PCOS and Genetics- Interview with PCOS Genetic Expert Dr. Andrea Dunaif
I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Andrea Dunaif earlier this month. Dr. Dunaif is the Charles F. Kettering Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Medicine at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. Dr. Dunaif held faculty appointments at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. She served as the first director of women’s health at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She also established and served as chief of the Division of Women’s Health in the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and led the Harvard Medical School National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health.
Dr. Dunaif is an internationally recognized expert in endocrinology and women’s health. Her research on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common hormonal disorder of reproductive-age women with prevalence rates of 5-10% worldwide, has shown that PCOS is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Further, this research has revolutionized the treatment of PCOS with insulin sensitizing drugs. Dr. Dunaif is the Director of the National Institutes of Health-supported Northwestern University Specialized Center of Research on Sex Differences and leads an international effort to map the genes for PCOS. She also oversees two National Institutes of Health-supported training programs, the Northwestern University Building Interdisciplinary Careers in Women’s Health institutional K-award program and the Northwestern University Program in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hormone Action, an institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award.
Listen in and you’ll hear our 40 minute discussion of recent PCOS research, genetics and more.
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If you are interested in learning more about the ongoing studies and to see if you qualify to participate visit – http://www.pcos.northwestern.edu/
My endocrinologist In Boston, years ago, suggested I see Dr. Dunaif when she was at Brigham & Women’s. I did and I can say it was one of the worst experiences I have ever had with a doctor. She was incredibly arrogant, rude, dismissive and just had an all around awful attitude. The whole experience was weird. She was very weird. The next time I saw my endo I told him exactly what had happened and he just laughed, shrugged his shoulders and said “well she does have a reputation.” I wish he had told me that prior to me making an appointment. What a waste.