Break the Bias: Dismantling Disparities in Women's Health Research and Care

Did you know that women only started being included in clinical research in the late 1980s? For centuries, the exclusion of women from research led to healthcare developed specifically for male subjects. Even today, as little as 8% of national research funding is directed towards women’s health issues. Women are dying unnecessarily because of historical flaws in health research.

Founded 15 years ago, the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI) has been instrumental in enabling health research for the betterment of women. Together with the recently created Alberta Women’s Health Foundation (AWHF), change for women across the globe is happening right here in Edmonton. 

This International Women’s Day, join us for a captivating discussion on the disparities that exist for women in health research and care. Hear from WCHRI researchers on the triumphs and challenges of working in the women’s health research space, all while fighting to change a system of exclusion and inequality. Learn about the importance of advocating for yourself and your loved ones with tips from our speakers. You’ll leave this session excited and ready to join the network of local changemakers who are unabashedly disrupting the status quo.

SPEAKER(S)

Dr. Colleen Norris, ‘78 Dip(Nu), ‘82 BScN, ‘92 MN, ‘02 PhD, is a Professor and Clinician Scientist with the University of Alberta, and a WCHRI member. She has over 350 publications in the areas of sex and gender differences in cardiovascular treatment and outcomes, and women’s heart health

Dr. Nese Yuksel, ‘88 BSc(Pharm), is a Professor with the University of Alberta, a WCHRI member and a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner. Her research goals include bridging her interests in women’s health, osteoporosis and practice-based research to develop innovative techniques to enhance patient care.

Dr. Sandra Davidge is a Professor with the University of Alberta and the Executive Director of WCHRI. Her research focuses on understanding the causes of pregnancy complications and the long-term impact on cardiovascular health for the mother and her child.

Sharlene Rutherford is the President and CEO of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation (RAHF) and leads the Alberta Women's Health Foundation (AWHF). The AWHF was launched in 2020 by the RAHF to further expand upon its mission in women’s health. 

Su-Ling Goh, '95 BSc, is an anchor and reporter at Global Edmonton. She is the city’s only dedicated health journalist, with more than 15 years of experience covering everything from diet and fitness trends to complex medical research at the University of Alberta. She has a U of A bachelor of science and a NAIT Radio and Television Arts diploma. Su-Ling has won numerous awards for her volunteer and professional work, including national awards from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, the Canadian Association of Paediatric Health Centres and the Canadian Medical Association.