Should I or shouldn’t I?

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: Assessment of NIH Research onWomen’s Health  Deadline: May 26, 2023   The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is seeking suggestions for experts to participate in a new study, “Assessment of NIH Research on Women’s Health.” The goals of the study are to develop a framework for addressing the persistent gaps that remain in the knowledge of women’s health research across all NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) by exploring the proportion of NIH research on conditions that are more common in or unique to women, establishing how these conditions are defined and tracked across the lifespan, evaluating sex differences and racial health disparities in research, and determining the appropriate level of funding that is needed to address gaps in women’s health research at NIH.  National Academies staff will build a committee of approximately 15 volunteer experts in addition to collecting information for potential speakers, participants, and peer reviewers for any publications resulting from the activity.  Expertise in the following areas is needed: – Social science – Basic science of sex differences research; – Women’s health including, but not restricted to, general internal medicine, cardiology, endocrinology, diabetes, obesity, nephrology, preventive medicine, reproductive health (e.g. obstetrics and gynecology, maternal fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, menopausal health) – Clinical trials and research (including ethics) – Health disparitiesHealth policy – Health economics – Use of research for regulatory purposes We invite you to submit your suggestions by May 26, 2023 at 12 a.m. ET. Learn more about the study here.  SUBMIT NOMINATIONS The National Academies are committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion in order to strengthen the quality of our work. Diverse perspectives contribute to finding innovative approaches and solutions to challenging issues. We encourage the nomination of volunteers who reflect the populations we serve and also welcome in particular nominations of candidates from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, women, and early- and mid-career professionals.  Help Spread the Word!

This volunteer opportunity was sent to me by a friend, If I were selected, I could bring a valuable, unique perspective with an understanding of the structural barriers within the NIH that limit the ability to implement well-intentioned recommendations.

When I first read this, I felt a surge of energy about the possibility of being able to stimulate meaningful change for women’s health one more time. However, it would pick at wounds that are scabbed over but not completely healed.

I have a few days to reflect on this. I am open to thoughts.