A photo of Rula Kanj.

Attending Physician, Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology

Assistant Professor, UC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

513-636-9400

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"I believe in treating each patient with respect and individualizing care based on each patient’s unique situation. I take time to listen to my patients’ concerns and, together, we come up with a plan."

My Biography & Research

Biography

As a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist, I understand that some people are nervous when they first meet with a gynecologist. That’s okay. At my initial meetings with new patients, I talk with them (and their parents, when appropriate) about their medical history and gynecologic concerns. Not everyone needs a pelvic exam at their first visit. We will decide together when that is needed.

I believe in treating each patient with respect and individualizing care based on each patient’s unique situation. I take time to listen to my patients’ concerns and, together, we come up with a plan.

I care for children, teens and young adults with reproductive or hormonal concerns. I have special interests in treating and managing abnormal menstrual bleeding, chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis, complex contraception needs, primary ovarian insufficiency, puberty problems, transgender health and vulvar dermatologic conditions. If surgery is needed, I use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.

My mentor in medical school originally inspired me to pursue pediatric gynecology. During my Ob/Gyn residency, I spent a month’s rotation at Cincinnati Children’s and fell in love with this field. My work is always interesting, and I learn so much from my patients. I love working with children and their families to solve problems and improve their quality of life.

My research focuses on contraception and puberty suppression in transgender patients, and gynecologic health in prepubertal girls.

I was honored to be named one of Cincinnati Magazine’s Top Doctors of 2020.

In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga, being outdoors and spending time with my family.

Additional Languages

Arabic

Clinical Interests

General pediatric & adolescent gynecology; transgender health; endometriosis; primary ovarian insufficiency; contraception; menstrual irregularities; puberty problems

Research Interests

Contraception in transgender patients; primary ovarian insufficiency; hormonal dysfunction

Academic Affiliation

Assistant Professor, UC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Clinical Divisions

Gynecology, Fertility Preservation, Differences of Sex Development, Transgender Health, Hemophilia, Adolescent Medicine

Research Divisions

Gynecology

My Locations

My Education

Undergraduate: New York University, New York, NY.

MD: Rutgers - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ.

Residency: Obstetrics & Gynecology, New York Presbyterian Hospital - Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY.

Fellowship: Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH.

My Publications

76. Histrelin Implants for Puberty Suppression in Transgender Children and Adolescents. Kanj, R; Wellenstein, W; Cipres, D. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. 2020; 33.

90. A Puzzling Case of a Recurrent, Benign Vaginal Lesion in a 12 Year Old Female. Wellenstein, W; Kanj, R; Szabo, S; Streich-Tilles, T. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. 2020; 33:218-219.

Hormonal contraceptive choices in a clinic-based series of transgender adolescents and young adults. Kanj, RV; Conard, LA E; Corathers, SD; Trotman, GE. International Journal of Transgenderism. 2019; 20:413-420.

Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. Kanj, RV; Gordon, CM. Pituitary Disorders of Childhood. 2019.

Gynecologic and Reproductive Concerns in Patients With Fanconi Anemia. Kanj, RV; Nelson, AS; Myers, KC; Mehta, PA; Davies, SM; Goodridge, E; Phillips, K; Hemphill, Z; Hoefgen, HR. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. 2018; 31.

Vulvar Graft Versus Host Disease in Patients Transplanted in a Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Center. Cizek, SM; El-Bietar, J; Kanj, RV; Dandoy, C; Wallace, G; Nelson, A; Khandelwal, P; Myers, K; Hoefgen, HR. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. 2018; 31.

604 Vaginal/Vulvar Graft Versus Host Disease in Patients Transplanted in a Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Center. El-Bietar, J; Hoefgen, H; Kanj, R; Cizek, S; Dandoy, CE; Wallace, G; Nelson, AS; Khandelwal, P; Myers, KC. Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. 2018; 24:s438-s439.

Evaluation and Management of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency in Adolescents and Young Adults. Kanj, RV; Ofei-Tenkorang, NA; Altaye, M; Gordon, CM. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. 2018; 31:13-18.

Case of a Girl with Primary Amenorrhea, Delayed Puberty, and High Gonadotropin Levels. Kanj, RV; Gordon, CM. Adolescent Gynecology. 2018.

Recurrent ovarian torsion in an adolescent after oophoropexy. Fee, EK; Kanj, RV; Hoefgen, HR. Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports. 2017; 19:22-24.