This episode dives into the persistent gender data gap in medical research, highlighting how decades of bias have led to significant blind spots in diagnosing and treating women. We hear from leading experts, including Dr. Gillian Einstein and Dr. Jeffrey Mogil, about how medical research has historically defaulted to male subjects—resulting in treatments that often overlook or misrepresent women’s health outcomes. Through examples ranging from Alzheimer’s research to pain studies and drug trials, the episode explores why the gap exists, the consequences it causes, and what’s needed to fix it.Key Takeaways:Exclusion Creates Risk Historically, medical trials and drug testing were predominantly conducted on men, even for conditions that primarily affect women. This lack of representation has led to ineffective or harmful treatments for half the population.Inclusion Alone Isn’t Enough Including women in studies without analyzing sex based differences renders that inclusion meaningless. Many studies report male and female participation but fail to examine how outcomes vary between sexes. Closing the Gap Benefits Everyone Gender aware research isn’t just about fairness. It leads to better science. Both men and women suffer when sex differences are ignored. Researchers must treat sex as a critical discovery variable, not an afterthought. ----Dr. Gillian Einstein – University of Toronto Dr. Gillian Einstein U of TDr. Jeffrey Mogil – McGill University Dr. Jeffrey Mogil - MogilabJohn Oliver’s Last Week Tonight (2020 episode on medical bias) You can see this episode here: John Oliver Last Week Tonight Medical Bias 2020IWK Foundation – Jennifer Gillivan, President and CEO of the IWK Foundation in Halifax, NS https://iwkfoundation.org/Special thanks to Farideh for the use of her song “Female Body” You can find the song on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more. Her website is www.ilovefarideh.com
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Invisible Women
In this first episode of The Fifth Wave, host Avis Favaro explores the pervasive issue of gender data gaps and how women have been historically excluded from research that shapes our daily lives all over the planet. Drawing from Caroline Criado Perez’s book “Invisible Women”, this episode unpacks the systemic biases in medicine, urban planning and public policy that continue to favour men. Featuring thought provoking insights from Jennifer Gillivan, Dr. Maria Migas and Dr. Jeffrey Mogil, this episode shines a light on the unseen forces that make women “invisible” in data. And what can be done to change it. Key takeaways: The gender data gap is real. Most research, from drug trials to urban planning, has historically been conducted using male subjects, leaving women’s unique needs unaddressed. Medical bias puts women at risk. Women experience diseases differently, but treatments and diagnoses are often based on male data, leading to misdiagnoses and improper care. Change starts with awareness and action. Advocates like Jennifer Gillivan, Dr. Maria Migas and Dr. Jeffrey Mogil, emphasize the need for better education and inclusive research to ensure policies and systems that work for everyone. Listen in to uncover why gender data disparities matter – and how we can create a more equitable world for all. ------Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez-Jennifer Gillivan, President and CEO of the IWK Foundation in Halifax, NS https://iwkfoundation.org/-Dr. Maria Migas, family physician and certified menopause practitioner, Halifax, NS-Dr. Jeffrey Mogil, EP Taylor professor of pain studies at McGill University in Montreal, QC
In The Fifth Wave: Curing the Healthcare Bias against Women, healthcare champions, the IWK Foundation, bring to light the profound and often dangerous consequences the gap in women’s health and research has had on women. The study of human biology has defaulted to the male body, which has hindered understanding of sex-based biological differences and results in fewer available and less effective treatments for women. We have been living in a world built for men, not only in heath care, but transportation, technology and beyond. This series will spark both curiosity and outrage leaving you wanting large scale change – a movement even. With insights from medical experts and researchers, The Fifth Wave challenges the default male standard and asks: What happens when half the population is left out of the equation? We hope to empower every woman and girl with the awareness and information to take charge of her health. Hosted by Avis Favaro.
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