Expanding the Definition of "Women's Health"

Kimberly J. Templeton, MD

The term "women's health" has long been thought to refer almost exclusively to reproductive health issues or conditions that are unique to women. Evidence that sex and gender have an impact on almost all health conditions—whether in etiology, prevalence, presentation, or response to treatment—is increasing. Unfortunately, this impact is not always acknowledged, taught in medical schools or residencies, or applied to patient care.

Developing a Unified Advocacy Front

Eugene Stautberg, MD; Jessica Stautberg

His perspective As expectant parents, my wife and I are establishing a game plan on how to be a team—a unified front—in raising our child. We want to be on the same page with respect to discipline, school, and even what type of snacks he can eat (eg, gluten-free candy instead of gummy bears). Orthopaedic surgeons need a similar approach when it comes to spreading the orthopaedic advocacy message. Here again, we can turn to our spouses—an often untapped, but valuable resource.

Second Look—Advocacy

These items originally appeared in AAOS Headline News Now, a thrice-weekly enewsletter that keeps AAOS members up to date on clinical, socioeconomic, and political issues, with links to more detailed information. Subscribe at www.aaos.org/news/news.

Talking Politics with Patients

Ryan Eggers, MD, MA

With presidential elections just weeks away, many physicians are finding themselves involved in political discussions—with each other and, perhaps, with patients. However, in the current political climate, physicians may decide to keep a wide berth around any form of political discussion with patients.