AMWA leaders Dr. Elizabeth Garner (Immediate Past President), Dr. Deborah Kwolek (Co-Chair, AMWA Sex and Gender Health Collaborative), and Dr. Eliza Chin (Executive Director) attended the historic first-ever White House Conference on Women’s Health Research.

The conference convened a luminary roster of academic researchers and clinicians, business and philanthropy leaders, women’s health advocates, industry leaders, and investors. Together, they explored the progress and future of initiatives addressing conditions that “uniquely, predominantly, and differently impact women.”

Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Jennifer Klein (Director of the Gender Policy Council), Dr. Carolyn Mazure (Director, Women’s Health Research Initiative), and Esther Krofah (Executive Vice President of Milken Institute Health), who highlighted health disparities impacting women and the critical importance of advancing women’s health research.

The agenda included three compelling speaker panels:

  • Next Wave of Scientific Innovation in Women’s Health
  • The Business Case for Investing in Women’s Health
  • Moving Women’s Health Forward

Key highlights from the conference included groundbreaking discoveries in diseases impacting women, efforts to galvanize support from the financial sector, the use of storytelling to amplify the patient voice, and the enormous potential for growth in women’s health therapeutics.

 

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden

Maria Shriver

The conference underscored the power of collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Maria Shriver, who initially brought this initiative to the White House, spoke of the historic significance of this new mandate for women’s health research. She emphasized the need for an “investment for parity so that we can make sound decisions that will save lives.”

Dr. Jill Biden reflected on decades of foundational work in women’s health and encouraged continued efforts, stating, “We must keep pushing for breakthroughs that are not easy but possible.” Her words resonated deeply, inspiring hope and commitment: “Today we are saying to women everywhere – we hear you, and we will get you what you need.”

President Biden closed the event by calling for a transformative approach to women’s health research, urging Congress to allocate $12 billion for this effort while recognizing the $1 billion already committed. He framed the initiative as a movement centered on “possibility,” designed to unleash the drive, talent, and imagination necessary to transform women’s health.

“This was the most hopeful, inspiring get together for women’s health research that I’ve attended in 25 years,” said Dr. Deborah Kwolek, Co-chair of AMWA’s Sex and Gender Health Collaborative. “I’m so grateful to the Bidens and the current leaders of the recognition for the need for women’s health research and the implications for the health of all women.”

“The White House Conference on Women’s Health Research marks a pivotal moment in advancing equity and innovation in healthcare,” said Dr. Eliza Chin, AMWA Executive Director. This is more than a conference—it’s a call to action. AMWA is proud to stand alongside leaders, advocates, and policymakers to build a future where women’s health research is prioritized, disparities are eliminated, and every woman has access to the care she deserves.”

L-R: Dr. Elizabeth Garner, Dr. Susan Kornstein, Dr. Deborah Kwolek, Dr. Eliza Chin, Dr. Janine Clayton, Carolee Lee, Dr. Carolyn Mazure

L-R: Dr. Amy Compton-Phillips, Dr. Eliza Chin, Sabrina Johnson

L-R: Dr. Deborah Kwolek, Dr. Carolyn Mazure, Dr. Eliza Chin

This conference marked a follow-up to the Initiative on Women’s Health Research, launched last year by Dr. Carolyn Mazure under the Office of the First Lady. The initiative has focused on addressing longstanding gaps and disparities in women’s health research, backed by historic commitments, including an Executive Order by the President and a call to Congress. AMWA was honored to be present for both milestones.

AMWA’s legacy in women’s health spans decades. In the 1990s, AMWA and partner organizations supported the inclusion of women in clinical trials, countering the previous reliance on male-centered research. AMWA was also at the forefront of developing medical school curricula in women’s health education during the same era and has continued to champion sex and gender-specific health education into the 21st century.

The White House was decked out for the holidays with a theme of peace and joy. Below are some photos from the event.

Panel: Moving Women’s Health Forward

Panel: The Business Case For Investing in Women’s Health