Spring is the season of renewal - for body, mind, and spirit. Appropriately, the Iris Cantor Women's Health Center marked the first week in April with two seminars that offered heartening news of the latest medical advances in women's health issues. The first, held at Weill Auditorium on the rain-soaked morning of Saturday, April 2, was sponsored by the Office of Continuing Medical Education (CME) and designed for medical professionals. It was followed on Tuesday, April 5, with a press luncheon at Griffis Faculty Club, which drew reporters from Channel 11, Ladies' Home Journal and Self magazine, among others.
Dr. Shari Midoneck, associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, directed and introduced Saturday's session, with 55 community health-care professionals in attendance. Weill Cornell faculty compared medical and surgical treatments for obesity; the implications of premenstrual mood disorder; new fertility-friendly techniques to eliminate uterine fibroids; novel approaches to fighting polycystic ovarian syndrome; and why women still cope with acne beyond their teenage years.
At the Iris Cantor Women's Health Center's (ICWHC) third annual press luncheon, doctors and their patients affirmed the value of early detection, treatment and prevention of everything from breast cancer to aging skin to flagging sexual desire. The newest advances in cosmetic dermatology, breast cancer screening and libido revivers were discussed - all reflecting and addressing concerns of women subscribers and audiences.
Dr. Diane Berson and Dr. Shari Midoneck at the CME-sponsored women's health update on April 2.
Dr. Herbert Pardes (fourth from left), Iris Cantor (center), Medical College faculty and their patients welcome the media at the third annual Iris Cantor Women's Health Center press luncheon.
"You are crucial in helping us communicate the most up-to-date information to the public," said Dr. Etingin to the media attendees. She also thanked the ICWHC for its "unparalleled support of women's health."
Dr. Diane Berson, assistant professor of dermatology, discussed the popularity of new minimally invasive procedures with little downtime - such as peels, microdermabrasion, laser and light treatments. "Baby boomers are seeking ways to look young with little downtime, with procedures that will allow them to return to their busy lives," Dr. Berson said.
Dr. Rache Simmons, the Anne K. and Edwin C. Weiskopf Associate Professor of Surgical Oncology, gave the media plaudits in encouraging women to report for mammograms every year.
With a kerchief knotted around her head, Michelle Hatch, a patient of Dr. Simmons, shared her wisdom with the audience and praised Weill Cornell as a place for treatment. "There's so much room for error and insensitivity during treatment," said Hatch. "At Weill Cornell, everyone I met - from the receptionist to the doctors - has been professional, courteous, competent and compassionate."
Dr. Shaun Biggers, assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology, had some titillating advice on how ladies can jump-start their sex drives. Testosterone fuels libido, she explained, and its levels vary in our reproductive lives. A testosterone patch is awaiting FDA approval. In the meantime, she encouraged women to speak frankly about their sexual lives to their doctors.
Photos by Amelia Panico and Melissa Hantman.