology and solidified through impactful rotations in medical school. He considers OB/Gyn a distinctive and fulfilling specialty. Dr. Landon often hears from former trainees, patients and their families years later — a testament to the enduring bonds and trust built through this work.

The visitors lounge will support the next generation of Buckeye families — offering a space of rest and reflection during some of life’s most profound moments. As women and infants receive world-class care in the new tower, Dr. Landon’s generosity will help ensure they and their families feel supported, comforted and welcomed.