2013 Women in Science Series to Feature Accomplished Local Researchers and Physicians

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) invites the public to attend the 7th annual Women in Science Series. Women in Science is an opportunity to meet outstanding female scientists and physicians and learn about their cutting-edge research.

Series subscriptions are available for a suggested minimum donation of $250, which supports two annual awards for promising women scientists. Admission, food and free parking are included at all of the events in the series:

April 25th, from 3 to 5 p.m., is the opening event, sponsored by GE Healthcare. Jacquelyn M. Paykel, M.D., MCW physician in obstetrics, gynecology, and integrative medicine, will present an integrative medicine approach to women’s common health concerns. Dr. Paykel will discuss a variety of treatment options, including bio-identical hormone therapy, meditation, and acupuncture. Dr. Paykel’s talk will be followed by a reception with the GE Women’s Network at GE Healthcare, 9900 Innovation Drive, Wauwatosa.

May 30th — Viruses: Small Packages with a Big Impact. Paula Traktman, Ph.D., Walter Schroeder Professor and Chair of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at MCW, will explain the intricate nature of viruses and how some can peacefully co-exist with humans, while others wreak havoc and cause devastating disease. Dr. Traktman is also the senior associate dean for research development at MCW. Her luncheon presentation is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin, 813 E. Kilbourn Ave.

June 27th – Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Why Some Thrive and Some Fail. Terri deRoon-Cassini, Ph.D., assistant professor of surgery, trauma and critical care at MCW, explains how posttraumatic stress disorder develops, who is at risk, and what factors decide who thrives and who suffers after experiencing trauma. This luncheon presentation is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin.

September 12th – Cardiovascular Disease: The #1 Killer of Women is Just a Heartbeat Away. Daisy Sahoo, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine/endocrinology at MCW, will present the latest information about heart disease, which is the number one cause of death for women. Dr. Sahoo will explain how your body controls its cholesterol levels and describe new ways to better assess your cardiovascular health. This luncheon presentation is from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin.

October 17th - The 2013 Women in Science Series concludes with the presentation of the Women Pioneers in Research Awards. The awards include a $10,000 research award to an established scientist and the $1,000 “Edward J. Lennon, M.D. Award for an Outstanding Woman Postdoctoral Researcher.” Female physicians, scientists and medical students will share lunch with series subscribers, and offer their personal perspectives on current medical research and life as medical students, respectively. This event is sponsored by Associated Bank and will take place at The Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The mission of Women in Science is to showcase outstanding research and provide financial support for women scientists at the Medical College of Wisconsin. For details, contact Linda Hruska, lhruska@mcw.edu or (414) 955-5863.