RESUMEN
The Association of Pathology Chairs, an organization of American and Canadian academic pathology departments, has a record percent of women department chairs in its ranks (31%), although still not representative of the percent of women pathology faculty (43%). These women chairs were surveyed to determine what had impeded and what had facilitated their academic advancement before becoming chairs. The 2 most frequently identified impediments to their career advancement were heavy clinical loads and the lack of time, training, and/or funding to pursue research. Related to the second impediment, only one respondent became chair of a department which was in a top 25 National Institutes of Health-sponsored research medical school. Eighty-nine percent of respondents said that they had experienced gender bias during their careers in pathology, and 31% identified gender bias as an important impediment to advancement. The top facilitator of career advancement before becoming chairs was a supportive family. Strikingly, 98% of respondents have a spouse or partner, 75% have children, and 38% had children younger than 18 when becoming chairs. Additional top facilitators were opportunities to attend national meetings and opportunities to participate in leadership. Previous leadership experiences included directing a clinical service, a residency training program, and/or a medical student education program. These results suggest important ways to increase the success of women in academic pathology and increasing the percent of women department chairs, including supporting a family life and providing time, encouragement and resources for research, attending national meetings, and taking on departmental leadership positions.
RESUMEN
These words reflect my recollections of major transition points in my life and career: as I first became dedicated to becoming a physician, being introduced to the field of pathology and research, and then transitioning to a somewhat different career focus by becoming the first director of the National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health. Many of the experiences that I gained during my years in pathology served me well as I made efforts to establish women's health research and sex and gender based studies as scientific endeavors. Participating in research and teaching as an academic pathologist, setting funding priorities, and supporting and encouraging research careers through governmental office programs have been the essence of my more than 50 years as a pathologist and physician.
Asunto(s)
Selección de Profesión , Patólogos , Médicos Mujeres , Salud de la Mujer , Femenino , Humanos , National Institutes of Health (U.S.) , Investigación , Factores Sexuales , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: African American women bear a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify prevalent health concerns among African American women who are members of The Links, Incorporated (Links), a large national service organization with health programming for communities of color. METHODS: Survey data (n = 391) were collected during the 2012 Links National Assembly. Twenty-six health issues were presented within five groups: cancer, CVD, pulmonary disease, chronic conditions, and behavioral health. For each issue, women indicated if it was a concern for "you/your family" or "the African American community" via check-boxes. Differences in the proportions for "you/your family" and "the African American community" were evaluated using the McNemar test. RESULTS: Hypertension was the most frequently endorsed concern for you/your family (79 %); 73 % indicated this was a concern for the African American community. Sickle cell anemia was the most frequently endorsed concern for the African American community (77 %). Melanoma was the least endorsed health issue overall (15 % you/your family, 55 % community). Breast was the most frequently endorsed cancer concern, while lung was among the least. For 23 out of 26 health issues, the proportion concerned was greater for the "African American community" than for "you/your family" (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CVD and breast cancer were salient concerns; both are topics for which national awareness campaigns and Links health programming exist. Comparatively lower concern was observed for melanoma, a cancer with known survival disparities, and for lung cancer, a leading cause of death in women.
Asunto(s)
Actitud Frente a la Salud/etnología , Negro o Afroamericano/psicología , Organizaciones/organización & administración , Voluntarios , Adulto , Negro o Afroamericano/estadística & datos numéricos , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Disparidades en el Estado de Salud , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , Estados Unidos/epidemiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
The statistics about common musculoskeletal disorders describe a few of the many health conditions that affect men and women. For such disorders and conditions, there are differences in incidence, predisposition, and therapeutic and preventive strategies for managing them. Although we have made progress in women's health research, many challenges remain, including those related to conditions and diseases of the musculoskeletal system that may affect women and men differentially. Research is needed to identify genetic, hormonal, environmental, and societal factors that contribute to these sex and gender differences and to understand when appropriate clinical applications should differ or be the same.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Musculoesqueléticas/epidemiología , Salud de la Mujer , Factores de Edad , Artritis/epidemiología , Investigación Biomédica , Femenino , Investigación sobre Servicios de Salud , Humanos , Estilo de Vida , Longevidad , Masculino , Actividad Motora , Osteoporosis/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Calidad de la Atención de Salud , Calidad de Vida , Factores Sexuales , Estados Unidos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome affecting up to 18% of the female population. Despite its high prevalence and associated distress, the etiology, diagnosis and clinical management of the disorder have not been clearly delineated. This "white paper" describes the findings and recommendations of a consensus conference panel based on a comprehensive review of the published literature on vulvodynia in addition to expert presentations on research findings and clinical management approaches. The consensus panel also identified key topics and issues forfurther research, including the role of inflammatory mechanisms and genetic factors and psychosexual contributors.
