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Victoria L. Handa

Victoria L. Handa, MD, MHS

Urogynecology

Gynecology

Accepting New Patients
Online Booking
4.8 of 5 stars112 ratings, 46 reviews
Johns Hopkins Affiliations:
  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

Languages

  • English

14 Insurances Accepted

View all

Gender

Female

About Victoria L. Handa

Professional Titles

  • Director, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
  • Director, Women’s Center for Pelvic Health and Reconstructive Surgery

Primary Academic Title

Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Background

Dr. Victoria Handa is the director of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. She is also a professor in the Johns Hopkins Medicine Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and director of the Women’s Center for Pelvic Health and Reconstructive Surgery. She holds a joint appointment in the Department of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her areas of clinical expertise include pelvic floor disorders and female incontinence. Dr. Handa offers surgical and nonsurgical treatments for pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence and related conditions.

Dr. Handa earned her undergraduate degree in civil engineering from Princeton University. She earned her M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, San Francisco.  She completed a fellowship in urogynecology at the University of California, Irvine, and later earned a Master of Health Science in epidemiology from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Handa joined the Johns Hopkins faculty in 2001.

Prior to joining Johns Hopkins, Dr. Handa was chief of the Division of Gynecology and director of urogynecology at the University of California, Davis.

Dedicated to scientific research, Dr. Handa has published numerous peer-reviewed research articles and several book chapters on pelvic floor disorders and urogynecology. Her research is supported by several National Institutes of Health grants and has led to many scientific findings and a 2011 award from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Dr. Handa is a member of several scientific societies, including the American Urogynecologic Society and the International Urogynecology Association. She currently serves on the editorial board of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. She is a peer reviewer for numerous medical journals, including the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Neurourology and Urodynamics, and the Journal of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Handa has been listed in Best Doctors in America since 2005.

Centers and Institutes

Women's Center for Pelvic Health

Recent News Articles and Media Coverage

  • The Scary Truth About Childbirth, Mother Jones (01/2017)
  • Victoria Handa Named Director of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Press release (09/2015)
  • A Woman's Guide to Better Bladder and Bowel Control, Recorded online seminar (02/2015)

Research Interests

Clinical trials in the management of pelvic floor disorders, Epidemiology of pelvic floor disorders, Quality of life for women with pelvic floor disorders

Selected Publications

  • Evers EC, McDermott KC, Blomquist JL, Handa VL. Mode of delivery and subsequent fertility. Hum Reprod. 2014; 29:2569-74.

    Handa VL, Pierce CB, Muñoz A, Blomquist JL. Longitudinal changes in overactive bladder and stress incontinence among parous women. Neurourol Urodyn, 2014 Mar 14. doi: 10.1002/nau.22583.

    Blomquist JL, McDermott K, Handa VL. Pelvic Pain and mode of delivery. Am J Ob Gyn, 2014; 210:423.e1-6.

    Knoepp LR, McDermott KC, Muñoz A, Blomquist JL, Handa VL. Joint hypermobility, obstetrical outcomes, and pelvic floor disorders. Int Urogynecol J. 2013;24:735-40.

    Brown K, Handa VL, Macura KJ, DeLeon VB. Three-dimensional shape differences in the bony pelvis of women with Pelvic Floor Disorders. Int Urogynecol J. 2013;24(3):431-9.

    Friedman S, Blomquist JL, Nugent JM, McDermott KC, Muñoz A, Handa VL. Pelvic muscle strength after childbirth, Obstet Gynecol, 2012;120(5):1021-8.

    Britz SE, McDermott KC, Pierce CB, Blomquist JL, Handa VL. Changes in maternal weight 5-10 years after a first delivery. Womens Health (Lond Engl). 2012 Sep;8(5):513-9.

    Evers EC, Blomquist JL, McDermott KC, Handa VL. Obstetrical anal sphincter laceration and anal incontinence 5-10 years after delivery. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2012;207(5):425.e1-6.

    Pierce CB, Hallock JL, Blomquist JL, Handa VL. Longitudinal changes in pelvic organ support among parous women. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2012;18(4):227-32.

    Handa VL, Blomquist JL, McDermott KC, Friedman S, Muñoz A. Pelvic floor disorders after childbirth: effect of episiotomy, perineal laceration and operative birth. Obstet Gynecol. 2012;119:233-9

    Handa VL, Blomquist JL, Knoepp LR, Hoskey KA, McDermott KC, Muñoz A. Pelvic floor disorders 5-10 years after vaginal or cesarean childbirth. Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Oct;118(4):777-84.

    Shippey SH, Chen TL, Chou B, Knoepp LR, Bowen CW, Handa VL. Teaching subcuticular suturing to medical students: video versus expert instructor feedback. J Surg Educ. 2011 Sep-Oct;68(5):397-402.

    Sutherland T, Pierce C, Blomquist J. Handa VL. Breastfeeding practices among first-time mothers and across multiple pregnancies. Matern Child Health J. 2012;16:1665-71.

