title: The science of sex and gender in human health: online courses to create a foundation for sex and gender accountability in biomedical research and treatment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sex and gender differences play a significant role in the course and outcome of conditions that affect specific organ systems in the human body. Research on differences in the effects of medical intervention has helped scientists develop a number of sex- and gender-specific guidelines on the treatment and management of these conditions. An online series of courses, "The Science of Sex and Gender in Human Health," developed by the National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Women's Health, examines sex and gender differences and their implications. Thus far, three online courses have been generated. The first course offers an overview of the scientific and biological basis for sex- and gender-related differences. The second course is focused on disease-specific sex and gender differences in health and behavior and their implications. Finally, the third course covers the influence of sex and gender on disease manifestation, treatment, and outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were obtained using website analytics and post-course surveys.
  
  
  RESULTS
  To date, over 1000 individuals have completed at least one course. Additionally, 600 users have received continuing education credit for completing a course in the series. Finally, the majority of respondents to the online course survey have indicated that the courses considerably enhanced their professional effectiveness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  "The Science of Sex and Gender in Human Health" online courses are freely available sources of information that provide healthcare providers and researchers with the resources to successfully account for sex and gender in their medical practice and research programs.
authors: National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA.
authors: Jennifer L
authors: JL
authors: Plank-Bazinet
authors: National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA.
authors: Annie
authors: A
authors: Sampson
authors: National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA.
authors: Leah R
authors: LR
authors: Miller
authors: Food and Drug Administration Office of Women's Health, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, W032-2333, Silver Spring, MD 20993 USA.
authors: Emmanuel O
authors: EO
authors: Fadiran
authors: Food and Drug Administration Office of Women's Health, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, W032-2333, Silver Spring, MD 20993 USA.
authors: Deborah
authors: D
authors: Kallgren
authors: National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA.
authors: Rajeev K
authors: RK
authors: Agarwal
authors: National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA.
authors: Whitney
authors: W
authors: Barfield
authors: National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA.
authors: Claudette E
authors: CE
authors: Brooks
authors: National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA.
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Begg
authors: National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA.
authors: Amy C
authors: AC
authors: Mistretta
authors: Food and Drug Administration Office of Women's Health, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, W032-2333, Silver Spring, MD 20993 USA.
authors: Pamela E
authors: PE
authors: Scott
authors: National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA.
authors: Janine Austin
authors: JA
authors: Clayton
authors: National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD 20817 USA.
authors: Terri L
authors: TL
authors: Cornelison
keywords: Continuing medical education; Continuing nursing education; Continuing pharmacy education; Disease manifestation and outcomes; Disease-specific sex and gender differences; Gender; Sex