Asunto(s)
Dolor , Enfermedades de la Vulva , Investigación Biomédica , Femenino , Humanos , Dolor/etiología , Manejo del Dolor , Enfermedades de la Vulva/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de la Vulva/epidemiología , Enfermedades de la Vulva/terapiaRESUMEN
The elimination of health disparities based upon race and ethnicity is a long road. The Honorable Louis Stokes was an indefatigable champion of the underserved who worked to create a world where the vision of health equity would not be a catchphrase but a reality.
Asunto(s)
Etnicidad , Disparidades en el Estado de Salud , Política , Grupos Raciales , Historia del Siglo XX , Historia del Siglo XXI , Humanos , Estados UnidosAsunto(s)
Ética Médica , Ginecología/historia , Experimentación Humana no Terapéutica/historia , Racismo , Ética Médica/historia , Femenino , Ginecología/ética , Historia del Siglo XIX , Historia del Siglo XX , Humanos , Masculino , Experimentación Humana no Terapéutica/ética , Racismo/ética , Racismo/historia , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND Uterine fibroids are the most common gynecologic tumors in women of reproductive age yet the etiology and pathogenesis of these lesions remain poorly understood. Age, African ancestry, nulliparity and obesity have been identified as predisposing factors for uterine fibroids. Symptomatic tumors can cause excessive uterine bleeding, bladder dysfunction and pelvic pain, as well as associated reproductive disorders such as infertility, miscarriage and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Currently, there are limited noninvasive therapies for fibroids and no early intervention or prevention strategies are readily available. This review summarizes the advances in basic, applied and translational uterine fibroid research, in addition to current and proposed approaches to clinical management as presented at the 'Advances in Uterine Leiomyoma Research: 3rd NIH International Congress'. Congress recommendations and a review of the fibroid literature are also reported. METHODS This review is a report of meeting proceedings, the resulting recommendations and a literature review of the subject. RESULTS The research data presented highlights the complexity of uterine fibroids and the convergence of ethnicity, race, genetics, epigenetics and environmental factors, including lifestyle and possible socioeconomic parameters on disease manifestation. The data presented suggest it is likely that the majority of women with uterine fibroids will have normal pregnancy outcomes; however, additional research is warranted. As an alternative to surgery, an effective long-term medical treatment for uterine fibroids should reduce heavy uterine bleeding and fibroid/uterine volume without excessive side effects. This goal has not been achieved and current treatments reduce symptoms only temporarily; however, a multi-disciplined approach to understanding the molecular origins and pathogenesis of uterine fibroids, as presented in this report, makes our quest for identifying novel targets for noninvasive, possibly nonsystemic and effective long-term treatment very promising. CONCLUSIONS The Congress facilitated the exchange of scientific information among members of the uterine leiomyoma research and health-care communities. While advances in research have deepened our knowledge of the pathobiology of fibroids, their etiology still remains incompletely understood. Further needs exist for determination of risk factors and initiation of preventive measures for fibroids, in addition to continued development of new medical and minimally invasive options for treatment.
