Professional Education

We recognize that long-term changes in health care for women will result only with a shift in the medical paradigm. Historically, women's health care has been limited in scope and focused on reproduction. Outside of the reproductive system, knowledge about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness was based on research conducted on males, and applied to females. Medical and nursing schools educated their students using this model.

One of the priorities of the UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women's Health is to change the way health care providers are trained, guaranteeing that they learn the most up-to-date information on the unique health needs of women, regardless of specialty. The CoE has developed a model women's health curriculum and is working with the Schools of Medicine and Nursing to implement new programs and training opportunities for students.

In addition, the CoE provides special clinical and research fellowships for students and residents interested in specializing in women's health. The CoE also offers continuing educational opportunities for practicing clinicans, helping them stay on the cutting edge of their fields. This exchange of information and best practices raises the level of knowledge of providers, resulting in a higher quality of care for all women.

A directory of Residency and Fellowship Programs in Women’s Health is available online at: www.liebertpub.com/jwh.