A person’s health is influenced by many factors; including, sex, gender, culture, environment, and income. Researchers are discovering the critical roles that sex and gender identity play in health, wellness, and disease progression. The discoveries being made through the study of women’s health and sex differences are key to advancements in personalized medicine for both sexes.
The Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) was established in September 1990 in response to congressional, scientific, and advocacy concerns that a lack of systemic and consistent inclusion of women in National Institutes of Health (NIH) supported clinical research could result in clinical decisions being made about health care for women based on findings from studies of men—without evidence that they were applicable to women. Since that time, the Office has been the focal point for guiding the national research effort on women’s health issues and is responsible for ensuring that women’s health research priorities are integrated into the wider NIH research agenda. The mission of ORWH is to:
- Advise the NIH Director on matters relating to research on women’s health
- Strengthen and enhance research related to diseases, disorders, and conditions that affect women
- Ensure that research conducted and supported by NIH adequately addresses issues regarding women’s health
- Ensure that women are appropriately represented in biomedical and biobehavioral research studies supported by NIH
- Develop opportunities for and support recruitment, retention, reentry, and advance- ment of women in biomedical careers
- Support research on women’s health issues.
ORWH works in partnership with the 27 NIH Institutes and Centers to ensure that research on women’s health is part of the scientific framework at NIH, and throughout the scientific community. ORWH develops and supports scientific seminars, symposia, and workshops that highlight scientific advances, career development, and promising as well as accomplished researchers in this expanding field. This Thursday, May 17th, Oncofertility Consortium member, Dr. Clarisa Gracia is taking part in a seminar series sponsored by the ORWH entitled, Innovations in Reproductive Technologies from 1-3pm EST, which will be available to listeners live, via podcast. Highlights of the seminar include:
- Ethical Issues in Emerging Technologies in Reproductive Medicine; Alan Decherney, MD, Head, Section on Implantation and Oocyte Physiology Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology
- Emerging Technologies in Infertility; Clarisa Garcia, M.D., M.S.C.E, Assistant Professor Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Technology in Reproductive Medicine; Alicia Armstrong, M.D., Associate Fellowship Program Director Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
- Multipurpose Prevention Technology for HIV, STIs, and Pregnancy ; Gustavo Doncel, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- New Technology in Contraception Research ; Regine Sitruk-Ware, M.D., Reproductive Endocrinologist
Mark your calendars and tune in tomorrow to http://videocast.nih.gov at 1pm EST to listen live!