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The expert research teams at Johns Hopkins Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania — joint recipients of this prestigious Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant — will work collaboratively to utilize recent laboratory research discoveries to develop new methods for early ovarian cancer detection and treatment.
Learn more about our Ovarian SPORE research and clinical trials.
The Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics continues to grow and develop innovative programs that improve patient care and outcomes: performing minimally-invasive surgeries in utero for spina bifida, demystifying and treating endometriosis through research and minimally-invasive surgery, and adopting new procedures that protect patients from surgical complications. We are also launching a fellowship program to train future generations of surgeons in these cutting-edge techniques.
March 2018
Modified Pap Tests Can Show Early Warning Signs of Other Gynecological Cancers
Hopkins researchers, including Nickolas Papadopoulos Ph.D., found promising evidence that a pap test can be used to detect endometrial and ovarian cancer at an earlier stage, improving outcomes of women facing the diagnosis. The LA Times interviews Dr. Papadopoulous about the new testing regimen, PapSEEK, where additional samples are collected during a pelvic exam and analyzed for common genetic mutations associated with these cancers.
February 2018
Post-Partum Depression: A Clinical, Not Legal, Issue
In an interview with MedPage Today about care protocols for women with postpartum depression, Lauren Osbourne M.D. recognizes frontline providers lack education in these common disorders and advocates for a standardized curriculum and mandatory training in reproductive psychiatry.
November 2017
High Risk, High Reward: How These Twins Beat the Odds
GE Healthcare’s The Pulse features Suzie Long, an expectant mother of twins who at 21 weeks pregnant was diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Drs. Ahmet Baschat and Jena Miller of the Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy performed surgery while the twins were in utero (fetoscopic laser) that ultimately made their healthy development and delivery possible.
September 2017
After Public Battle with Cervical Cancer, Nashville Singer Jessi Zazu Dies at 28
NPR’s Andrew Limbong remembers Jessi Zazu, Nashville-based singer who died at 28 from cervical cancer. Kimberly Levinson, M.D., M.P.H., expert in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer, explains HPV-caused cervical cancer is preventable and stresses the importance of vaccination.
How a 'Flipped' Ovary Sent Busy Phillips to the Hospital
SELF.com interviews physicians including Karen Wang, M.D. about the realities of ovarian torsion, the pain it can cause, the complications that can arise and the interventions that can treat this issue.
Local Group Helps Johns Hopkins Patients Battle Gynecologic Cancer
Learn more about how the Johns Hopkins Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service (KGOS) supports gynecologic cancer awareness month and those battling gynecologic cancer.
June 2017
WomensHealth.com interviews physicians including Jenell Coleman M.D. about period pain, when to consult with your gynecologist, pain relievers, and other advice related to dysmenorrhea.
January 2017
Ovarian Cancer Research Team Receives Development Award
The Ovarian Cancer Research Team at Johns Hopkins, led by Ie-Ming Shih, M.D., Ph.D., the Richard W. TeLinde Distinguished Professor of Gynecologic Pathology, has received the 2017 Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance Collaborative Research Development Grant. This award will allow the team to test new and various treatment strategies for ovarian cancer, with the hope of reducing the mortality rate of this disease.
What Ob-Gyns Wish Women Knew About Their Fertility
Shape magazine interviews physicians, including Mindy Christianson, M.D., about ovulation, egg freezing and other areas related to female fertility.
The Scary Truth About Childbirth
Mother Jones explores vaginal and cesarean births and interviews Victoria Handa, M.D., about the potential for pelvic floor disorders that can arise related to vaginal childbirth.
Rare Condition Creates Unequal Blood Flow in Triplets, Twins
Ahmet Baschat, M.D., speaks with The Baltimore Sun about his in utero treatment of identical triplets for a rare condition known as twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS).
Johns Hopkins Winter 2017 Gynecology Newsletter
Read about the latest innovations from the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, including advances in ovarian cancer research, immunotherapy trials for endometrial cancer and minimally invasive surgery options for gynecologic conditions.
