Loretto Hospital Opens New Women's Wellness Center

World-Renowned "Fibroid Slayer" Dr. Pierre Johnson Appointed as Lead OB/GYN Surgeon

CHICAGO, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Loretto Hospital is on a mission to keep addressing healthcare disparities and improving overall health outcomes specifically for women in the communities they serve. To advance this goal, the hospital is proud to unveil their new Women's Wellness Center, led by celebrated surgeon Dr. Pierre Johnson. Dr. Johnson's appointment further prioritizes Loretto Hospital's intentional commitment to female-focused healthcare through transformative investments in providers, facilities and service expansion. "We believe that access and investment are the antidote to communities in crisis. When women are well, it directly impacts the entire household, and communities thrive," said Loretto Hospital President and CEO Tesa Anewishki.

The new Women's Wellness Center will diagnose and treat a broad spectrum of conditions impacting women's gynecological health. In addition to offering essential gynecologic care and preventive health, the center will address conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), vaginal prolapse and abnormal uterine bleeding, among many others. For a more complete list of gynecologic services offered, visit Women's Wellness Center at Loretto Hospital.

"Opening a center that specifically focuses on the health and wellness of women has been our goal for several years," Anewishki said. "We want to reduce barriers to essential healthcare services for women who may face transportation, financial or cultural obstacles, and we are thrilled to welcome the esteemed Dr. Johnson to the Loretto Hospital family and advance the work of specialized, deserving care for women."

A board-certified OB/GYN specializing in high-risk obstetrics, gynecologic surgery and pelvic floor repair, Dr. Johnson is internationally known as the "Fibroid Slayer" due to his expertise in using laparoscopic techniques to treat fibroids. He also specializes in vaginal reconstruction and sexual health, addressing conditions like anorgasmia and dyspareunia.

Dr. Johnson's journey to becoming a physician was deeply personal. He was born at Chicago's Mercy Hospital and raised on the South Side. Growing up, he witnessed firsthand the negative impact of implicit bias on the health and well-being of underserved, under-resourced communities, fueling his passion for equitable care. Inspired by the Black OB/GYN who treated his mother, he pursued his dream to improve Black women's health and fight disparities in his city and across the globe.

"I believe every woman should have the option to protect and preserve her uterus," Dr. Johnson said. "Education and awareness are the keys to equitable healthcare. As the director of Loretto's Women's Wellness Center, I aim to increase awareness of our services and transform us into a world-class facility for gynecologic care by offering minimally invasive surgeries previously unavailable here. More than a doctor, I am an advocate for women and a partner in their healthcare journey."

A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Dr. Johnson completed his OB/GYN residency at Southern Illinois University and has worked at Mercy, Ingalls and Mount Sinai hospitals. His work has been featured in outlets such as The New York Times Magazine, WGN News, The Chicago Tribune, Sister Circle and Windy City LIVE. Co-author of Pulse of Perseverance: Three Black Doctors on Their Journey to Success, Dr. Johnson shares his story of resilience and mentors Black youth through the Pulse of Perseverance Foundation he and his partner authors founded.

In honor of this momentous occasion, Loretto Hospital will be hosting an open house of their Women's Wellness Center at 1:00pm on Saturday, March 22, 2025. For more information about Dr. Johnson's minimally invasive gynecologic procedures or to schedule an appointment at Loretto Hospital's Women's Wellness Center, please call (773) 854-1950.

ABOUT LORETTO HOSPITAL
Loretto Hospital is a safety-net hospital that serves more than 33,000 patients each year from Chicago's Austin and surrounding communities. Established in 1923 as a not-for-profit community-focused healthcare provider, Loretto offers its community a unique patient-centered healthcare delivery system that promotes general wellness and education. The hospital staff are committed to providing the best possible medical care in a holistic, safe and comfortable resident environment. By empowering patients with knowledge and resources, Loretto Hospital strives to cultivate a culture of proactive medical management within the community, with the goal of increasing the quality of life for patients and community residents.

Media Contact:
Laura Bissett, myWHY Agency
[email protected]
312-291-1099

SOURCE Loretto Hospital