Apr 28, 2026Ohio hospital launches care program for female athletes
University Hospitals (UH), a hospital system based in Cleveland, has launched new specialized care for female athletes of all ages and abilities designed to “empower and support women in sports” through evidence-based care, research and education.
The program is offered through the UH Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute and the hospital said in a news release last week that the mission of the new program is for to become a trusted regional and national leader in female athlete health.
“Our goal is to care for the whole athlete, not just the injury,” UH said.
According to UH, female athletes often must navigate health challenges without coordinated guidance and end up consulting multiple providers. The 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 Dr. James Voos, 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.”
According to UH, research has shown that female athletes are particularly susceptible to specific injuries, such as ACL tears and stress fractures, and the hospital says that, additionally, acknowledging the science and symptoms of heart health differ for female athletes compared with male athletes is fundamental.
Specialized Care for Female Athletes encompasses a wide range of health concerns, including injury prevention, hormonal and menstrual health, pelvic floor health, heart health, proper fueling, training and recovery strategies. UH has brought together a team of medical experts in orthopedic sports medicine, primary care, nutrition services, dermatology, endocrinology and heart and vascular health and also has an OB/GYN available to support athletes from early sports participation through college athletics and beyond.
“We are thrilled to launch this specialized care program for female athletes, as we recognize the unique challenges they face,” said Dr. Stephanie Teal, chair of the 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.”
More information about the Specialized Care for Female Athletes program can be found online.
