Gender-specific medicine deals with the biological differences between the two sexes, as well as the gender differences related to socio-economic and cultural conditions, and their influence on health and disease states, aspects that represent a fundamental point of interest for the National Health Service (S.S.N. – Servizio Sanitario Nazionale).
Differences between men and women, in fact, are observed both in the frequency and in the symptomatology and severity of numerous diseases, in the response to therapies and in adverse reactions to medicines. In addition, differences can also be noticed in nutritional needs and in the responses to nutrients and to the chemicals which are present in the environment, as well as in lifestyles, exposure to toxicants and access to treatments. Gender perspective in clinical practice allows promoting the appropriateness and the personalization of care by generating a virtuous circle, with consequent savings for the National Health Service.
For this reason, in this context, an approach towards medicine that considers the adoption of new preventive, diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic healthcare strategies, taking into account the differences between men and women, can be of great importance. Biological and clinical aspects, as well as the cultural and socio-psychological ones should be considered.
A.S.P. Ragusa Working Group
Regional Technical Committee for Gender-Specific Medicine
Director of the Advanced Operative Unit of Cardiology
Dr. Sabina Ficili
AREA A
Clinical pathways of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
Medical Director of Legal Medicine
Dr. Concetta Brugaletta
AREA B
Research and Innovation.
S.I.R.S. Medical Director
Dr. Venera Padua
AREA C
Training and Professional Updating.