November 2016
Guiding the Next Generation of Physician-Scientists at Johns Hopkins
At Johns Hopkins, the school of medicine has created a Physician-Scientist Training Program to encourage physicians to devote around 70 percent of their time to biomedical research and the rest of their time to clinical work with patients. Arthur Vaught, M.D., a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, discusses his role in this program and how it helps him be a better clinician and researcher.
Normal Head Size at Birth Doesn’t Rule Out Microcephaly, Zika Syndrome After Birth
The Washington Post speaks with Jeanne Sheffield, M.D., about recent discoveries that have shown that children whose mothers had Zika virus during pregnancy may still exhibit future symptoms of the virus, even if they are not present at birth.
So About That Woman Who Got Pregnant Twice in Ten Days
Gizmodo interviews physicians, including Mindy Christianson, M.D., to debunk a news story purporting that a woman's twins were conceived ten days apart.
October 2016
The New York Times interviews physicians, including Shari Lawson, M.D., about the many reasons women may have for stopping their period and the hormonal suppression options that are available.
In an op-ed in The Baltimore Sun, Carolyn Sufrin, M.D., Ph.D. discusses family planning options for women in Baltimore.
September 2016
Gynecologic Cancers: Prevention, Detection and Treatment
Discover the latest advances in the field of gynecologic cancers to help protect you and your loved ones.
Swine Flu Vax and Birth Defects: No Causality
MedPage Today speaks with Jeanne Sheffield, M.D., about the importance of pregnant women getting vaccinated for the flu.
What You Need to Know About Getting Tested for Zika
Clark Johnson, M.D., discusses Zika testing and diagnosis with Refinery29.
August 2016
Treating Pregnant Women In The Age Of Zika
SELF interviews physicians, including Rita Driggers, M.D., about their experiences treating patients with Zika virus.
Study Shows How Zika Is Sexually Transmitted
A new study has shown how dangerous sexual transmission of Zika can be to an unborn fetus. NBC News discusses the findings with physicians, including Jeanne Sheffield, M.D.
Can Zika Virus Damage An Infected Infant's Brain After Birth?
STAT looks into a recent report from Brazil which raises questions about whether Zika can damage an infected infant's brain even after birth. Rita Driggers, M.D., was interviewed for this piece.
Brain Scans of Brazilian Babies Show Array of Zika Effects
Physicians, including Rita Driggers, M.D., speak with The New York Times about the effects of Zika on the brain of unborn babies.
Planning A Pregnancy? Advice About Zika
The Huffington Post explains the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommendations for patients planning a pregnancy, with or without fertility treatments. Dr. James Segars, a member of the ASRM Zika Virus Guidance Task Force, discusses these guidelines.
Pregnant Women With Zika Have No Way of Knowing For Sure If Their Baby Will Be Healthy
Quartz speaks with physicians, including Clark Johnson, M.D., about pregnant women who have been infected with Zika and the unknown outcomes they must experience.
With Little Known About Zika Virus, Hospitals Scramble to Stay Ahead
STAT speaks with physicians, including Jeanne Sheffield, M.D., about Zika virus and how hospitals are working to increase their preparedness for seeing affected patients.
Study Links Zika Virus to Joint Problems in Babies
USA Today interviews physicians, including Irina Burd, M.D., Ph.D., about a new study linking Zika virus to joint problems in babies who were affected by the virus in utero.
Florida Fertility Doctor Describes Struggle of Advising Patients Amid Zika Virus Outbreak
In this ABC News piece, the plight of fertility patients in Miami during the Zika virus outbreak is explored. James Segars, M.D., a member of the ASRM Zika Virus Guidance Task Force, explains the need for new research and guidelines for couples trying to conceive.
Update on the Spread of the Zika Virus in the U.S.
Irina Burd, M.D., Ph.D., is interviewed on The Diane Rehm Show about the spread of Zika virus in Miami.
Health Experts Stressing Preparedness as Zika Outbreak Hits U.S.
ABC News in Baltimore interviews Irina Burd, M.D., Ph.D., about local transmission of Zika virus in Miami.
July 2016
CDC: Zika Passed from Woman to Man via Sex
The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy speaks with physicians, including Irina Burd, M.D., Ph.D., about the discovery of female-to-male sexual transmission of the Zika virus.
