Sex and Gender Smackdown: Five Must-Read Articles From 2024 That Will Change Your Perspective (AWAEM- and Sex & Gender in EM Interest Group-Sponsored)

Over the past decade, research into how biological sex and gender impact health care outcomes has grown significantly. These factors influence pathophysiology and treatment access, making them essential considerations for emergency providers, educators, and researchers. This rapid-fire lecture will highlight thought-provoking studies that emphasize the importance of incorporating sex and gender in bedside care, teaching, and research. Participants will also be introduced to the World Health Organization’s framework for analyzing medical literature through a sex and gender lens. Attendees will gain practical tools to share these insights at their institutions, fostering knowledge and improving patient care outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this session, participants should be able to:
  • Describe the SAGER guidelines
  • Identify two important sex and gender contributors to heart disease
  • List two sex and gender differences that influence patient care

Presenters:

  • Jeannette Wolfe, MD
  • Basmah Safdar, MD
Authors

  • Jeannette Wolfe, MD

    UMMS-Baystate

    Dr Wolfe is a Professor of Emergency Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School--Baystate and the recipient of the Joy McCann endowed Professor for Women in Medicine from UMass Chan Medical School. Her area of deep interest is understanding how the variables of biolgoical sex and sociocultural attributes influence health outcomes. She is also an ardent supporter of the advancement of women in medicine and science, and in ensuring that all professionals have the right tools to optimize their career. She has lectured, published and podcasted extensively in these areas over the last two decades.

  • Basmah Safdar, MD

    Professor, Emergency Medicine

    Yale University

    Basmah Safdar, M.D., is a Professor and Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs & Development in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Yale School of Medicine. With two decades of experience at Yale, Dr. Safdar has held multiple leadership roles, currently overseeing a large faculty affairs and research portfolio. She is a 2024 Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Fellow, a testament to her vision, skills, and dedication.

    Dr. Safdar is internationally recognized for her pioneering work in sex and gender differences in microvascular dysfunction. Her research has transformed emergency care practices, notably through Yale’s integration of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary artery (MINOCA) assessment into routine clinical care. She leads a large research team and has built a significant portfolio from federal, foundation, and industry grants, extending her research into precision medicine.

    Her leadership in faculty development is equally notable. As Past President of the Academy for Women in Academic Emergency Medicine (AWAEM), Dr. Safdar advanced gender equity in the field and established the Society of Academic Emergency Medicine Faculty Equity Task Force. This task force developed actionable solutions to reduce disparities in mentorship, recruitment, and faculty advancement. Her passion for data-driven advocacy has led to new insights into gender and racial gaps in academic emergency medicine, which she uses to effect change both nationally and within her institution.

    Dr. Safdar thrives in collaborative environments and leads with authenticity, integrity, and a constant pursuit of excellence. She brings a deep passion for problem-solving and a rich background in systems thinking to new opportunities. She has formed exciting partnerships with industry partners, foundations, entrepreneurs, and bioinformatics partners to bring innovative solutions for advancing equity in healthcare.

    Dr. Safdar finished residency and Chief Residency in Emergency Medicine at the Yale and Master of Science from Harvard.

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