Why Be A Reproductive Endocrinologist at Hopkins?
At the forefront of women's health care, reproductive endocrinologists at Hopkins are commented to providing excellent patient care. Members of our reproductive service are renowned for performing complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The team also includes cardiologists, urologists, adolescent gynecologists, medical endocrinologists, gynecologic pathologists, and gynecologic oncologists.
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History:
The first Division of Reproductive Endocrinology was established at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions by Dr. Georgeanna Seegar Jones in 1939. Dr. Georgeanna Jones became the first full-time gynecological endocrinologist at a medical school. Dr. Howard W. Jones, Jr., one of the foremost pelvic surgeons of his generation, established an international reputation in reparative and reconstructive surgery of the female genital tract. Dr. Howard W. Jones, Jr.'s skill in surgery and Dr. Georgeanna Seegar Jones' expertise in endocrinology made them a highly respected, well-rounded team that worked closely with residents and fellows to provide an expanding knowledge of endocrinology before a formalized sub-specialty training program in this area was established by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Past graduates of The Johns Hopkins training program, before it was certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, includes Drs. Theodore Baramki, Division Director of Reproductive Endocrinology at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, Barry Verkauf, former Division Director of Reproductive Endocrinology at the University of South Florida, and Paul Katayama, Director of the Wisconsin Fertility Center.
A formalized training program in Reproductive Endocrinology, approved by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, was begun at Hopkins in 1973 and Dr. Anne Wentz was the first individual to receive this fellowship training. When Drs. Georgeanna and Howard Jones moved to Norfolk, Virginia to join the Eastern Virginia Medical School a Board-approved program in Reproductive Endocrinology was absent from Hopkins from 1978-80. In 1981 a new Board-approved program in Reproductive Endocrinology was begun at Hopkins under the Directorship of Dr. John Rock who remained in this position until he resigned in 1991 to become Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. In March 1991, Dr. Howard A. Zacur assumed the Directorship of the fellowship program which received Board approval in 1992. Since 1981, there have been 33 graduates of the Hopkins fellowship program in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
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Research:
The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions provide an opportunity for fellows to experience structured basic laboratory, and/or clinical research to enhance the fellow's basic understanding of the latest scientific techniques. This training provides comprehensive research opportunities as well as extensive interaction with other scientists, leading to outstanding academic contributions to our subspecialty. In addition, fellows have the opportunity to obtain research awards, and/or funding from national organizations, allowing them to become independent investigators.
Reproductive Endocrinology is, by nature, an interdisciplinary endeavor and progress iin our research requires using a variety of experimental and conceptual approaches. It is not surprising that our faculty and fellows are involved in research collaborations that transcend department boundaries. Indeed, Reproductive Endocrinology has been a leader in establishing a number of interdepartmental research projects such as:
- Prolactin Gene Expression in Human Granulosa Cells
- Radioimmunoassay
- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
- Endometriosis
- Menopause
- Phytoestrogens
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Clinical Services (Consultations, IVF/ART):
The Division of Reproductive Endocrinology provides a comprehensive clinical experience and regularly scheduled teaching conferences, seminars, and didactic instruction in both basic science and clinical aspects of our subspecialty.
Our faculty, fellows, and support staff at Johns Hopkins work closely with our patients to identify barriers to fertility and offer a full spectrum of assisted reproductive technologies. Johns Hopkins, repeatedly named the top American gynecologic hospital by U.S. News and World Report, has achieved a success rate that exceeds the national norm using the most recent technologies such as:
- In Vitro Fertilization Gamete (GIFT)
- Intrafallopian Transfer
- Embryo and Sperm Cryopreservation
- Intracyctoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Assisted Embryo Hatching
- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
- Intrauterine Insemination
- Donor Egg/Embryos
- Donor Sperm
- Gestational Carrier
In addition to the fertility services that are offered at Hopkins, our faculty and fellows provide women's health care for reproductive disorders such as:
- fibroids
- endometrosis
- congenital anomalies
- ovarian cysts
- hyperprolactinemia
- galactorrhea
- hirsutism
- immunologic problems
- dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- uterine myomas
- adrenal disorders
- ectopic pregnancy
- repeated pregnancy loss
- osteoporosis
- chronic pelvic pain
- vestibular adenitis
- gonadal dysgenesis
- urinary incontinence
- hormone replacement
- oral contraceptive use
- polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Asherman's syndrome
- premenstrual syndrome
- hyperthyroidism
- Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
- Hydatid of Morgagni
- breast cancer
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