Obstetrician gynecologist (OB/GYN) Dr. Jennifer Lee Murphy, co-founder of Valparaiso's Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates (OGA), has transitioned to a physician-only role following OGA's merger with NorthShore Health in 2024. Dr. Murphy has served the Northwest Indiana area as an OB/GYN for two decades, dedicating her career to women's health. The merger marks a new phase in her practice, allowing her to concentrate on patient care without the responsibilities of business ownership.
Dr. Murphy began practicing as an OB/GYN in 2003. She became involved with the new OB/GYN practice that would become OGA in 2008, joining as a partner in July of that year. Prior to this, she had run a smaller practice in Crown Point where she noted she "was not very busy," which made her eager for a fuller schedule. Her time with OGA provided that busy schedule, keeping her engaged in medical practice in Valparaiso. In the early 2020s, OGA began working with NorthShore Health, assisting due to turnover in NorthShore's OB/GYN department. This collaboration led to the decision for OGA to merge with NorthShore Health in 2024. Dr. Murphy commented that the decision to merge was "for sure good in the long run."
For 16 years, Dr. Murphy balanced her roles as a medical provider and a business owner, managing the distinct responsibilities of each. She stated that she "really enjoyed the business aspect of it," believing it helped her understand the business of medicine and made her a more effective physician. Now, as part of NorthShore Health, she appreciates being able to focus solely on her medical duties. She expressed trust in NorthShore's leadership, stating she can now be a doctor "and not worry about the overhead."
Dr. Murphy's interest in women's health began during her medical studies at Emory University, where she majored in biology. She also pursued a minor in religion, specifically studying the history of women and their influence in religious groups. These women's studies helped her narrow her medical focus to women's reproductive health. She obtained her bachelor's degree from Emory in 1995 and then attended the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, graduating in 1999. She entered formal medical training with Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago the same year for her residency. Following her residency, she was appointed to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, for two years before relocating to Northwest Indiana upon marriage. In Northwest Indiana, she served as a physician with Franciscan Health Crown Point before her involvement with OGA.
Throughout her career with OGA, Dr. Murphy continued to explore a wide range of medical practices. This led her to the field of integrative health, where she became interested in addressing the root cause of health issues rather than only treating symptoms. She received certification from the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, which enabled her to practice a more comprehensive approach to hormone replacement therapy for women in both peri-menopausal and menopausal stages. In recent years, she has shifted her focus to anti-aging medicine certifications, adapting her practice to the evolving needs of her patients. She noted that she is "aging with my patients" and sees women seeking longevity, anti-aging solutions, and hormone therapy, describing it as "a constant expansion of knowledge." This focus on staying current with practices helped set OGA apart by combining multiple facets of medicine for women's health.
Beyond her medical practice, Dr. Murphy founded the MOMentum 5K in 2016. This Mother's Day weekend charity walk/run contributes its proceeds to various organizations supporting women and children in the community. Past beneficiaries have included Emma's Footprints, the Sojourner Truth House, and the American Association of University Women Valparaiso branch. In her personal time, Dr. Murphy maintains an active lifestyle, having recently taken up pickleball and working toward certification as a pilates instructor. She also highlighted the camaraderie and strong support within her medical group in Porter County, emphasizing their role in providing stability for women in the region.
