Following the success of the May 2019 Spring into Good Health event for women by women Sansum Clinic launched the Women’s Health Initiative. The Initiative is dedicated to supporting educational forums for women, as well as purchasing state-of-the-art
medical equipment and providing unique services directed specifically at enhancing women’s health.
Gifts of support for the Women’s Health Initiative have enabled Sansum Clinic to purchase an additional 3-D Mammogram machine to supplement the two 3-D machines currently in operation. Always in high demand, these machines provide greater accuracy,
earlier detection, decreased recall rates and improved patient experiences when compared to earlier mammography equipment.
Women's Heart Health
Sansum Clinic marked American Heart Month by hosting a women’s heart health panel discussion and reception on February 23, 2024.
Kurt N. Ransohoff, MD, FACP (far right) was the Emcee of the event. Speakers included from left to right: Janet Wolf (WomenHeart Champion), Matthew Miller, NP, David Lerner, DO (Cardiologist), Colin Shafer, MD, FACC (Cardiologist), Taylor Holve, MD (Cardiologist), Amanda Dutton, MMS, PA-C, Omid Yousefian, MD (Cardiologist).
Heart specialists from Sansum Clinic Cardiology Department addressed topics ranging from heart disease prevention to managing high blood pressure, to the latest research, technology and medications used to treat heart disease. “There
is no better time for our cardiologists to share their deep knowledge and expertise on cardiovascular health with our community,” commented Dr. Ransohoff. “Heart disease is still the leading cause of death for women in this
country. Nearly half of all American adults have at least one major risk factor. Countless families across the Central Coast are affected by heart disease, and it is our privilege to provide safe, innovative, high-quality care for them.”
Breast Cancer Awareness
To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center is illuminated nightly to commemorate those lost to breast cancer and to honor breast cancer patients and their families as well as medical professionals and researchers
working to find a cure. The Women’s Health Initiative sponsors the lighting of RTCC.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
On October 20, 2023 the Women’s Health Initiative, the Mithun Family Foundation and Johnny Was sponsored Laughter is the Best Medicine, a panel discussion on Women’s Health.
Although laughter can’t cure ailments, there is mounting evidence that shows that laughter has other great short and long term effects on the body, like reducing stress and anxiety, decreasing pain by releasing endorphins, and boosting the immune system to help us fight infection.
Dr. Marjorie Newman, Medical Director (center) was the Emcee of the event. Speakers included from left to right: Cristina Harnsberger, MD (Colon & Rectal Surgery), Meghan Wallman, MD, FACOG (Obstetrics & Gynecology), Ericka
Sohlberg, MD (Urology), Jessica M. Sprague, MD (Dermatology), Winifred (Winnie) K. Leung, MD (Radiology/Imaging Services) and Joy Buechler, NP (Orthopedics). Fifty percent of clinicians at Sansum Clinic are women.
A reception in the Healing Garden followed the panel discussion. Guests had the opportunity to ‘mix and mingle’ with physicians and healthcare providers. Here’s a comment from one of our guests. “Thank you for hosting such a beautiful, informative, and inspirational afternoon. It was the highlight of my week. I loved the speaker panel, the humor and the opportunity to visit the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center. I was especially touched by the beauty of the gardens, walkways, and restful niches. It was a pleasure to spend a little of my week with you!”
For information on the Women’s Health Initiative please contact
Dru A. Hartley, Director of Philanthropy, at
805-681-7726 or
dhartley@sansumclinic.org.