Women in Andrology 5

Hatched in the Women’s Room

Started by: Jean Fourcroy

Sally Nyquist Gail Prins

Susan Rothman

Back to Index

A BRIEF HISTORY OF WOMEN IN ANDROLOGY

This summary was originally prepared by Dr. Sally Perreault with input from many important pioneers of

the WIA. Revised February 26, 2005

1.  WIA Mission Statement2.  The Ladies Room Caucus3.  First Organized Meeting4.  Evolution of the WIA5.  WIA Annual Luncheon

Women in Andrology Mission Statement (Approved 1991)

The field of Andrology can best advance by optimizing contributions from all its members. The Women of Andrology (WIA) of the American Society of Andrology recognizes that the issues confronting women are often unique. The WIA was formed to promote women’s contributions to and representation in the activities of the American Society of Andrology, specifically, and the field of Andrology in general.

The Ladies Room Caucus During the 1991 ASA Interim (Fall)

Council meeting, Gail Prins and Susan Ro thmann ra i sed ob jec t i ons t o t he predominately male candidate slate proposed by the Nominating Committee. ASA President David Hamilton challenged the women Council members to develop a plan to increase participation of women in the ASA. He called a recess and asked the four women present to caucus and then report back with a plan. Gail, Susan, Jean Fourcroy and Sally Nyquist met in the only available private space, the women's restroom. Gail Prins suggested that the Women in Endocrinology group of the Endocrine Society serve as a model for the female members of the ASA. A questionnaire would be sent to all women in the ASA asking what committees they would like to serve on and soliciting resumes. These documents would be given to the Nominating Committee and to all Committee Chairs to assist them in adding women to ASA governance. In addition, it was suggested that one Council position have only women candidates to ensure adequate representation of women. The women reported this recommendation to the Council and were encouraged to proceed. Council agreed to reserve one Council ballot position for women, which is still the practice in 2004-5. The Nominating Committee was thereby instructed to develop a new, more inclusive ballot. The importance of Dr. Hamilton's encouragement of this effort cannot be understated. David made sure that the process was supported during the critical first years when he was President and Past-President. His belief in the importance of a diverse ASA was an important factor in establishing the Women in Andrology.

The First Organized Meeting Shortly thereafter, still in the fall of

1991, a group of women met at the American Fertility Society (now called the American Society of Reproductive Medicine) meeting, including Susan Rothmann, Gail Prins, Jean Fourcroy, Martha Anderson, and Grace Centola. They discussed the ASA Council Meeting, as well as strategies for starting the Women’s Group and getting women elected. Gail sent a letter and questionnaire to all female ASA members on November 15, 1991, announcing an organizational meeting to take place at the 1992 ASA meeting. The names Woman’s Caucus and Women in Andrology were both suggested.

The first WIA breakfast took place at the 1992 ASA Annual Meeting in Bethesda, MD and was attended by 36 women. The name “Women in Andrology” was chosen. Grace Centola volunteered to serve as Acting Chairperson and sent a letter to all female ASA members, and formed an ad hoc steering committee: Martha Anderson, Grace Centola, Nina Davis, Erma Drobnis, Lyndall Erb, Jean Fourcroy, Gail Goldsmith, Trish Olds-Clarke, Gail Prins, Carol Sloan, Monica Vasquez-Levin, and Donna Vogel.

Evolution of The WIA The WIA luncheon became a regular

feature of the ASA meeting starting in 1993. Early meetings included a speaker on a scientific or career development topic. In 2000, the ASA instituted a WIA Lecture as part of its official program. This freed up time at the luncheon for networking and other career development activities. The WIA Co-Chair is automatically on the Program Committee for the following year (corresponding to the meeting year during which she will be WIA chair). She can then ensure adequate female representation on the scientific program and is usually consulted regarding the selection of the WIA Lecturer. Note that WIA do not “approve” the speaker (none of the lecture sponsors do) as that is the full responsibility of the Program Committee. The WIA Co-Chair’s presence on the committee, however, does give her right to suggest potential speakers and in the final selection.

All female attendees of the ASA Annual Meeting are welcome and encouraged to attend the WIA Luncheon.

Birthplace of WIA

Women in Andrology WIA

Sally%Perreault,%PhD%Susan%Rothmann,%PhD%Gail%Prins,%PhD%

Birthplace:,Marriot,Hotel,Crystal,City,VA,

September,14,,1991,

Jean,Fourcroy,,Sally,Nyquist,, ,Gail,Prins,, , ,Susan,Rothmann,

Started,by:,

Marriot Hotel Crystal City, VA

September 14, 1991

20 Years Later

Dates Names2012-2013 Donna L. Vogel, PhD 2011-2012 Gail A. Cornwall, PhD 2009-2010 Dolores J. Lamb, PhD2006 -2007 Christina Wang, MD 2005-2006 Sally Perreault Darney, PhD 2003-2004 Gail S. Prins, PhD 2000-2001 J. Lisa Tenover, MD, PhD 1995-1996 Marie Claire Orgebin-Crist, PhD 1985-1986 Anna Steinberger, PhD 1979-1980 Nancy J. Alexander, PhD

American Society of Andrology Female Presidents

American Society of Andrology Female Secretaries (3-year appointments)

Dates Names

2013 Jacquetta Trasler 2010 Patricia L. Morris 2007 Janice L. Bailey 2004 Steven Schrader 2001 Terry Brown 1998 Dolores Lamb 1995 Rex A. Hess 1992 Barry T. Hinton 1989 Terry T. Turner 1986 Joel L. Marmar 1983 Rupert Amann 1980 Howard R. Nankin 1977 Rudi Ansbacher 1975 E. S. E. Hafez

American Society of Andrology Female Treasurers (3-year appointments)

Dates Names

2014 Rex A. Hess 2011 Rex A. Hess 2008 Erv Goldberg 2005 Janice Evans 2002 Gail Cornwall 2000 Chris DeJonge 1997 Terry Brown 1993 Gail Prins 1990 Arnold Belker 1985 Brian H. Vickery 1981 Tom Lobl 1978 Richard J. Sherins 1975 Nancy J. Alexander

American Society of Andrology Female Awardees

Female Young Andrologist Awardees As of 2014, 9 of 33 total

Dates Names

1991 Patricia M. Saling 1997 Gail A. Cornwall 2001 Jacquetta M. Trasler 2003 Joanna E. Ellington 2004 Kate Loveland 2005 Janice Bailey 2006 Janice Evans 2008 Moira O'Bryan 2014 Sarah Kimmins, PhD

Female Distinguished Andrologist Awardees As of 2014, 6 of 39 total

Dates Names

1982 Eugenia Rosemberg 1990 Marie-Claire Orgebin-Crist 1993 Anna Steinberger 2010 Dolores Lamb 2013 Christina Wang 2014 Gail Prins

Female Distinguished Service Awardees As of 2014, 6 of 21 total

Dates Names

1997 Marie-Claire Orgebin-Crist 2001 Gail S. Prins 2004 J. Lisa Tenover 2007 Sally Perreault Darney 2011 Christina Wang 2014 Susan Rothmann