Paula Johnson, MD, has been appointed the executive director of the Connors Center for Women’s Health and Gender Biology and chief of the Division of Women’s Health within the Department of Medicine.
Johnson, a highly recognized specialist in women’s health, has been a long-time member of BWH’s physician staff. In addition to her work as a practicing cardiologist, Johnson served as the director of Quality Management Services (QMS) for the past two years. During her tenure as director of QMS, she also led the Center for Cardiovascular Disease in Women, a specialized center that she developed.
“A comprehensive and very thoughtful national search process has emphasized how extremely fortunate we are to have someone of Paula’s caliber accept this position. Her leadership as the director of the Connors Center for Women’s Health and Gender Biology will be an important part of our mission to further women’s health at BWH,” said Andy Whittemore, MD, chief medical officer.
“Paula’s expertise in gender specific care and research make her the type of exceptional leader who is needed to carry forward the women’s health mission on behalf of the hospital and the Department of Medicine,” echoed Victor Dzau, MD, chair, Department of Medicine.
A strengthened collaboration between the Connors Center and Division of Women’s Health will enforce BWH’s leadership in women’s health research, clinical care and education. Johnson will help to meld the work of the Center and the institution’s academic mission to recruit faculty with an expertise in key women’s health areas and to strengthen academic programs that foster careers in women’s health.
“I am eager to begin this exciting step. By effectively combining the abundant women’s health educational and research resources at BWH, we can respond to the needs of a new generation of female patients and achieve our goals of reaching the highest standards of quality care for women,” said Johnson, who began her new appointment on January 1.