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Department of Genetic Medicine

Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasia

Located in Baltimore, Maryland at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Kathryn O. and Alan C. Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasia brings together a multi-disciplinary team of doctors and staff dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons of short stature through healthcare, medicine, education, and providing resources for patients and their families.

The Greenberg Center is the longest-running clinic for patients with skeletal dysplasia. The Greenberg team provides medical care and resources to persons with dwarfism, trains and educates healthcare providers about skeletal dysplasia, and conducts new research to improve the lives of our patients.

Schedule an Appointment 410-614-0977 

Dwarfism Awareness

The following facts about dwarfism might surprise you and help you become a better advocate for yourself and your loved ones. Read about the Greenberg Center, our team and patients in the Baltimore Sun.

Dwarfism Facts

--Skeletal dysplasia is a condition of abnormal bone formation.
--At least 250 types of skeletal dysplasia are recognized today.
--Achondroplasia is the most common short stature skeletal dysplasia.
--Roughly 350,000 people around the world have achondroplasia.
--Approximately 80% of all people with achondroplasia are the first people in their family to receive the diagnosis. 
--Achondroplasia is a dominant condition, so each affected person has a 50% chance to pass the condition on to each of their children. 

Members of the Greenberg Center team holding a dwarfism awareness banner.

Quick Links

Little People of America Conference 2024

Thank you for a successful conference in Baltimore!

The Little People of America National Conference was held in Baltimore, MD at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront from June 28 - July 5, 2024. The Johns Hopkins Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasia proudly partnered with the little people community to support this event.

LPA Conference Information
Icon of a speaker at a conference in front of a crowd.

History of the Greenberg Center

Dr. Victor McKusick began seeing patients with skeletal dysplasia and other genetic conditions in the Moore Clinic at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the late 1950’s. In 1957, Dr. McKusick founded the Division of Medical Genetics in the Department of Internal Medicine. By the early 1960’s, Dr. McKusick began attending the Little People of America (LPA) meetings with assistance from Kay Smith and later Dee Miller.  He was a co-founder of the Medical Advisory Board of the LPA.

The Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasia was established in 1990 by Kathryn and Alan Greenberg to support Dr. McKusick’s work caring for short stature patients and describing the unique features of each dysplasia diagnosis. With Mr. and Mrs. Greenberg’s generous gift, the Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasia also provides education for patients, their families and their local healthcare providers. Since 1990, the center has given over $100,000 in educational scholarships to individuals with short stature and their families.

Research conducted through the Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasia has yielded dozens of papers in medical journals and presentations at national and international medical conferences and patient support group meetings, all intended to improve health care for this population.  Read a history of skeletal dysplasia treatment authored by Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasia director, Dr. Julie Hoover-Fong. Since 2010, the center has grown to provide medical care and research opportunities for individuals with all types of genetic bone conditions including metabolic bone disorders, orofacial clefts and craniosynostosis.

Clinical Services

We offer a wide range of services related to skeletal dysplasia. Please call our office at 410-614-0977 to set up an appointment or to find out more information.  

  • Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations
  • Genetic counseling
  • Psychological and social support for our patients and their families
  • Coordination of care among the many specialty clinics at Johns Hopkins
  • Resources for school and life 

Contact Us

If you have questions about the Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasia, please contact:

Colleen Gioffreda
Clinical Operations Program Administrator
Johns Hopkins Hospital
600 N. Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD  21287
Phone: (410) 614-0977
Fax: (410)-502-2375
Email: [email protected]