What to Expect a Day, Week and Month After Having a C-Section
In this Women's Health article, physicians including Clark Johnson, M.D., explain what to expect after having a C-section.
The Most Important Muscle All Women Forget to Exercise
SELF interviews physicians, including Grace Chen, M.D., about the importance of performing Kegel exercises to strengthen female pelvic floor muscles. Dr. Chen says, "Your pelvic floor muscles are [attached to] your core muscles, and it's kind of common sense that the stronger your core muscles are the better off you are."
Infectious Disease Expert: ‘So Much We Don’t Know’ About Effects of Zika in Pregnancy
This article from CNSNews.com details testimony that Jeanne Sheffield, M.D., recently gave on Capitol Hill regarding Zika's effects on pregnancy.
June 2016
Zika Infections Last Much Longer During Pregnancy, Monkey Study Shows
The Washington Post interviews Rita Driggers, M.D., about a recent study showing how Zika infection lasts longer during pregnancy as it's possible that the fetus is also infected and repeatedly infects the mother.
How Worried Should You Be About Zika, Really?
New York magazine delves into Zika risks and concerns in the United States with physicians including Jeanne Sheffield, M.D.
Zika Virus Forces Tough Choices on Couples Seeking Fertility Treatment
ABC News interviews physicians, including James Segars, M.D., about how to handle ongoing fertility treatments after traveling to a Zika-affected country.
Ovarian Cancer: HMT Extends Survival
At the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting, a study was presented showing that hormonal maintenance therapy in women with certain stages of ovarian or peritoneal cancer saw a significant improvement in survival compared with those who only were surveilled after undergoing chemotherapy. MedPage Today spoke with physicians, including Amanda Nickles Fader, M.D., about these results and how there is a need for more customized cancer treatments.
Pregnant Mums Who Catch Flu Could be Putting their Unborn Child at Risk
The Daily Express (U.K.) spoke with Irina Burd, M.D., Ph.D., about a recent study that suggests that a mother's bodily response to fighting flu can cause inflammation that alters and impairs the growth of nerve cells in the developing fetal brain.
May 2016
Health Alert: Zika Cases Triple in U.S.
WJZ-TV interviews health experts, including Rita Driggers, M.D., about Zika virus preparedness in the state of Maryland.
Sen. Cardin Meets with Researchers at Johns Hopkins to Discuss Concerns Over Zika Virus
Senator Cardin's meeting with researchers at Johns Hopkins is detailed by WMAR-TV. Jeanne Sheffield, M.D., also discusses the state and national needs related to funding: availability of treatments, vaccines and mosquito control for fighting Zika virus.
Mothers and Mothers-to-Be Assess the Risk from Zika, Take Precautions
The Baltimore Sun discusses Zika concerns with pregnant women, couples trying to conceive and Jeanne Sheffield, M.D.
Drop in Birth Defects Slowed After Folic Acid Fortification
Reuters interviews Irina Burd, M.D., Ph.D., about a recent study showing a drop in birth defects after folic acid regulations took effect and physicians began advising women to take folic acid supplements. Burd was not involved in the study.
Staying Healthy During Pregnancy
Each trimester of pregnancy brings exciting new changes for you and your baby. Learn from Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics physicians about your baby’s growth and development, physical changes you may experience, and what to expect at your prenatal visits throughout your entire pregnancy.
When Zika Hits, a Push for Birth Control and Abortion?
The Associated Press interviews Jeanne Sheffield, M.D., and other physicians about the potential risks of Zika spreading in areas of the United States that do not have certain levels of access to birth control and abortion.
D.C. Doctor Talks About Zika Victim's Difficult Decision
WUSA-9 (D.C.) interviews Rita Driggers, M.D., about her work with a pregnant patient who had been infected with the Zika virus after traveling to an affected region.
Health Watch for Below the Belt Cancers
Rebecca Stone, M.D., discusses risks factors and treatment for "below the belt" cancers that afflict women— ovarian, fallopian tube, uterine, cervical, vaginal and vulvar. She also discuss with the local Fox affiliate the Stride and Thrive Below the Belt 5K/1K Run/Walk that will be hosted on May 15, 2016 by the Division of Gynecologic Oncology.
