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Welcome to the

Center for Women’s Health and Reproductive Medicine

The mission of the Center for Women’s Health and Reproductive Medicine is to advance the fields of women’s health and reproduction. We aim to do this by (1) studying women’s health and gynecologic conditions throughout the lifespan, (2) promoting healthy reproductive outcomes through the study of peri-conceptional and pregnancy-specific health and disease and (3) specifically increasing our knowledge related to production of gametes, fertility regulation, early normal and abnormal development and the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.

Vision

  • Increase understanding of male and female reproductive organ function throughout the lifespan
  • Enhance studies of male and female gametogenesis, infertility, fertility regulation, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes using state of the art technology
  • Identify and embark on translational research connecting all facets of women’s health (physical, mental, and social well-being)
  • Expand basic knowledge of the developmental origins of health and disease by studying pre-implantation embryos through in utero development and pregnancy
  • Develop diagnostics and interventions to treat infertility, reduce maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality
  • Train the next generation of scientists and physicians who will focus on reproduction and women’s health
  • Communicate research with other scientists and the public, including outreach to local schools

Welcome from the Director

Penn has been commited to reproduction and women’s health research since the founding of the Reproductive Biology Program in 1966 and the broadening of its scope with the establishment of the Center for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health in 1993. The Center’s renaming, as the Center for Women’s Health and Reproductive Medicine in 2024, reflects Penn’s renewed commitment to the program and further defines not only the Center’s traditional basic investigations into gametogenesis, developmental processes and improving reproduction and pregnancy outcomes, but also to stress the Center’s translational and clinical research priorities. As CWHRM embarks on this continued journey, our focus is greater than just reproductive health: We aim to examine the entire being and the impact of female-specific health and disease throughout the lifespan. We recognize males and females often have unique disease presentations and therapeutic responses. Our team consists of scientists and physicians engaged in cutting edge-research aimed at improving health outcomes for women. This research does not just drive clinical advances, but also informs clinical decisions and changes lives. The unique health challenges faced by women deserve equally unique, evidence-based solutions and we are committed not only to explore these but to also lead in advancing the healthcare for future generations. CWHRM is home to one of the few March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centers in the country as well as the Penn Center for the Study of Epigenetics in Reproduction, the Pregnancy and Perinatal Research Center and the Penn Ovarian Cancer Research Center. If you are a trainee entering the field, we welcome your ideas and invite you to join us as we uncover breakthroughs in reproduction and women’s health.

Recent News

Cardiac Grants Propel Cutting-Edge Research to Transform Outcomes for Children with Severe Heart Conditions

Cardiac Grants Propel Cutting-Edge Research to Transform Outcomes for Children with Severe Heart Conditions

The collaborative efforts, led by researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, aim to advance cardiac care treatment paradigms. J. William Gaynor, MD, a surgeon in the Cardiac Center at CHOP,

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New research seeks an mRNA therapy for heavy menstrual bleeding

New research seeks an mRNA therapy for heavy menstrual bleeding

Every minute in the U.S., a woman requires a blood transfusion because of her period. “Heavy menstrual bleeding affects one in three women, but our resources for treating it are incredibly limited,” said Kathleen O’Neill,

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Upcoming Events

CWHRM Seminar Series : Devanshi Jain, PhD

Location : 1412 BRB or Zoom Devanshi Jain, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Genetics Rutgers University Talk title : "Cell-Intrinsic and Non-Cell-Intrinsic Regulation of Mammalian Meiosi"

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1412 BRB, 421 Curie Blvd
Philadelphia, PA
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CWHRM Seminar Series : Work in Progress – Gerson Lab

Work in Progress - Gerson Lab Speakers to be announced Location : 1412 BRB or Zoom

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1412 BRB, 421 Curie Blvd
Philadelphia, PA
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CWHRM Seminar Series : Lisa Levine, MD MSCE

Location : 1412 BRB or Zoom   Lisa Levine, MD MSCE Michael Mennuti, MD Associate Professor in Reproductive Health Director, Pregnancy and Heart Disease Program Program Director, Maternal Fetal Medicine … Continue reading CWHRM Seminar Series : Lisa Levine, MD MSCE

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1412 BRB, 421 Curie Blvd
Philadelphia, PA
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