Keeping the Women we Love Healthy

Much of the knowledge about diseases, treatment, and drug development are based on research results of male subjects, ignoring the possibility of gender differences and inferring that what works for men will work for women as well. Applying results of clinical studies that include only men affects women adversely.  Even though there has been a significant growth in health research regarding key differences between men and women, women are still underrepresented in many research areas. The Howell Foundation's key initiatives are focused on guaranteeing an emphasis on all areas of research that may affect women’s health, promoting the need for further women’s health research, avoiding research bias by addressing the backlog of research efforts that include women, and ensuring that all the progress in research is integrated in educational publications and information sources available to our community. It has only been a little over 25 years since the National Institutes of...

It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of a remarkable woman who inspired us all.  She truly believed that the way to fight bias against female in research was through education.  In doing so, she touched the life of many.    Devoted to improving the lives of others, her pervasive humanitarian outreach to those in need and to education is legendary.   Known as the "Mother of Hospice" in our community, Doris A. Howell, M.D. was a graduate of McGill University.  A Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist, and an internationally renowned leader in pediatrics and hospice care, she was a faculty member at Harvard and Duke Schools of Medicine, Chair of the Dept. of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Pennsylvania, and on the faculty of UCSD Medical School where she chaired the Dept. of Community and Family Medicine. Serving on the San Diego Hospice Board of Directors since its inception, she was a driving force for San Diego Hospice, now ...

Jessica Hawks, doctoral candidate and Dr. Hala Madanat The Howell's CEI holds more than "Fresh 15"... mentoring and leadership skills in a real-world setting are included!  Dr. Hala Madanat presented the results of Howell's CEI research grant focused on preventing gain weight in women starting college -- also known as 'freshman 15' -- at our last luncheon in November. But it wasn't only about the ways to prevent weight gain, it was also about providing and being able to train researchers in a 'real world' setting; including an in-depth understanding on leadership and mentorship for the researchers involved.  The project included 3 undergraduate students, 4 master's degree students, and one doctoral student. The study was divided into 2 arms; one included coaching and nutrition; the other without any kind of intervention at all.  The study would take place during a 12-week period; and participants were tested to identify the markers ...

Pictured above from left to right Noelle Lipkin Leveque, Dr. Patricia Roth and Tina Campbell. The health of the caregiver tending to Alzheimer's and dementia patients, and training for the health care provider in human trafficking victims as the 2016 Hahn School of Nursing research projects.   San Diego, CA - August, 2015 .   The Doris A. Howell Foundation announced the recipients of the Cheryl A. Wilson Scholarships to Ph.D. candidates Noelle Lipkin Leveque, sponsored by Cynthia D. Connaly, Ph.D. RN FAAN, and Trista Campbell, sponsored by Jane Georges, PhD.   Lipkin will be addressing care for victims of human trafficking while Campbell will addressing the health issues of the caregivers of dementia and Alzheimer's patients. In her project description, Lipkin mentions: " Published research shows between 68 and 97% of health care providers say they have had NO training in identifying or treating victims of human trafficking. This dissertation focuses on the...

National Nurse's week is celebrated May 6th to May 12th.  This incredibly noble profession isn't always recognized as it should.  Aside from treating patients that can be very sick or injured, nurses provide advice and sometimes much needed emotional support to patients and their families as well.  Being a nurse goes beyond helping doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. In recognition to the amazing work nurses do to help our health in the research field, and to honor the help of one of our own, the Howell Foundation established the Cheryl A. Wilson Nursing Scholarship 6 years ago. Current CEO of St. Senior Homes & Services in San Diego, Ms. Wilson holds a Master’s degree from the University of Redlands, MA and an RN from Prince Henry's Nursing School.  Ms. Wilson has earlier experience as a Critical Care/Operating nurse and consultant to long-term care programs/new programs & facilities development. Prior to her current position, she als...

On the road to celebrating our 20th anniversary we wish to recognize and celebrate the achievements of current and past Howell Scholars.  In this case, one of our 2014 scholars is focusing on making sure women are informed on HPV and the risk of cervical cancer.   The role Jennifer will be playing in women's health education is pivotal for women in the military. 2014 Scholar Jennifer Buechel and Howell Foundation Co Vice-chair Cheryl Wilson "Thank you to Dr. Howell and the members of the Howell Foundation! I was awarded a Howell Scholarship in 2014. The funding helped me to support my dissertation study on HPV knowledge and HPV vaccine uptake among U.S. Navy personnel. I have collected my data from over 350 participants in the U.S. Navy, and currently analyzing the results. The findings will help support preventive medicine and sexual health programs in the armed services. In addition, it will help the fight against cervical cancer (the #1 related cancer to HPV), both na...

Doctoral researchers  to focus on sleep disorders in pregnancy and breast feeding patterns  San Diego, CA - August, 2015 .   The Doris A. Howell Foundation announced the recipients of the Cheryl A. Wilson Scholarships to CDR Ryan Nations with the project entitled “Sleep disordered breathing and pregnancy: prevalence and outcomes at delivery”, mentored by Dr. Cynthia Connelly; and to Jodi O’Brien with the research project entitled “Examining breastfeeding patterns and nurse factors associated with in-hospital formula supplementation” sponsored by nursing faculty member, Dr. Mary Barger; both scholarship recipients are candidates for a doctoral degree at USD Hahn School of Nursing. CDR Ryan Nations and Dr. Doris Howell “There is an old joke that if you don't remember your anesthesia provider they must have done their job well. While there is a bit of truth and humor in that statement, it is my goal as a nurse anesthetist to disprove that joke. Every in...