Since the end of the 20th century, increasingly clear evidence has emerged regarding sex and gender differences in the epidemiology and pathophysiology of many diseases, as well as in their clinical manifestations, progression, and responses to treatments. Underestimating these differences generates health inequities.
Even so, a significant part of the current clinical practice guidelines are still based on studies predominantly conducted on men, and women continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials.
The new Catalan Society of Health from a Sex and Gender Perspective (SCSpSG) aims to promote the incorporation of the sex and gender perspective in healthcare activities, research, and education to eliminate existing inequalities and achieve better health for everyone. It seeks to do this in collaboration with other scientific societies of the Academy.
The creation of the SCSpSG is an initiative of the Commission on Health and Gender (CSG) of Sant Pau, well received by other CSGs from Hospital Clínic, Hospital Vall d’Hebron, Hospital de Can Ruti, and by the CSG Coordinator of the Department of Health, who are also participating in the Society.
The SCSpSG has been established within the Academy of Medical and Health Sciences of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, an entity comprised of about 85 societies and branches and more than 30,000 members.
Following its Statutes, a Steering Committee (SC) was formed, consisting of 9 members of the Academy, 3 of whom (Dr. Elisa Llurba, Dr. Mª Rosa Ballester, and Dr. Mª Mangues/coordinator) are practitioners from Sant Pau.
The SC processed the application for the creation of the Society with the support of 64 other members of the Academy, and the Governing Board approved it on June 4.
The most notable event of its first months of activity will take place on November 15, 2024: Gender-focused Day: the Unfinished Business of Personalized Medicine.
The Steering Committee is finalizing the program, which will be publicized in the coming weeks.
