Eli Lilly Canada, McMaster establish chair in women’s health

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Crupi&Cohen.jpg” caption=”May Cohen and Gaetano Crupi”]McMaster University and Eli Lilly Canada today announced the creation of the Eli Lilly Canada-May Cohen Chair in Women's Health to further research and education in this field. Eli Lilly Canada is supporting the chair with a $1-million contribution over five years to support research activities.

The Eli Lilly Canada-May Cohen Chair in Women's Health will conduct epidemiological research and clinical trials that address the determinants and prevalence of women's health problems. The chair holder will also develop policy recommendations from research findings and educate both the public and health care professionals on women's health. A national search is currently under way to recruit the first holder of the chair.

The new chair is named in honour of May Cohen, a former associate dean and professor in McMaster's Faculty of Health Sciences. Cohen has long been recognized for her leadership and contributions in the field of women's health. Among other accomplishments, Cohen served as chair of the Canadian Medical Association Gender Issues Committee and as president of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada. She has received many awards for her work, including the American Association of Medical Colleges Women in Medicine Program's Leadership Development Award.

“Throughout her career, Dr. Cohen has advanced the cause of women's health and of women in her profession,” said Russell Joffe, dean and vice-president of health dciences at McMaster. “The creation of this chair will allow McMaster to honour her important contributions by continuing our leadership in this field.”

“As a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, Lilly has long recognized the importance of women's health,” said Gaetano Crupi, president of Eli Lilly Canada Inc. “We are committed to helping women live longer, healthier, more active lives,” he added.

“McMaster has been extremely fortunate to have May Cohen on its faculty and carrying its banner for many years,” said Peter George, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University. “Eli Lilly Canada's generous contribution allows us to honour May Cohen in the naming of the chair and ensures that we will be able to continue to contribute to women's health through research and teaching.”

McMaster University is one of Canada's leading research institutions and is located in Hamilton, Ontario. Its Faculty of Health Sciences is recognized internationally for its leading edge research, innovation and excellence in education.

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers – through medicines and information – for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Lilly Canada, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, employs more than 600 people across the country.