    Quiroz LH, Blomquist JL, Macmillan D, McCullough A, Handa VL. Maternal goals for childbirth associated with planned vaginal and planned cesarean birth. Am J Perinatol. 2011 Oct;28(9):695-702.

    Blomquist JL, Quiroz LH, Macmillan D, McCullough A, Handa VL. Mothers’ satisfaction with planned vaginal and planned cesarean birth. Am J Perinatol. 2011;28:383-8.

    Handa VL, Whitcomb E, Weidner AC, Nygaard I, Brubaker L, Bradley CS, Paraiso MFR, Schaffer J, Zyczynski HM, Zhang M, Richter HE, for the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network. Sexual function before and after non-surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence. Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, 2011; 17: 30-35.

    Grimes CL, Quiroz LH, Gutman RE, Shippey S, Cundiff GW, Handa VL. Long-term Impact of Abdominal Sacral Colpoperineopexy on Symptoms of Obstructed Defecation. Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. 2010; 16: 234-7.

     

    Selected Book Chapters:

    1. Tishman VL. Disorders of pelvic support. In: Brown J, Crombleholme W, eds. Handbook of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Appleton and Lange, 1993.

    2. Handa VL. Physiology and Pathophysiology of Disorders of Pelvic Support. In: Bent A, Cundiff G, Swift S, eds. Ostergard’s Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, 6th Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008.

    3. Handa VL. Mechanisms of Disease. In: Rogers RG, Sung VW, Thakar R, Iglesia CB, eds. Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery: Clinical Practice and Surgical Atlas. McGraw Hill, 2013.

    4. Handa VL. Stress urinary incontinence. In: Te Linde’s Operative Gynecology, 11th Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, in press.

    5. Handa VL. Vaginal vault prolapse. In: Te Linde’s Operative Gynecology, 11th Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, in press.

Honors

  • Excellence in Teaching and Mentorship, ohns Hopkins University School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1/1/14
  • Pitkin Prize, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1/1/11
  • Best Epidemiology Paper, American Urogynecologic Society, 1/1/11
  • Delta Omega Honor Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 1/1/08
  • Trudy Bush Award, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology, 1/1/08
  • President's Award, Society of Gynecologic Surgeons, 1/1/07
  • Best Doctors in America, 1/1/05
  • Excellence in Teaching and Mentorship, ohns Hopkins University School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1/1/04
  • Distinguished Service Award, University of California, Davis School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1/1/01
  • Richard H. Oi Award for Excellence in Teaching, University of California, Davis, 1/1/00
  • CREOG National Faculty Award for Excellence, Council of Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1/1/97
  • Tau Beta Pi, Princeton University School of Engineering, 10/10/82
  • Kenneth Condit Prize, Princeton University School of Engineering, 1/1/82
  • Sigma Xi, Princeton University School of Engineering, 1/1/82
  • Phi Betta Kappa, Princeton University, 1/1/82

Locations

  1. Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
    • 10753 Falls Road, Pavilion II Suite 245, Lutherville, MD 21093
    • Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
      • 301 Mason Lord Drive, Suite 3200, Baltimore, MD 21224

      Expertise

      Education

      Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

      Graduate School, MHS, 2008

      UC Irvine School of Medicine

      Fellowship, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1995

      University of California San Francisco School of Medicine

      Residency, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1990

      Penn Medicine University of Pennsylvania

      Medical Education, MD, 1986

      Board Certifications

      Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

      American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2013

      Obstetrics and Gynecology

      American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1992

      Insurance

      Johns Hopkins providers accept various commercial health insurance plans. However, they may not be included in all of an insurance company's plans or offerings. This may include Exchange, Medicaid, Medicare, and specific limited benefit plans. Exceptions to participation also exist based on your employer’s benefits package and the provider's location or specialty. Please contact your insurer directly to make sure your doctor is covered by your plan. For more details, please review our Insurance Information.
      Search plans
      • Aetna
      • CareFirst
      • Cigna
      • First Health
      • Geisinger Health Plan
      • HealthSmart/Accel
      • Humana
      • Johns Hopkins Health Plans
      • MultiPlan
      • Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
      • Point Comfort Underwriters
      • Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
      • UnitedHealthcare
      • Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)

      Ratings & Reviews

      4.8 out of 5

      112 ratings, 46 reviews

      The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

      Overall Rating by Patient
      Average provider Overall Rating by Patient rating 4.8 out of 5 stars
      Provider Listened Carefully
      Average provider Provider Listened Carefully rating 4.8 out of 5 stars
      Provider Explained Things Clearly
      Average provider Provider Explained Things Clearly rating 4.8 out of 5 stars
      Provider Knew Medical History
      Average provider Provider Knew Medical History rating 4.8 out of 5 stars
      Provider Showed Respect
      Average provider Provider Showed Respect rating 4.8 out of 5 stars
      Provider Spent Enough Time
      Average provider Provider Spent Enough Time rating 4.7 out of 5 stars
      Search reviews
        2 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/15/2025

