Johns Hopkins Pediatric Endocrinology offers specialized care for children facing endocrine disorders. The department upholds a tradition of research and clinical excellence established by Dr. Lawson Wilkins, a pioneer in pediatric endocrinology who founded the world’s first pediatric endocrine clinic at the Harriet Lane Home. This commitment ensures that young patients receive comprehensive, evidence-based, and compassionate treatment. The division is recognized nationally, with Johns Hopkins Children’s Center ranking highly in pediatric diabetes and endocrinology on the U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals list for 2024-2025.
Common Conditions Addressed
The Division of Pediatric Endocrinology at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center manages a wide array of endocrine conditions affecting children, addressing hormonal imbalances that can impact growth, metabolism, and development. This includes the management of various forms of diabetes mellitus: Type 1, Type 2, prediabetes, atypical diabetes, and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. Early intervention for prediabetes is emphasized to prevent progression to full-blown diabetes.
Growth disorders are another focus, with specialists treating conditions such as short stature and growth hormone deficiency. Puberty disorders, including precocious (early) and delayed puberty, are also addressed.
Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), are diagnosed and managed to ensure proper metabolic function. The department also cares for adrenal gland disorders, including adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Conditions affecting bone and mineral metabolism, such as hypocalcemia and rickets, are treated to support healthy skeletal development. Additionally, the division provides care for disorders of sex development and conditions like Klinefelter syndrome and Turner syndrome.
Specialized Clinics and Programs
Johns Hopkins Pediatric Endocrinology offers several specialized clinics and programs designed to provide focused care for complex endocrine conditions. The Johns Hopkins Pediatric Diabetes Center provides comprehensive care for infants, children, and teens with all types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, and atypical forms. This center incorporates advanced technologies like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors.
The Pediatric Early-Stage Type 1 Diabetes Program offers a clinical approach for children at risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The Pediatric Thyroid Center provides a multidisciplinary approach for children with thyroid nodules and other thyroid conditions, ensuring coordinated care. Additionally, the division offers programs such as the Healthy Families Program, a group for children aged 5 or older with a body mass index (BMI) above the 95th percentile, focusing on healthy lifestyle changes.
Further specialized services include a Bone Health Clinic, a Multidisciplinary Turner Syndrome Clinic, and the Emerge Gender and Sexuality Clinic. Each of these offers targeted expertise and structured care paths for specific patient populations.
The Multidisciplinary Care Model
The Johns Hopkins Pediatric Endocrinology department employs a comprehensive multidisciplinary care model to ensure integrated and holistic treatment for its patients. This collaborative approach brings together a diverse team of healthcare professionals, including pediatric endocrinologists, who lead the overall treatment strategy. Certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians provide specialized guidance on nutrition and diabetes management.
The team also includes social workers and psychologists, who offer support for the emotional and social aspects of living with a chronic endocrine condition. Nurses play a central role in patient care, providing direct support and education. This integrated team develops personalized treatment plans, considering all facets of a child’s health to achieve optimal outcomes and support their overall development.
Patient and Family Resources
Johns Hopkins Pediatric Endocrinology offers various resources to support patients and their families throughout their care journey. To schedule an appointment, families can call the Pediatric Endocrine Office at 410-955-6463, selecting option 2, or use 443-997-5437 for appointment requests. For out-of-state or international patients, Johns Hopkins USA provides a dedicated medical concierge service, assisting with scheduling, transportation, and accommodation arrangements.
Current Johns Hopkins Medicine patients can also schedule certain primary and specialty care appointments online through MyChart. If a family needs to cancel or reschedule an appointment, doing so at least 48 hours in advance is encouraged to allow other patients to access care.
Beyond appointments, the department offers educational resources and support. This includes programs like Camp Charm City for children with diabetes.