Reflections on a decade of experience in implementing a Center for Women's Health at an Academic Medical Center.
On the 10th anniversary of the establishment of a Center for Women's Health (CWH) program, the opportunity to share the successes and limitations in developing a centralized approach to women's healthcare is provided. The development of the CWH at the Columbia University Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital was prompted by concerns that the health status for women is worse than for men in terms of disability, morbidity, and chronic illness. Moreover, women move through cycles of health and illness differently from men, and gender inequalities in research design and implementation and underrepresentation of women in clinical studies contributed to knowledge gaps concerning women's health, possibly leading to suboptimal care. The goal in developing a program was (1) to provide outstanding medical care to women based on prevention and treatment of unique aspects of women's health, (2) to develop professional training and multidisciplinary educational programs promoting knowledge, understanding, and credible scientific efforts, and (3) to foster collaborative research and communication among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and organizations. In this paper, the clinical and educational programmatic activities and lessons learned are described.
Giardina
Elsa-Grace V
EG
The Center for Women's Health and Gender Biology, Columbia University Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, NY 10032, USA. evg1@columbia.edu
Cassetta
Julia A
JA
Weiss
Mindy W
MW
Stein
Mary
M
Press
Rebecca
R
Frassetto
Gina
G
D000046:Academic Medical Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017146:Models, Organizational; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D016387:Women's Health; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*