The International Society for Gender Medicine (IGM) was officially founded in Berlin, with Dr. Marianne Legato and I playing a central role on the inaugural board, which included representatives from newly established professional associations in Sweden, Italy, Austria, and Germany. The aims of the IGM are clear: to promote and disseminate the understanding that men and women differ in all body systems. The long neglect of women’s physiology and experience of disease required sex-specific research, diagnosis, and treatment. Achieving these goals involves bringing together scientists and clinicians from diverse backgrounds, implementing sex and gender perspectives in the medical curriculum, and preparing sex and gender-specific learning materials, curricula, and training for educators.
Membership Growth and Challenges
Since its inception, IGM has gained momentum, increasing its total membership from a few dozen to over 800 physicians and scientists from fourteen countries. IGM has organized and co-organized 11 international meetings, along with numerous workshops and seminars.
However, this progress has not come easily. Funding for the IGM has become a significant issue. Relatively modest membership fees have made it increasingly difficult to sustain operations. Support from the industry has also diminished, with funds received decreasing significantly over the years. Gender and sex conscious medicine is by nature a heterogeneous discipline that encompasses all fields of medicine—a disadvantage for funding from commercial entities, which may prefer to invest in single theme events focusing on the products they wish to promote.
Two years ago, IGM faced a desperate financial situation, lacking an active administration, a functioning website, and virtually no remaining funds to continue its activities. Throughout IGM’s existence, the Foundation for Gender Medicine had supported IGM financially. However, during this crisis, the active involvement of Dr. Legato’s Foundation became a rescue mission. By providing a substantial grant, she effectively revived IGM, which is now back on track to pursue its crucial goals.
After less than two decades of existence, IGM has made considerable strides, but there is still much more to achieve. Concerted efforts are required from professionals and laypersons alike—legislators, regulators, academia, service providers, teachers, students, clinicians, and patients. Focused philanthropy is essential; all of us need to continue promoting this new discipline as a major step toward improving medical care.
Marek Glezerman, MD
Past President of The International Society for Gender Medicine (IGM)
Founder and President, Israel Society for Gender and Sex Conscious Medicine