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In This Issue:
Kessler Makes Committment to Women’s Health
Former first lady and current U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) lauded the Connors Center as an international powerhouse in women’s health at a Florida fundraising luncheon for the Center in December. The Palm Beach event garnered more than $131,000 and drew 300-plus guests. Clinton agreed to be keynote speaker at the request of Elaine Schuster, a prominent, long-time BWH supporter.
At “one of the most significant events I’ve been to in some time,” Clinton praised the vision and leadership of Paula Johnson, MD, MPH, executive director of the Mary Horrigan Connors Center for Women’s Health and Gender Biology.
Clinton applauded the launching of the Women’s Health Policy and Advocacy Program—the only one of its kind at an American academic medical center. “It wasn’t that long ago in this country that we found out how little we knew about women’s health,” she said. “Most of the clinical trials, even the ones researching female diseases, were done on middle-aged white men.” Thanks to standard-setters like BWH, she said, that is changing.
A longtime champion of quality health care, Clinton also noted the rich legacy of BWH as the nation’s first obstetrics hospital.
Johnson outlined the Center’s mission to improve the health of women through advanced patient care, research, advocacy and leadership development. She recognized Lynn Amowitz, MD, MSPH, MSc; JudyAnn Bigby, MD; Jill Goldstein, PhD; Cynthia Morton, PhD; and Nawal Nour, MD, MPH—BWH leaders in women’s health, who were in attendance.
“It’s so fitting that Senator Clinton is here today, given her dedication to addressing the needs of women, and her passionate conviction and understanding of the important role that women play in shaping the health of their families and communities,” Johnson said. “We at Brigham and Women’s understand that by improving the health of women and transforming their care, we will improve health care for all.”
Johnson also recognized Elaine Schuster, whose leadership and vision made the event possible. Johnson said of the Schusters, “Your passion for making a difference in how we improve the health of those in our community and our country is evidenced by so much of the work you do and the generosity of both you and Jerry.”