Asunto(s)
Leiomioma/etiología , Leiomioma/terapia , Resultado del Embarazo , Neoplasias Uterinas/etiología , Neoplasias Uterinas/terapia , Investigación Biomédica/tendencias , Femenino , Humanos , Histerectomía , National Institutes of Health (U.S.) , Embarazo , Complicaciones Neoplásicas del Embarazo , Factores de Riesgo , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To examine perceptions and attitudes toward health-related research participation among professional African American women. METHODS: Participants were members of an African American women's service organization, The Links, Incorporated. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaires at The Links, Incorporated 2012 National Assembly. Sociodemographics, prior research experience, intention to participate (ITP), willingness to participate (WTP) in a variety of research studies and attitudes about research participation were measured. RESULTS: A total of 381 surveys were analyzed. A majority of respondents were married (66%), employed (69%), and college educated (96%). Median age was 59; 38% reported prior research participation. Overall, 78% agreed with the statement, "Participation in research will mean better care," 24% agreed "Participation in research is risky" and 3% agreed "Scientists cannot be trusted." Fifty-two percent agreed with the statement, "Research conducted in the U.S. is ethical." Mean ITP in research was 4.9±1.7 on a rating scale of 1 ("definitely no") to 7 ("definitely yes"). WTP was highest for an interview study and providing a blood sample, and lowest for clinical trial and medical record review. CONCLUSION: Attitudes toward research participation were generally favorable among professional African American women; many expressed WTP in a variety of research study types.
Asunto(s)
Investigación Biomédica , Negro o Afroamericano/psicología , Sujetos de Investigación/psicología , Relaciones Investigador-Sujeto/psicología , Confianza , Mujeres Trabajadoras/psicología , Adulto , Anciano , Actitud , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados como Asunto , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Participación del Paciente , Percepción , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
It is remarkable that only a few years ago, discussions about women's health research often had to be prefaced with the expanded vision of what that concept should actually be in totality as the traditional approach to the health of women had focused on the reproductive system or "bikini medicine," as Dr Marianne Legato, an internationally recognized specialist in women's health, and others have characterized it. Today, there is an almost universal appreciation of the broader perception of women's health and that research on women includes not just clinical trials but also basic investigation from the molecular level of genes to the many aspects of behavioral and societal influences. This evolution over the past 25 years of what should and does constitute women's health research has been important in influencing the design of biomedical and behavioral research studies and in elucidating factors now implicit in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to both males and females.(1) And examples of advances from research providing the foundation for public health policies and legislative initiatives only strengthen the understanding of the value of these efforts.(2.)
Asunto(s)
Benchmarking , Investigación Biomédica/organización & administración , Liderazgo , Salud de la Mujer , Investigación Biomédica/estadística & datos numéricos , Gobierno Federal , Femenino , Humanos , National Institutes of Health (U.S.)/organización & administración , Objetivos Organizacionales , Apoyo a la Investigación como Asunto/organización & administración , Estados UnidosAsunto(s)
Movilidad Laboral , Política de Salud/tendencias , Liderazgo , Salud de la Mujer , Investigación Biomédica/organización & administración , Investigación Biomédica/tendencias , Gobierno Federal , Femenino , Humanos , National Institutes of Health (U.S.)/organización & administración , Objetivos Organizacionales , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
PURPOSE: The authors provide an analysis of sex differences in National Institutes of Health (NIH) award programs to inform potential initiatives for promoting diversity in the research workforce. METHOD: In 2010, the authors retrieved data for NIH extramural grants in the electronic Research Administration Information for Management, Planning, and Coordination II database and used statistical analysis to determine any sex differences in securing NIH funding, as well as subsequent success of researchers who had already received independent NIH support. RESULTS: Success and funding rates for men and women were not significantly different in most award programs. Furthermore, in programs where participation was lower for women than men, the disparity was primarily related to a lower percentage of women applicants compared with men, rather than decreased success rates or funding rates. However, for subsequent grants, both application and funding rates were generally higher for men than for women. CONCLUSIONS: Cross-sectional analysis showed that women and men were generally equally successful at all career stages, but longitudinal analysis showed that men with previous experience as NIH grantees had higher application and funding rates than women at similar career points. On average, although women received larger R01 awards than men, men had more R01 awards than women at all points in their careers. Therefore, while greater participation of women in NIH programs is under way, further action will be required to eradicate remaining sex differences.