3 San Francisco VA Health Care System staff chosen as “Best Female Scientist in the World, 2022”
Research.com recently released their picks for Best Female Scientist in the World for 2022 and three of our San Francisco VA Health Care System’s (SFVAHCS) staff were selected among this illustrious group
Based on their contributions to major journals, conference proceedings, and their general H-index, the recipients of this honor include Dr. Kristine Yaffe (Chief of Geriatric Psychiatry, Mental Health Service), Dr. Mary A. Whooley (Director, Measurement Science QUERI, Medical Service), and Dr. Karla Kerlikowske (Director, Women Veterans Comprehensive Health Center, Medical Service). Their contributions were meticulously examined against 166,880 published scientists across all major areas of science. Out of all female scientists considered, only the top 1,000 with the highest H-index, which measures both the productivity of their studies and how often they are cited, received ranking as the world’s best.
Dr. Yaffe, who ranked 49th internationally and 34th nationally, was recently named the Leon J. Epstein Chair in Geriatric Psychiatry and in 2022 was the first woman to receive the Barnwell Award by the VA’s Clinical Science Research and Development Service. As a distinguished leader in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, her research has shown at least 30% of dementia risk is preventable with lifestyle changes, cardiovascular health, the role of estrogen, and better sleep habits. Dr. Yaffe has more recently, through her studies, found that there is a correlation between cognitive aging and sleep disorders. Her work is changing the way researchers and providers treat and prevent dementia internationally.
Dr. Whooley, who ranked 615th internationally and 379th nationally, is an implementation scientist, health services researcher, and primary care physician. Most recently she led the research of a landmark study of Veterans who participated in home-based cardiac rehabilitation which has been widely recognized as a breakthrough that will save lives. Commonly, only 44% of patients opt to participate in cardiac rehabilitation programs. Her work demonstrated that by implementing cardiac rehabilitation at home, patients can improve outcomes and reduce the possibility of succumbing to heart complications by 36% within four years. Based on this research, if the percentage of participants of cardiac rehabilitation doubled roughly 25,000 lives could be saved and 180,000 hospitalizations could be prevented each year, according to Million Hearts Cardiac Rehabilitation Collaborative. Dr. Whooley emphasizes that:
“The national Veterans Health Administration is a model learning health system in which research influences practice, and practice influences research, through continuous quality improvement processes. Nowhere else would I have had the opportunity to start a new clinical program, collect data establishing its benefits, disseminate this program to other VA facilities, and evaluate the success of its implementation. Nowhere else would I have had the opportunity to collaborate with such phenomenal colleagues and talented trainees. Practicing medicine in the same system where I conduct research keeps me anchored in the most pressing clinical questions and provides the immediate gratification of caring for patients when day-to-day research challenges might otherwise feel insurmountable.”
Dr. Kerlikowske, ranked 647th internationally and 402nd nationally, is a renowned physician-scientist who helped lead teams in the research of breast imaging, the epidemiology of invasive breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), breast density, and risk prediction. Dr. Kerlikowske’s election to the prestigious Association of American Physicians is based in part on her international recognition as an expert in breast cancer screenings. She notes:
“It is an honor to have my research recognized as contributing evidence to improve the health of women. The training and support of the VA and UCSF allows for productive collaborations and pursuit of scientific endeavors.”
Dr. Kerlikowske, along with the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) most recently launched a tool for providers that measure risk for those who may develop breast cancer. The Advanced Breast Cancer Risk Calculator is a tool used to estimate the patient’s overall risk of developing advanced breast cancer based on annual or biannual mammography. Screening and early detection of breast cancer contributes to an overall 90% five-year relative survival rate - a screening tool like the risk calculator allows patients and providers more opportunity to diagnose and treat sooner, improving outcomes, and saving countless lives.
Drs. Yaffe, Whooley, and Kerlikowske are representative of the innovative research and treatment taking place at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Their research is reflective of the work the VHA is undertaking to ensure cutting edge and equity-based health care is available to all Veterans. These three scientists are the epitome of the talent SFVAHCS intends to hire, retain, and support. We take pride in the visionary research and treatment they provide to our Veterans.