CMR Institute | Education for Pharmaceutical Representatives, Biotech, & Medical Device Industries

Focus on Women's Health

This course begins with a review of the current status of medical research targeted toward women’s health issues. It then describes female anatomy and physiology, and discusses medical issues specifically related to female reproduction. Next, key information about the later phase of women’s lives is presented, with a focus on the development of osteoporosis and current knowledge about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The course then describes the major cardiovascular conditions seen in women and discusses lung cancer and other cancers of particular concern to women, including breast cancer and gynecologic cancers. Common medical conditions that manifest themselves differently in women or appear to occur more frequently in women are identified and described. The course then discusses psychiatric conditions that are found much more often in women than in men, including eating disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to discuss the female focus in current medical research; discuss fertility issues, including new advances in contraception and infertility treatment; describe prevalent sexually transmitted diseases and gynecologic infections; discuss trends in the management of menopause and hormone replacement therapy; briefly describe research efforts toward women’s issues in cardiovascular disease, oncology, and endocrine and autoimmune disorders; and discuss women’s issues in psychology and behavioral medicine including eating disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders.

Who Should Take This Course

Sales representatives and managers who interact with healthcare providers with an interest in women’s health issues, including primary care physicians, gynecologists, obstetricians, cardiologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, oncologists, and psychiatrists.

Career Applications/Benefits

The focus on women’s health emphasizes issues specific to women’s reproductive systems, such as infertility, gynecologic disorders, and breast cancer, as well as conditions that are not unique to women, including cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine headache, and depression. Many major hospitals and medical centers are now establishing women’s healthcare centers where representatives will present products solely in terms of their effect on women’s health. Meeting the healthcare needs of women can be an important aspect of marketing and selling strategies for pharmaceutical companies. This course will benefit those in pharmaceutical companies that develop and market products related to women’s health, as well as products for diseases that affect both sexes. The information provided in the course will help sales representatives and others with an interest in women’s health issues understand basic concepts and key issues of women’s health so that they can knowledgeably discuss these subjects with healthcare professionals.