Education
MPH, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2002
MD, University of Pittsburgh, 1996
Overview
2014-present Division Director, Family Planning, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
2008-present Fellowship Director, Family Planning, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
My primary research focus is family planning. Within this broad topic, my research has focused on two main areas: clinical trials focused on contraception (new and existing contraceptive methods) and pain management during abortion; and contraceptive outcomes research. I have been the site PI for clinical trials of several novel contraceptive methods. Research on contraceptive outcomes, such as among obese women and women post-pregnancy, has involved utilizing surveys and medical records. A current interest is contraceptives and health outcomes from a population health perspective, utilizing large claims and EMR datasets. Through ongoing and productive collaborations with colleagues, I am currently working on 2 such studies (externally funded), and have plans for a third. A large part of my research work involves mentorship of trainees as they conduct their own research studies, primarily fellows but also residents, medical students, and public health students.
While family planning is my primary focus, I remain interested in research questions relevant to women’s reproductive health from a broader perspective. I was a co-investigator on a cohort study of HPV and perimenopause, relevant to changing guidelines for Pap smear screening, and am working with colleagues on their study of the effects of contraception and pregnancy on the vaginal microbiome.
Honors and Awards
2007-17: Best Doctors
2001: Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP) Young Researcher Award
2001: Delta Omega, Public Health Honor Society, Alpha Chapter