SWHR Cohosts Sex Differences Conference at University of Colorado

By The Society for Women’s Health Research

From September 28 through 30, the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR®) cohosted the National Conference on Women’s Health Research with University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus’ Center for Women’s Health Research (CWHR). The conference, titled “Sex Differences Across the Lifespan: A Focus on Metabolism,” convened some of the best minds in sex-difference research to share knowledge and ideas, while setting the stage for the next pivotal scientific research in cardiometabolic risk across the lifespan.

“Sex Differences Across the Lifespan: A Focus on Metabolism” brought together leading researchers from across the country in the areas of women’s health and sex differences to share and discuss their latest findings. The conference featured interactive sessions, poster presentations, focus groups, and keynote speakers. In addition to the scientific sessions, the conference included a breakfast presentation by leading women’s health researcher, Wendy Kohrt, PhD, and business leader Ginger Graham, MBA.

The SWHR cohort present at the conference included founder Florence P. Haseltine, PhD, Vice President of Scientific Affairs Monica M. Mallampalli, PhD, MSc, and Scientific Program Manager Aimee Gallagher, MPH, MS. Dr. Mallampalli also gave the conference’s opening remarks.

“SWHR was very proud to cohost this conference,” Dr. Mallampalli said. “The Society’s mission has long been to promote the field of sex-based biology, and in 2003, SWHR launched an Interdisciplinary Network on sex differences in metabolism. We were very happy to see the wealth of sex differences data presented at this conference and advances made in the field of metabolism.”

The conference highlighted critical next steps that must be taken as we work to advance sex differences research. Marjorie Jenkins, MD, of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Women’s Health spoke about the FDA’s advances in drug testing in women. Jed Friedman, PhD, of CU Anschutz shared findings on how and why obesity might worsen the health and development of a pregnant mom’s baby. Sherita Hill-Golden, MD, of Johns Hopkins University discussed why women with diabetes are more likely to have cardiovascular complications than their male counterparts.

The conference was the CWHR’s inaugural event on the importance of sex differences research, with the next event set for 2018. By researching sex differences in disease, CWHR and SWHR believe patient treatments and outcomes can be improved for all – women and men alike.

For more information about SWHR, sex differences, and the work we do, visit our website at www.swhr.org.

ABOUT CWHR

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus’ Center for Women’s Health Research (CWHR) is dedicated to furthering the careers of scientists focused on women’s health research through seed grants and mentorship. CWHR delivers critical health information to women, families, doctors and community members, and believes in mentoring and investing in scientists who specialize in women’s health research. The seed grants CWHR provides contribute to amazing, life-changing discoveries and help legitimize scientists and their research projects so they can acquire ongoing funding. To learn more about CWHR, visit their website.

ABOUT SWHR

The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR ®) is a national non-profit based in Washington D.C. that is widely recognized as the thought-leader in promoting research on biological differences in disease and is dedicated to transforming women’s health through science, advocacy, and education. Founded in 1990 by a group of physicians, medical researchers and health advocates, SWHR aims to bring attention to the variety of diseases and conditions that disproportionately or predominately affect women. To learn more about SWHR, visit our website.