Zika Fears in the U.S. as Summer Arrives
BBC News speaks with Rita Driggers, M.D., about pregnant women in the United States who are concerned about the potential spread of Zika virus as warm weather approaches.
April 2016
Brain Damage in Zika Babies is Far Worse than Doctors Expected
The Wall Street Journal interviews physicians, including Jeanne Sheffield, M.D., about the ongoing Zika epidemic and how microcephaly has affected babies in Brazil.
7 Signs of Ovarian Cancer You Might Be Ignoring
Ovarian cancer is known as a silent disease, but there are often signs leading up to diagnosis. Reader's Digest interviews physicians, including Amanda Nickles Fader, M.D., about these signs and what you should look for.
People magazine tells the story of U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler's infant daughter who did not develop kidneys in the womb. Rep. Beutler and her husband sought treatment from Jessica Bienstock, M.D., M.P.H., who helped their daughter survive a near-fatal diagnosis.
Why Many U.S. Health Officials Are Calling for Urgent Action Against Zika
The Diane Rehm Show speaks with an expert panel, including Jeanne Sheffield, M.D., about the health risks posed by Zika virus and efforts to contain its spread.
March 2016
Ultrasounds Missed Her Zika Infection - Until One Showed Serious Harm to Her Fetus
Rita Driggers, M.D., the lead author of a recent study about Zika virus and the medical director of Sibley Memorial Hospital's maternal-fetal medicine division, explains to The Washington Post how initial ultrasounds for one patient examined the size of the fetus' head, but missed vital signs of Zika infection. Despite this, the study has provided new information that may help physicians detect Zika virus in mothers and their babies at an earlier date.
BIRCWH Grants Awarded to Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Faculty
Angie Child Jelin, M.D., and Carolyn Sufrin, M.D., Ph.D., faculty members in the Johns Hopkins Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, have been accepted into the Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) program from the National Institutes of Health. This highly-selective career development program connects junior and senior faculty who share interests in women's health and sex-differences research.
Officials: Zika Cases Possible on Delmarva
Jeanne Sheffield, M.D., is interviewed by Delmarva Now as part of their investigation into the potential for Zika virus to appear on the Delmarva peninsula.
Morcellation, Cancer and Loss of Women's Choice
In this article, Medscape speaks with physicians, including Amanda Nickles Fader, M.D., about evaluating minimally invasive morcellation.
Here's What the Experts Know About Zika
On this WBAL-TV segment, a physician panel, including Jeanne Sheffield, M.D., answers questions about the Zika virus.
Researchers Find Link Between Zika, Microcephaly
In light of the recently discovered link between Zika virus and microcephaly, WBAL-TV spoke with physicians including Jeanne Sheffield, M.D., to discuss how doctors are trying to better understand Zika and work towards a cure.
GOP Congressmen Question the Need for $2 Billion to Fight Zika Virus
NPR interviews physicians, including Jeanne Sheffield, M.D., about congressional funding to fight the spread of Zika virus.
February 2016
Johns Hopkins Gynecology Newsletter
The latest news on research and innovations from the Johns Hopkins Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Could Kegels Be Doing You More Harm Than Good?
Prevention interviews clinicians, including Jane O'Brien Franczak, a pelvic physical therapist at the Women's Center for Pelvic Health and Reconstructive Surgery, regarding Kegel exercises. This article details the right way to perform Kegel exercises, as well as who should and should not try them.
A Call for Action: Capacity Building and Women's Health in Sierra Leone
Faculty members from the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, including Rachel Chan Seay, M.D., are working with the 1000+ OBGYNs consortium to establish Gyn/Ob residency training programs in Sierra Leone, which currently has the highest infant and maternal mortality rates worldwide.
Maryland Confirms First Case of Zika Virus
The Baltimore Sun interviews Jeanne Sheffield, M.D., about Zika virus and advice for pregnant women who have traveled to affected countries.
Kissing! Sex! 6 Answers to Very Personal Zika Virus Questions to Keep You Safe
Since the Zika virus has been detected in blood, semen, saliva and urine, there have been concerns about how the virus is actually transmitted. Reader's Digest interviews Mindy Christianson, M.D., a reproductive endocrinologist at Johns Hopkins, to find out more.
