Ms. Kimberly Lahm
Dr Lynette Hamlin , USUHS
Dr Angela Simmons , Uniformed Services University
Dr. Anne Sadler , US Department of Veterans Affairs / University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Department of Psychology
Ms Rachel Gabor , Henry M Jackson Foundation
Dr. William Catherino
Dr. Celia Byrne
Dr, Mary Beth Terry
Dr. Laurel Proulx
Dr. Eileen Fry-Bowers
Maj Kathryn Capple
2. Describe current DOD and VA research initiatives addressing uterine fibroids, pain management, and female veteran psychological health.
3. Summarize the research contributions of the CDMRP and TSNRP in advancing women's health research and care within the military.
4. Discuss the importance of ongoing research and collaboration to address the unique health needs of women veterans and service members.
This presentation will delve into the current landscape of military women's health research, focusing on key initiatives, with a emphasis on collaborations between the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), and the Tri-Service Nursing Research Program (TSNRP). We will discuss the White House 2024 Women’s Health Research Initiative: "Advancing Women's Health Research and Innovation." The presentation will be divided into three sessions, each highlighting key areas of research and innovation. Part 1: Overview of Military Women's Health Research and Advancing Women’s Health Research and Innovation Part 1 will explore the demographic profile of women serving in the military and the unique health challenges they face. An overview of the 2024 Presidential Executive Order aimed at closing gender-based research gaps and improving healthcare for women will be presented, as well as discussing how the DoD and VA are partnering to advance women's health research. The importance of research tailored to women's health needs and the role of initiatives like the Advancing Women's Health Research and Innovation program in promoting gender-specific research within the military will be emphasized. Part 2: DoD/VA Women's Health Research DoD and VA women’s health researchers will present their work on uterine fibroids among military and veteran women, the impact on their quality of life and military readiness, and what is known about racial disparities in the treatment of uterine fibroids. Research on pain management optimization through a health equity measurement framework and biopsychosocial lens will also be presented, along with VA research on use of firearms in female Reserve and National Guard veterans. Part 3: Research by CDMRP and TSNRP Part 3 will showcase the women’s health research portfolio of the CDMRP, emphasizing projects focused on women's health, (including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and breast cancer risk, and conservative care for pelvic pain in women service members). Researchers from TSNRP will focus on infertility care and a study that tests the effect of Omega-3 fatty acids on post-traumatic stress disorder following mild traumatic brain injury.