Printer Friendly Format

The Health Science Center’s Council for Excellence in Women’s Health is hosting two events to educate the community about women’s health issues. The ‘Top Five Things a Woman Needs to Know about Healthcare,’ sponsored in conjunction with the Women and the Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, is planned for May 7. A Multicultural Conference to address breast health issues will be held May 19, in partnership with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure San Antonio Affiliate.

‘Top Five Things a Woman Needs to Know about Healthcare’ planned for May 7

A seminar and panel discussion about important legal issues impacting women’s health care will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, May 7, at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The seminar will be held in the School of Medicine, Room 309L.

“Top Five Things a Woman Needs to Know about Healthcare,” is jointly sponsored by the Women and the Law Section of the State Bar of Texas and the Health Science Center’s Council for Excellence in Women’s Health.

Admission for the general public is free; however, admission for attorneys who wish to receive 1.5 hours of continuing education credit is $25. A complimentary lunch will be provided, but reservations are required.

Among the topics to be discussed at the seminar will be:
• Breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and insurance issues
• Alternative, complimentary and experimental medicine
• Access to health care
• Women and clinical studies
• Women’s rights to privacy

The speakers include doctors and lawyers who are specialists in various areas of women’s health care:

• Graciela Cigarroa, J.D., LL.M., of Graciela Cigarroa Law Offices, is the chair of the Health Science Center’s Council for Excellence in Women’s Health and the Premature Infant Development Program Advisory Board. Cigarroa’s law practice focuses on family, health, educational and business law. The spouse of Health Science Center President, Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., she is active in the local and state bar associations and serves on the boards of a variety of nonprofit organizations that deal with family and children’s issues.

• James Gilman, J.D., of Cox Smith Matthews Inc., is board certified in health law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He advises clients on matters related to health care reimbursement issues, state and federal health care regulatory and legislative matters, medical staff, quality assurance and other health care operations issues. He is a member of the Health Care Compliance Association, American Society of Healthcare Risk Managers and president of the Board of Trustees of the Hope Hospice.

• Barbara “Michele” McCorvey, M.D., joined the Health Science Center department of radiology in November 2005 after working in the radiology department at Ohio State University. She is a clinical assistant professor specializing in breast imaging (mammography, breast ultrasound and breast magnetic resonance imaging) and intervention. She works primarily in the department of mammography at the Cancer Therapy & Research Center. Dr. McCorvey is interested in all facets of women’s health care and is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

• Martha Medrano, M.D.,, is the associate dean for continuing medical education, director of the Hispanic Center of Excellence at the Health Science Center, co-director of the National Center of Excellence on Women’s Health and a professor in the department of psychiatry. Dr. Medrano serves on the Minority Women Panel of Experts for the National Office on Women's Health and is the Health Science Center representative for the National Association of Hispanic Serving Health Professional Schools.

• Corinne Smith, J.D., M.H.A., of Brin & Brin P.C., is a licensed attorney and holds a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Trinity University. She is board certified in Healthcare Management by the American College of Healthcare Executives. She specializes in health law, professional licensing board representation, medical malpractice and general litigation. Smith has worked for more than 20 years in the areas of hospital administration, long-term care, facility planning, medical equipment consulting, strategic planning, business development, medical malpractice and health law. Her previous experience in health care administration provides an in-depth knowledge of operational and reimbursement issues facing health care organizations.

To RSVP, call 210-567-2058 or send an e-mail to Jacquelyn Spruce, coordinator of special events in the Health Science Center’s office of external affairs.

For more information about the event, contact Carmen Samaniego, chair for the Women and the Law section of the State Bar of Texas, at 210-733-3353.


May 19 Multicultural Conference to address breast health issues

Women of all cultures will have the chance to become better informed about breast cancer on Saturday, May 19, thanks to a collaboration of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure San Antonio Affiliate and The Council for Excellence in Women’s Health, a community advisory panel of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Mrs. Graciela Cigarroa and Karen Diaz, M.D., are co-chairs of the Multicultural Conference.

The Inaugural Multicultural Conference on breast cancer is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 19 at the Health Science Center’s Central Campus, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive. Speakers representing the African-American, Anglo, Asian, Latino and Muslim communities will address breast health issues in a culturally sensitive manner.

Seating is limited, so women are encouraged to register in advance by contacting Komen San Antonio at 210-222-9009. The organizers hope to draw 250-350 participants. The event is free and includes a continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and lunch.

A keynote address will highlight the importance of cultural diversity and women’s health. The general session will cover “Breast Cancer 101,” and diet, fitness and the emotional aspects of breast cancer. Panel presentations and question-and-answer sessions will focus on cultural experiences with breast cancer. At a special time in the program, breast cancer survivors will be recognized.

The Multicultural Conference will provide a valuable community service — educating the public about the risks of breast cancer and the importance of early detection through mammography, the clinical breast exam and breast self-examination. In addition, the conference will include exhibits displaying health resources that are available in the San Antonio/Bexar County service area.