University Hospitals Launches New Specialized Care Program for Female Athletes

CLEVELAND, Ohio – University Hospitals (UH) has launched new specialized care for female athletes of all ages and abilities. The new service is designed to empower and support women in sports through comprehensive, evidence-based care, research and education with a mission to become a trusted regional and national leader in female athlete health.

Too often, female athletes must navigate their health challenges without coordinated guidance, often finding themselves consulting multiple providers. Recognizing this gap, the UH Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute Specialized Care for Female Athletes program brings together multiple experts in one coordinated approach specifically tailored for female athletes.

“At University Hospitals, we are dedicated to advancing education and research in female athlete health to ensure that women can pursue their athletic passions safely and successfully,” said James Voos, MD, Jack and Mary Herrick Chair of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine at UH. “Together, we can create a supportive environment for female athletes to reach their full potential.”

Research has shown that female athletes are particularly susceptible to specific injuries, such as ACL tears and stress fractures, as well as conditions related to low energy and pelvic floor dysfunctions. Additionally, acknowledging that the science and symptoms of heart health differ for female athletes compared to their male counterparts is fundamental.

Specialized Care for Female Athletes encompasses a wide range of areas that are crucial for female athletes and their families to understand, including injury prevention, hormonal and menstrual health, pelvic floor health, heart health, proper fueling, training, and recovery strategies. UH’s team of experts in orthopedic sports medicine, primary care, nutrition services, dermatology, endocrinology, whole health, heart and vascular health, and OB/GYN is available to support athletes from early sports participation through college athletics, pregnancy, postpartum recovery and lifelong fitness.

"We are thrilled to launch this specialized care program for female athletes, as we recognize the unique challenges they face,” said Stephanie Teal, MD. Chair, UH Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Our goal is to create a supportive environment that prioritizes their health and empowers them to thrive in their sports and everyday life. By offering comprehensive and coordinated care, we can help female athletes achieve their fullest potential while addressing their specific health needs."

For more information about our Specialized Care for Female Athletes program, including concierge service that connects patients with specialists, please visit our website here.