Congratulations to DUCOM class of 2014!

Today, after four years of hard work (and many more preceding) Drexel University College of Medicine's class of 2014 got their degrees! WHEP congratulates you and we are happy to call you all doctors! Good luck on the journey ahead and never forget the valuable things you learned as a student at DUCOM!

A Special shout out goes to our pathway students! the students in the class of 2014 are truly special and all have great things in store for them. We are glad to have provided support for the last leg of your race. Go show the world what you are made of!

This week is National Women's Health Week!

Women's Health Week is May 11th-17th. It is a time to reflect on the advances that have been made in women's health, while focusing on the many areas that still need attention. It can also serve as a reminder for all women to check your health. Are you up to date on all of your primary care visits? Is there a concern that you've been meaning to get checked out? Is there a bad habit that you would like to quit? Don't wait! Now is the time to take charge of your health! If you are worried about the cost of a doctors visit, the ACA has made yearly check up's for women more affordable and on many health plans, completely free.

This week serves as a great reminder to stay healthy, but don't forget, it is important for women and the people around them to be concerned for their health everyday! 

Resources: 

Women's Health.gov - Women's week infographic

My Family Health Portrait - Keep track of your family history and 

share at your yearly doctors visits.

Celebrating Nurse and Teachers!

This week we celebrate two very important career fields; nursing and teaching . Nurses week is May 6th-12th this year while teachers appreciation week is May 5th- 9th. Take the time to thank and appreciate the nurses and teachers and all they do for us! And if you are a nurse or a teacher, we thank you!

Whats up WHEP: Transdisciplinary Research Projects

Congratulations to the Transdisciplinary Education within Women's Health elective students, class of 2014 for completing their research projects! We were very impressed by the quality of projects and the depth of discussion. You should all be proud of the work you did. We even had a student bring in some flowers to have Spring inside with us as we learned about important issues in women's health!


Current fourth year students... consider joining this great elective!

FDA Safety Warning for Laparoscopic Uterine Morcellation

Just last week, the FDA issued a communication about the possible dangers of Laparoscopic Uterine Power Morcellation for hysterectomy and myomectomy. This process is typically used to perform minimally invasive hysterectomys and to remove uterine fibroids (myomectomy). Morcellation divides the tissue that is being removed into smaller pieces so that they can be easily extracted though a small incision. However, it is estimated that about 1 in 350 women will have an undetected cancerous sarcoma when receiving this treatment, which may cause the cancer to spread to other parts of the lower body. The FDA therefore discourages the use of this treatment for women with fibroids. 

Physicians are advised not to use this type of treatment, especially for women with known or suspected uterine cancer. It is important to discuss in detail, all treatment options with patients who have uterine fibroids. Patients are encouraged to ask questions about the risk and benefits associated with all treatment options. If this is a procedure you have already had done and your removed cells tested negative for cancer, it is recommenced that you have a routine follow-up with your healthcare provider. 

Resources:

Laparoscopic Uterine Power Morcellation in Hysterectomy and Myomectomy: FDA Safety Communication

Information on Uterine Sarcoma

Uterine Fibroids Factsheet