        Did not have good rapport with this doctor. She seemed competent but curt in disposition.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/15/2025

        Knowledgeable

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/14/2025

        Dr Handa was very thorough in evaluating my problem. Her concern seemed genuine in doing any test that would give possible answers and assuring she prescribed the best medication.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/7/2025

        Very professional and informative. Always courtesy

        4 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/18/2024

        She explained things well to me, but I had to ask the questions, and I felt like she was rushing the visit

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/10/2024

        Very good at explaining everything she was doing. She seemed very thorough. We discussed options moving ahead.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/27/2024

        Dr Handa has been treating me for over 20 years and I will always turn to her if I need care in this arena. She is knowledgable, caring and conservative in her treatment. She respects my lifestyle and encourages healthy responses to any problem

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/26/2024

        Dr. Handa is very professional, cordial , and willing to work with me to find a way to help me.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/13/2024

        Dr. Handa is a very good listener. She is patient and respectful. She strikes one as knowledgeable and thoughtful.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/30/2024

        Dr. Handa is well versed with my particular history. She listens to my problems and comes up with solutions while medically explaining the options.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/15/2024

        Thoughtful professional provider who has the patients best results an objective.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/9/2024

        Dr Handa is exceptional. Not only duper knowledgeable but also gentle and understanding. I cannot imagine any better care I could receive.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/8/2024

        Dr. Handa was very informative and detailed in her explanation. I felt good talking to her.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/2/2024

        Very concerned about.her.patients

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/25/2024

        She explained everything she was doing during the exam and answered all of my questions

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/18/2024

        Excellent in every way. Explained everything she was doing and why

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/11/2024

        Dr. Handa was excellent. She was patient with all my questions making sure I understood options available to me. She was very considerate and kind.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/4/2024

        She is patient, explains options clearly, takes her time with you. Excellent doctor.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/3/2024

        Dr handa is always the best! She has made my incontinence bearable. But I wanted to comment on Dr [ ] . She did an excellent job. She was friendly and very careful. [Staff] was great too efficient and kind.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/14/2024

        Dr. Handa was very compassionate, listened to my concerns, was honest about my condition.

        4 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/13/2024

        She listened to my concerns and dictated everything looked well but based off of my questioner she had concerns that even though things looked well I obviously had symptoms that were concerning and she continues to perform tests to help resolve or find the cause to my symptoms. I appreciate her beliefe in a patient knowing their body. Not everything can be visualized by one evaluation. I appreciate her for her humility, kindness, and followup.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/7/2024

        Dr. Handa went above & beyond in caring informing, explaining, asking, listening, and explaining every step of action before that step. She apologized for any discomfort, and was incredibly sincere. I really felt that the success of my health & well being was her top goal. And I feel so fortunate to have found her.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/31/2024

        Dr Handa is terrific. She's called me the following day after reading my records to follow up and prescribe medication.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/24/2024

        She is awesome!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/23/2024

        Very professional

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/17/2024

        I have been seeing this provide for over 20 years and find her to be the best for my condition. She has always been able to assist me with any concerns and my well being is improved by her care

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/10/2024

        Dr. Handa was excellent. I felt very fortunate to have an appointment with her.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/10/2024

        I am very satisfied with her thoroughness

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/10/2024

        Well informed and helpful

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/10/2024

        Very pleasant, she explained everything I was concerned about

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/2/2024

        Very caring, professional and knowledgeable

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/21/2024

        My provider is away so the head of depth saw me for any emergency appointment. I was very well cared for.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/21/2024

        Dr. Handa was great! I appreciated her knowledge of my problem and solutions to address my concerns.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/21/2024

        Dr. Handa performed the most comprehensive exam and took the time to explain.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/11/2024

        Dr Handa was very thorough & listened

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/7/2024

        Dr Handa was excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/31/2024

        Dr Handa is very professional, yet, very friendly. I would definitely recommend her.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/30/2024

        She is well versed in your case history before talking w/me and makes a assessment to suggest for your care with my involvement in the decision.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/19/2024

        Very attentive and responsive

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/9/2024

        I particularly like how Dr Handa listens and includes me in all decision making. She is so very knowledgeable, and I feel safe following her care:

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/29/2024

        She has all the qualities of a really great doctor.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/28/2024

        Provider was very sympathetic, respectful, and caring. Her professional demeanor and knowledge are most appreciated.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/22/2024

        This was my first visit with Dr. Handa. She was timely, thorough and took time, along with her fellow, to explain about my issues and options for my treatment

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/22/2024

        THE BEST!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/15/2024

        Dr. Handa has been one of my physicians for approx. 4 years. She is professional and provides good explanations of next steps. She has prescribed several tests and performed several cystoscopies on me. I have expressed some anxiety about my problems with frequent urination and she addresses them with facts and reason.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/15/2024

        Dr Handa is the BEST.