For more than a decade, the Division of Gynecologic Specialties has advanced women’s health through four pioneering programs: the Violet Project, the HIV Women’s Health Program, the Reproductive Infectious Diseases Program, and the Women’s Wellness and Healthy Aging Program. Each was designed to deliver specialized expertise for patients with unique and complex needs.

These programs have strengthened Johns Hopkins’ leadership in gynecology, improving outcomes for adolescents, people living with HIV, individuals managing reproductive infectious diseases, and patients navigating menopause. Their contributions have been recognized nationally and internationally for shaping standards in care and research.

In 2025, this legacy will continue as the programs join the General Gynecology and Obstetrics Division under the leadership of Betty Chou, M.D. This transition ensures that the pioneering spirit and specialized focus will continue to thrive—woven into the larger framework of comprehensive gynecologic and obstetric care at Johns Hopkins.

Reproductive Infectious Diseases Program

The reproductive infectious diseases team focuses on infection prevention, adolescent health and access to essential care for vulnerable populations. The team’s physician-investigators explore the complex interplay between the vaginal microbiome, immune response and the roles of drugs and hormones in STI acquisition and pregnancy outcomes. For women living with HIV, the team has led discussions on breastfeeding support and developed evidence-based care protocols. Its NIH-supported research tests implementation strategies for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Gyn/Ob clinical settings, building on the creation of educational resources for patients and providers and contributing to national guidelines to improve HIV prevention. Additionally, team members are committed to reducing cervical cancer rates by promoting HPV vaccination, advancing screening methods and advocating for self-testing to improve access for under-screened populations.

Violet Project

Founded in 2021, the Violet Project improves access to sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents and young adults in Baltimore. Housed within the Johns Hopkins Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the project developed a youth-focused website (violetproject.org) that provides educational resources, an anonymous Q&A blog, and an online portal for free menstrual and safer sex products. The Violet Project also provides free testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI), and medical consultations if the results are positive.

With support and guidance from a Youth Community Advisory Board and a network of trained peer educators, the project has successfully reached low-income and minority youth, creating a safe space for learning and support. Key achievements include:

• training 200 volunteer peer educators, who provide valuable outreach and support.
• distributing 500 STI tests, with appropriate follow-up and treatment for people who are STI-positive.
• distributing $250k of feminine hygiene products, addressing essential health needs within the community.

HIV Women’s Health Program

The Johns Hopkins HIV Women’s Health Program provides comprehensive reproductive health services for women living with HIV/AIDS, fostering a patient-centered environment that emphasizes community engagement and empowerment. This approach improves health outcomes and reflects a dedication to equity in care, ensuring all receive the resources and support they need to thrive.

Established in 1988, the program, initially funded by the Maryland Department of Health and supported by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, focuses on community-based, culturally sensitive care, including:

Annual exams and gynecologic care

Annual exams, including screenings for cervical cancer and STIs, are essential for women living with HIV, ensuring early detection of potential concerns. The Bartlett Clinic provides gynecologic, obstetric and preventive care tailored to the needs of women who are HIV-positive. These exams foster physical health and offer emotional support and reassurance to patients navigating their health journeys.

MAI-SOAR Program

The MAI-SOAR program is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of women with HIV by connecting participants to a network of resources, including mental health and educational services. By fostering a supportive environment, MAI-SOAR empowers women to thrive while managing their health and personal challenges.

Research

Our physician-investigators are researching many aspects of HIV obstetrics, including infant feeding choices and the impact of the vaginal microbiome on preterm birth. Recent findings have been presented at national conferences, emphasizing the program’s commitment to advancing care for women with HIV.

Women’s Wellness and Healthy Aging Program

With an estimated 1.1 billion women projected to be postmenopausal by 2025, effective menopause management is increasingly critical. Women now experience about one-third of their lives after menopause, facing age-related diseases due to declining estrogen levels. This is particularly relevant for breast and gynecologic cancer survivors.

The Women’s Wellness and Healthy Aging Program, led by Wen Shen, was established to address a lack of education about menopause among doctors. It offers comprehensive management of menopausal symptoms through collaboration among specialists in cardiology, geriatrics, gynecology, oncology, primary care and psychiatry.

Key initiatives include:

• Continuing Medical Education through the Empowered Transitions program, which enhances providers’ knowledge of menopause management.
• Mini Grand Rounds, monthly meetings that educate health care providers on best practices.
• Behavioral Wellness Pilot Program, which helps patients access cognitive behavioral therapy resources to manage menopause symptoms.
• Cardiometabolic Study, which seeks to identify breast cancer survivors at higher risk for diabetes and heart disease, directing them to appropriate management.
• Care Navigation, which coordinates and streamlines care across departments to enhance patient satisfaction.
• The Johns Hopkins Menopause Guide, a comprehensive free resource for providers, accessed by more than 2,300 professionals globally. For each symptom — including hot flashes, sleep disturbance and weight gain — the guide lists definitions, differential diagnoses, treatment options, when to refer to a specialist, expert comments and references.