CHOP Appoints Dr. Jena Lyn Miller to Helm Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bolstering Global Leadership in Fetal Medicine

PHILADELPHIA, PA – January 05, 2026 – Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has announced a significant enhancement to its world-renowned fetal medicine program, appointing Dr. Jena Lyn Miller, an international leader in fetal diagnosis and therapy, as its new Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The move solidifies the institution's premier standing in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving field.

In her new capacity, Dr. Miller will also serve as Co-Director of the hospital's prestigious Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment (CFDT), working alongside the center's founder and fetal surgery pioneer, Dr. N. Scott Adzick. This dual-leadership structure pairs a foundational figure in the field with a next-generation innovator, positioning the CFDT to push the boundaries of what is possible in prenatal care. Additionally, Dr. Miller will hold the distinguished George Leib Harrison Endowed Chair in Fetal Therapy at CHOP.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Miller to our team," said Dr. Adzick, CHOP's Surgeon-in-Chief. "We are not only gaining an outstanding clinician and researcher but also a partner who will help us continue our role as a global leader in fetal care, all while advancing earlier diagnosis, safer interventions and innovative approaches that give more babies and parents the best possible outcomes."

A New Era of Leadership in Fetal Medicine

Dr. Miller arrives at CHOP from Johns Hopkins, where she spent over a decade making substantial contributions to the field. There, she was instrumental in co-founding the Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, serving as its Deputy Director and building its program for minimally invasive fetal interventions from the ground up. Her leadership also extended to roles as Director of Obstetric Ultrasound at Johns Hopkins Hospital and as an Associate Professor.

Her clinical expertise covers the full spectrum of in utero interventions, from ultrasound-guided procedures to complex operative fetoscopy and open fetal surgery. Dr. Miller has developed a particular focus on prenatal surgery for spina bifida, a devastating birth defect where the spinal column fails to close properly during development. Her work in advancing minimally invasive techniques for this condition places her at the forefront of modern fetal medicine.

This strategic appointment is seen as a move by CHOP to not only maintain but also accelerate its leadership position. In a landscape where a handful of elite centers like UCSF, Texas Children's, and Johns Hopkins compete to attract top talent and pioneer new procedures, securing a leader of Dr. Miller's caliber is a powerful statement of intent.

Advancing the Frontiers of Minimally Invasive Surgery

The field of fetal medicine has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent decades, shifting from highly invasive open surgeries to sophisticated, minimally invasive techniques. This evolution is driven by the goal of reducing risks to both mother and fetus, primarily the danger of preterm labor, which remains a significant challenge in fetal intervention.

Dr. Miller's expertise is central to this modern approach. Fetoscopic surgery, which involves making small incisions to insert a camera and surgical instruments into the uterus, offers a less traumatic alternative to traditional open surgery. This method has proven revolutionary for conditions like Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) and is increasingly being applied to more complex defects like spina bifida.

CHOP has a deep legacy in this area, having led the landmark Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) trial, which proved in 2011 that prenatal surgery for spina bifida results in significantly better motor outcomes and a reduced need for brain shunts compared to postnatal repair. Dr. Miller's experience in performing less invasive fetoscopic repairs for spina bifida builds directly upon this foundational research, representing the next logical step in refining care for these vulnerable patients.

The Vision for Research and Team-Based Care

Beyond her clinical acumen, Dr. Miller brings a robust vision for integrating cutting-edge research with collaborative patient care. She plans to focus on developing novel treatments and strategies that directly address the most pressing needs of patients and their families.

"I'm honored to join a team with decades of experience and a proven ability to push boundaries in care," stated Dr. Miller, who will also serve as Associate Professor of Maternal Fetal Medicine in Surgery at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. "My top priority is to address the most urgent needs with diligence, compassion and collaboration. The opportunity to innovate and broaden the frontiers of care is what inspires me every day."

Her commitment to innovation is backed by a strong academic and research track record, which includes translational research aimed at improving surgical techniques through patient-specific modeling. As a regular mentor to fellows, residents, and medical students, she is also dedicated to cultivating the next generation of fetal medicine specialists. Her appointment to an endowed chair underscores CHOP's institutional commitment to supporting this blend of clinical excellence, pioneering research, and dedicated education.

A Beacon of Hope for Families Worldwide

Ultimately, the significance of this appointment is measured in the lives it will touch. Since its inception in 1995, CHOP's CFDT has become a global destination for expectant parents facing the most difficult diagnoses, having cared for more than 35,100 families from all 50 states and over 70 countries.

The ability to intervene before birth offers profound hope where little existed before. For a family receiving a diagnosis of spina bifida, fetal surgery can mean the difference between a child needing a wheelchair and one who can walk independently. For parents of twins with TTTS, fetoscopic laser surgery can transform a near-certain loss into the chance for two healthy babies.

These advanced procedures require not only technical mastery but also a deep well of compassion and a multidisciplinary support system to guide families through an emotionally fraught journey. Dr. Miller's emphasis on a team-based approach aligns perfectly with the CFDT's established model of comprehensive, family-centered care. Her arrival marks a new chapter for the center, promising to expand the frontiers of fetal medicine and offer renewed hope to families across the globe who are facing the unimaginable challenges of a complex fetal diagnosis.