January 2016
The Rare Birth Defect That's Triggering Panic Over the Zika Virus, Explained
Vox interviews Jeanne Sheffield, M.D., about Zika virus and its impact on pregnant women and their children.
Study Finds Minority, Poor Women Not Getting Safer Minimally Invasive Hysterectomies
In a recent Johns Hopkins study led by Amanda Nickles Fader, M.D., it was found that there are large racial and economic disparities present for women undergoing minimally invasive procedures. The Baltimore Sun spoke with Fader about this issue, as well as patients and other local physicians.
The Johns Hopkins Hospital Designated as Baby-Friendly
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program launched by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund, has designated The Johns Hopkins Hospital as Baby-Friendly. This designation is given to hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and mother-baby bonding.
Creating Vaccines to Kick Cancer's Butt
The link between HPV and cervical cancer is bigger than the link between smoking and lung cancer. At a recent TEDx event in Boston, gynecologist Cornelia Trimble, M.D., spoke about her work in creating vaccines to treat HPV and effectively prevent cervical cancers, which are caused by the virus.
Helping Women and Girls in Prison
In a letter to the editor that appeared in The New York Times, Carolyn Sufrin, M.D., Ph.D., discussed the need for better data to understand the effect that pregnancy has on women in prison.
September 2015
Johns Hopkins Hospital Hosts Gynecologic Cancer Conference
CBS News interviews Rebecca Stone, M.D., in a piece about the Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service's 2015 Gynecologic Cancer Survivorship Conference.
13 Ovarian Cancer Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
In this Fox News article, Edward Tanner, M.D., describes the most common signs of ovarian cancer and why it can be a difficult disease to diagnose.
May 2015
New HPV Vaccine Can Prevent 80% of Cervical Cancers
Yahoo Health interviews physicians, including Amanda Nickles Fader, M.D., about the new HPV vaccine that offers additional protection against some forms of cervical cancer.
March 2015
Genetic Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk and Debate over Preventive Surgery
Amanda Nickles Fader, M.D., participated in a panel on The Diane Rehm Show regarding Angelina Jolie Pitt's New York Times opinion piece describing her decision to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. The panel discussed the BRCA gene, the challenges genetic test results present and the efforts to stop breast and ovarian cancers before they start.
Kate Middleton Suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum: What Does It Mean?
Yahoo Health interviews physicians, including Irina Burd, M.D., Ph.D., about hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition that Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, experienced during both of her pregnancies.
February 2014
Pregnant Women's Immune Response May Be Linked to Autism in Babies
Irina Burd, M.D., Ph.D., discusses with UPI her research on mice that found that the hippocampus - the part of the brain responsible for memory and spatial navigation - was smaller in male offspring exposed to an overactive immune system in the womb. These mice also had fewer nerve cells in their brains, suggesting to researchers that males may be more vulnerable to the effects of mental inflammation than females.
Awareness of Genetics, Ovarian Cancer Link Could Be a Lifesaver
In an interview with WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore, Amanda Nickles Fader, M.D., discussed a very important women's health issue – awareness of 'below the belt' cancers such as cervical, uterine and ovarian cancer.
June 2013
More Women Removing Ovaries to Prevent Cancer
The Baltimore Sun discussed early stage ovarian cancer detection and the BRCA gene mutation with Amanda Nickles Fader, M.D.
Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse
What is pelvic organ prolapse? Can it be prevented? On this edition of Second Opinion Stat, Victoria Handa, M.D., participated in a panel about pelvic organ prolapse and the treatments that are available.
December 2015
A new study led by Johns Hopkins researchers, including Amanda Nickles Fader, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, shows wide racial and economic disparities in access to minimally invasive hysterectomies for early uterine cancer in the United States.
September 2015
Victoria Handa, M.D., professor of gynecology and obstetrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, has been named director of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and deputy director of gynecology and obstetrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Innovation, Education, Collaboration
Andy Satin, M.D., Director of Gynecology and Obstetrics for Johns Hopkins, discusses the cutting edge treatments, innovative clinical research and unique education programs that distinguish the Johns Hopkins Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
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