Investigations on a genetic, cellular, and biological level have improved health and prolonged life for both sexes. However, not nearly enough doctors and scientists recognize the importance of examining the commonalities and differences between men and women. Of equal importance is the education of the public. Patients that do not understand gender-specific medicine cannot make informed decisions about their health and care.
The evolution of gender-specific medicine is similar to the emergence of pediatrics, which evolved because of an increasing awareness of the fact that children were not simply small adults. Their physiology, diseases, and treatment are age specific.
It is unfortunate, that in spite of all of our progress, the majority of medical practitioners both nationally and globally still do not consider gender when treating patients. There is still a great deal of work to be done.