Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation

02/05/2026

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, contributing to 1 in 3 deaths each year.

This , we’re highlighting the importance of prevention, awareness, and research to protect women’s heart health.

Learn how you can support women’s heart health research at https://bit.ly/2UlRRt8

02/05/2026

This has never been done before.

More than a decade ago, Magee-Womens investigator Dr. Kyle Orwig helped pioneer an approach to preserve fertility for boys undergoing cancer treatment — freezing testicular tissue when other options weren’t possible.

In November 2023, that vision reached a historic milestone. At UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, Dr. Orwig and his team helped carry out the first-ever procedure in which testicular cells frozen during childhood were implanted back into a cancer survivor’s body as an adult.

The procedure was quick and pain-free, but its significance is profound. While it may take years to know the outcome, this work reflects a growing commitment to cancer care that looks beyond survival — toward quality of life, future families, and long-term thriving.

Read full story: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/childhood-cancer-patients-fertility

02/04/2026

Rose Hawthorne Lathrop, daughter of author Nathaniel Hawthorne, became a pioneer in cancer care long before oncology was even recognized.

In the late 1800s, she became a Catholic nun and dedicated her life to caring for people with cancer in underserved communities, at a time when the disease was stigmatized and poorly understood. In 1899, she opened St. Rose’s Free Home for Incurable Cancer in New York City, providing compassionate care to patients who had nowhere else to turn.

On World Cancer Day, we honor her legacy and the countless lives transformed by her commitment to care, compassion, and hope.

02/04/2026

On this day in history, February 4, 1970, thirty women at the University of Kansas, calling themselves the February Sisters, occupied a campus building for 13 hours to demand better policies for women and minorities. They asked for things like a women’s health program with free exams and birth control, a free daycare, fair pay, and more leadership opportunities for women.

Their efforts helped create important KU resources still in use today, like Watkins Health Center, Hilltop Daycare, and the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department.

02/04/2026

On , we’re highlighting the work of Dr. Kyle Orwig, whose research is helping ensure that surviving cancer doesn’t mean losing the chance to build a family.

Life-saving treatments like chemotherapy and radiation are incredibly effective—but for many children and young patients, they can cause permanent infertility. Dr. Orwig’s laboratory focuses on developing the next generation of reproductive technologies to help patients with the most complex fertility challenges.

By preserving ovarian tissue for young girls and testicular tissue for young boys before cancer treatment begins, his team is creating hope for the future—so today’s survivors can one day have the option to build the families they’ve always dreamed of.

This , we honor research that looks beyond survival and invests in quality of life after cancer.

👉 Learn more, support cancer and fertility research, and help us shape a future where survivorship includes possibility. MageeWomens.org

02/03/2026

02/03/2026

Kind of a wild game day moment. 👀

Mark Cuban stopped by Pat McAfee Show and talked IU football, NIL investments, and supporting student-athletes — but then dropped a hometown connection. Turns out, he and Pat share Pittsburgh roots, going way back before the business deals and big stages.

Just a reminder that no matter how far you go, where you’re from still matters.

👉 Learn more about women’s health n’at: Magee-Womens.org

02/02/2026

Black individuals face significantly higher rates of maternal mortality than white women—a stark reminder that inequities in health care are not a thing of the past.

This , Dr. Janet M. Catov, PhD, shares why addressing racial disparities in women’s health is critical and how research focused on pregnancy, cardiovascular health, and prevention can save lives.

Learn more about how research at Magee-Womens Research Institute is working to reduce maternal health disparities: https://bit.ly/2UlRRt8

02/02/2026

Take a sneak peek at our February lineup for the Magee-Womens Seminar Series!

We are looking forward to spotlighting cutting-edge research from investigators here at Magee-Womens, and beyond. All talks will take place in the first floor conference room at Magee-Womens Research Institute.

Learn more at MageeWomens.org

02/01/2026

Sweeten your Valentine's Day with chocolate-dipped strawberries from The Milkshake Factory!

15% of the proceeds will benefit Magee-Womens.

Pre-order now and use promo code MAGEE at checkout: shop.milkshakefactory.com

MilkShake Factory Chocolate Shop

01/30/2026

Clinician communication matters.

Magee-Womens investigator Dr. Judy C. Chang and colleagues conducted a study with 85 pregnant patients who reported or tested positive for substance use, exploring how communication during prenatal care affects patients’ willingness to discuss sensitive topics and their perception of care. Negative behaviors, such as judgment, rushed consultations, or dehumanizing statements discouraged open conversation. In contrast, positive behaviors — showing care, building rapport, and attentive listening — helped patients feel supported and more willing to engage.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4pQ1V9W

NCBI - National Center for Biotechnology Information

Our findings highlight pregnant patients' perspectives on communication patterns that could improve patient-clinician interactions and, in turn, maternal health care and outcomes.

01/30/2026

Classic Pat McAfee Show moment on gameday

While talking football and NIL on his show, Pat took a minute to reflect on his Pittsburgh roots — including a shared hometown connection with Mark Cuban. Same city, same beginnings at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital — meeting on one of the biggest stages in sports.

Once a Pittsburgh kid, always a Pittsburgh kid.

👉 Learn more about women’s health n’at at MageeWomens.org