Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health?
The Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health is a part of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, established to cultivate the advancement of multi-disciplinary science in women’s health and to promote the well-being of women through research, education and clinical outreach.
Why is Laura Bush lending her name?
Mrs. Bush said, “The Institute makes a positive difference in the lives of Texans through their innovative research programs and efforts to educate women about health risks. I am grateful for their good work and honored by their tribute.”
Where is it located?
Established at the TTUHSC Amarillo campus, the Institute has a strong presence in the Permian Basin and Lubbock and is expanding to El Paso, Abilene and Dallas campuses.
When was it established?
Established in 2000 as the Women’s Health and Research Institute in Amarillo, it was renamed in the summer of 2007.
Why is women’s health important? Why focus on women’s health?
Modern-day research proves that some diseases react differently in men and women – challenging health care professionals to design special approaches to providing women’s health information, disease diagnosis and treatment.
The economic and geographic landscape of West Texas affords an unequalled opportunity to study women’s health issues in regards to rural health and border health.
How do we know women’s health issues are different?
As late as 13 years ago, most research was conducted on men. Gender differences in diseases have surfaced in part because of a 1994 NIH mandate requiring researchers to include women and minorities in their studies. This mandate has had a profound effect on women's health and gender-based discoveries and theories. In addition, the effects on the differences in minority populations are being brought to the forefront due to a revision in the mandate in 2000 requiring reporting of gender and minority statistical subset analyses in Phase III of clinical trials.
Issues such as breast cancer, osteoporosis and the medical aspects of pregnancy are still crucial gaps in knowledge about women’s health – particularly striking for those women with the highest risk factors for poor health, which include minorities, the elderly and those living in poverty. Studies of cancer, stroke and heart disease among women also are being funded across the country.
What research is being done?
Cutting-edge research is being done on several women’s health issues. In addition, the Institute will integrate groundbreaking research from its host campuses and push those findings to researchers and clinicians nationally and internally. This body of work will attract high-profile research scientists willing to unlock the mysteries of diseases and treatment processes specific to women.
How is the Institute providing education on women’s health issues?
With an increased emphasis on Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center medical school student, resident and fellowship curricula, the Institute will educate tomorrow’s physicians to better communicate information, diagnose and treat women’s health issues, preparing clinicians to respond to women for the betterment of their health.
In addition, community education is provided the the public through workshops, lecture series, symposiums and cultural events.
Are there physicians at this institute to treat me?
The Institute works in partnership with the Center for Women’s Health and Gender-Based Medicine in Amarillo, Texas Tech Physicians in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, El Paso and Abilene, as well as with hospitals and clinics throughout West Texas.
What are the expected outcomes of the Women’s Health Institute?
The Institute, active on all of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center campuses, will provide a nationally recognized integration of research and educational outreach; cultivate the advancement of multi-disciplinary science in women’s health; and promote the well-being of women through research, education and clinical outreach.
The vision of the Institute is to create an enduring, positive impact on the health and well-being of women and their families worldwide.