JENELL S. COLEMAN, M.D., M.P.H. is the inaugural recipient of the John G. Griffith, M.D. Associate Professorship in Gynecology. Dr. Coleman is a trailblazer in her field, having earned an M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, completed Ob/Gyn residency at UCLA, completed reproductive infectious diseases fellowship at UCSF, and received a Masters of Public Health from Berkeley. For over 20 years, Dr. Coleman has been dedicated to serving and advocating for marginalized women, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged, inject drugs, trade sex, live in poverty, or live with HIV.
With numerous leadership roles at Johns Hopkins, including Division Director of Gynecologic Specialties, Medical Director of Johns Hopkins Women’s Health Services at the Outpatient Center, Co-Director of Colposcopy Clinic, and Director of Johns Hopkins Resident Continuity Clinic, Dr. Coleman is a commanding presence in the medical community. Her dedication to mentorship is manifest through her active participation on the School of Medicine promotions committee and the expanding roster of mentees under her guidance.
As an NIH-funded researcher with over 70 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, Dr. Coleman is leading the way in reproductive infectious diseases research. She is the Chair-elect of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Gynecologic Clinical Guidelines, a reviewer of national guidelines, and a standing member of an NIH study section. Her unwavering commitment is to use her research, leadership positions, and national committee service to ensure that the importance of caring for marginalized women is always at the forefront and never forgotten.
The John G. Griffith, M.D. Associate Professorship in Gynecology was established in 2020 by JOHN G. GRIFFITH’s parents, Dr. LAWRENCE S.C. and ANNE Y. GRIFFITH, in memory and recognition of John’s leadership as Director of the Fibroid Center, his dedication to his patients within the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and his legacy at Johns Hopkins Medicine. We would like to extend a special thanks to all family and friends of John who made gifts in his memory to help establish this associate professorship.