About Magee-womens research institute and foundation
Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation: Advancing Women's Health Through Research
Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation (MWRI) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to advancing women's health through research. Established in 1992, MWRI has become the largest research institute in the U.S. devoted exclusively to women's health research.
MWRI is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and it operates as an independent subsidiary of UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center). The institute has a team of over 200 scientists, physicians, and staff who are committed to conducting cutting-edge research on various aspects of women's health.
Research Areas
MWRI focuses on several key areas of women's health research. These include:
1. Reproductive Health: MWRI researchers study various aspects of reproductive health such as infertility, pregnancy complications, preterm birth prevention, contraception development and testing.
2. Cancer: The institute conducts extensive cancer-related studies including breast cancer prevention & treatment options for ovarian cancer patients.
3. Cardiovascular Disease: MWRI researchers investigate cardiovascular disease risk factors unique to women such as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia during pregnancy which can lead to heart disease later in life.
4. Neurological Disorders: The institute also conducts studies on neurological disorders that affect women more frequently than men like Alzheimer’s disease or multiple sclerosis.
5. Genetics & Epigenetics: Researchers at MWRI explore how genetics & epigenetics influence female-specific diseases like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
6. Global Health Issues Affecting Women: In addition to local studies conducted by the institute they also conduct global studies related to maternal mortality rates worldwide or access issues for family planning services across different countries.
Research Achievements
Over the years since its inception in 1992, Magee-Womens Research Institute has made significant contributions towards improving healthcare outcomes for women globally through their groundbreaking discoveries:
1) Development Of HPV Vaccine - Drs Diane Harper and Robert Edwards were instrumental in developing Gardasil®, one of the first vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer among other cancers affecting both men &women.
2) Pioneering Work On Preterm Birth Prevention - Dr Yoel Sadovsky led a team that discovered exosomes from placenta cells could be used as biomarkers predicting preterm birth risk with high accuracy leading towards better preventive measures being taken before delivery date arrives.
3) Breast Cancer Treatment Breakthroughs - Dr Adrian Lee led a team that discovered new ways breast cancers can be treated using targeted therapies based on genetic mutations found within tumors themselves rather than just relying solely upon chemotherapy treatments alone.
4) Ovarian Cancer Detection Methods - Dr Robert Bast Jr developed CA-125 blood test which helps detect ovarian cancer early when it’s still treatable by surgery alone without needing chemotherapy treatments afterwards.
Fundraising Efforts
The Magee-Womens Research Institute Foundation was established with an aim to support ongoing scientific work at MWRI through fundraising efforts from individuals who believe in their mission statement "to improve healthcare outcomes for all females".
The foundation raises funds through various events throughout the year including annual galas where donors can contribute directly towards specific projects being undertaken by researchers at MWRI while enjoying entertainment provided by local artists performing live music acts etc., making it an enjoyable experience while supporting a great cause!
Conclusion
In conclusion,Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation is doing incredible work advancing healthcare outcomes for females globally through their innovative approach towards researching female-specific diseases like endometriosis or PCOS along with other areas mentioned above.They have made significant contributions over time leading towards better preventive measures being taken before delivery date arrives; discovering new ways breast cancers can be treated using targeted therapies based on genetic mutations found within tumors themselves rather than just relying solely upon chemotherapy treatments alone; developing CA-125 blood test which helps detect ovarian cancer early when it’s still treatable by surgery alone without needing chemotherapy treatments afterwards.Their fundraising efforts are commendable too!