2014 Women in Science Series to Feature Accomplished Researchers and Physicians

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) invites the public to attend the 8th annual Women in Science Series. Women in Science is an opportunity to meet outstanding female scientists and physicians and learn about their cutting-edge research and new treatments for disease.

Series memberships start at $275, which supports two annual awards for promising women scientists. Admission, food and free parking are included at all of the events in the series. Members are also allowed to invite a guest for free to one event.

Thursday, April 10th—Gender Differences in Response to Stress. The Women in Science series opens with a presentation and reception from 3 to 5 p.m. at GE Healthcare. Cecilia J. Hillard, PhD, professor of pharmacology and director of the MCW Neuroscience Research Center, will present the latest data linking stress, sleep deprivation and “the munchies,” and share practical tips on healthy living.GE Healthcare, the sponsor of the opening event, is located at 9900 Innovation Drive in Wauwatosa.

May 21st — Personalized Medicine: Treatment to Fit Your Genes. Tara Sander, PhD, associate professor of pediatric pathology at MCW and the scientific director of molecular diagnostics at Children’s Hospital; explores the new world of “pharmacogenomics.” Genetic variations can have major implications for patients taking medications for pain, heart disease, cancer, depression, epilepsy and other conditions. Dr. Sander has developed a test that helps predict a person’s response to certain medications in order to personalize treatment. Her luncheon presentation is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin, 813 E. Kilbourn Ave.

June 11th – Women’s Mental Health Across the Lifespan. Women face several gender-specific psychiatric disorders and struggle with depression and anxiety at higher prevalence rates than men. Christina Wichman, DO, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine at MCW, will give an overview of women’s mental health across their lifespan, including psychiatric disorders in pregnancy, postpartum depression, and the relationship between depression and menopause. This luncheon presentation is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin.

September 17th – Modern Stroke Care: What Should You Expect? Diane Book, MD, associate professor of neurology at MCW and co-director of the stroke and neurovascular program at Froedtert & MCW, will discuss the great strides made in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke. While the incidence of stroke has increased, there are aggressive stroke therapies currently being used, and promising new research on the horizon. This luncheon presentation is from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin.

October 29th - The 2014 Women in Science Series concludes with the presentation of the Eighth Annual Women Pioneers in Research Awards. The awards include a $10,000 research award to an established scientist and the $1,000 “Edward J. Lennon, MD Award for an Outstanding Woman Postdoctoral Researcher.” Female physicians, scientists, medical students and graduate students will share lunch with series members, and offer their personal perspectives on current medical research and life as medical students. This event will be held at the Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The mission of Women in Science is to showcase outstanding research and provide financial support for women scientists at the Medical College of Wisconsin. For details, contact Karissa Pohle, kpohle@mcw.edu or (414) 955-4717.