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About the UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women's Health

UCSF has long recognized the need for focus, compassion and innovation in women’s health care. The National Center of Excellence in Women's Health was founded to correct historical imbalances in health care while acting as a catalyst for change in women's health:

Understanding Unique Health Needs:

Until recently, most clinical trials included only men, missing the differences in health risks and outcomes for women. We’re working to improve prevention, treatment and care by understanding these differences among diverse groups of women.

Teaching Better Medicine:

In order to practice evidence-based medicine, current and future medical providers need to be trained with the latest research findings. By including women’s health in the medical curriculum, we’re ensuring that both men and women receive the best care.

Cultivating Women Leaders:

For years now doors to medical schools have been open to women, yet few have advanced to leadership positions. By exposing women to opportunities in health and science and by supporting and mentoring women throughout their careers, we’re achieving greater diversity at the leadership table and correcting the historical imbalance.

Improving Care:

Too often, patients are treated for isolated symptoms according to a doctor’s specialty. Our providers work in collaborative teams so that the patient, not the doctor, is at the center of treatment.

In the areas of clinical care, education, leadership and community, the Center has collaborative relationships with School of Medicine departments such as primary care, mental health, internal medicine, radiology and pediatrics, and with the Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy and Dentistry. In the area of research, the Center has collaborative relationships with several centers at UCSF, including the Women’s Health Clinical Research Center, Center for Reproductive Health Research and Policy, Medical Effectiveness Research Center for Diverse Populations, Center for Reproductive Sciences, and the Lesbian Health and Research Center.