The Columbia Hospital For Women was an historic institution in Washington DC and a major women’s hospital from 1866 until its closing in 2002 (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_Hospital_for_Women).
Prior to its closing funds were obtained to support research and a research foundation was established. After the hospital closed, a board of directors was established to perpetuate the research vision.
The mission of the foundation has traditionally been to recognize the study or studies deemed to have the most impact in the field of breast or obstetrical and gynecologic disorders published in a given calendar year. Members of the Board nominate publications and then vote. The title of the winning publication(s) and its authors are posted on this website. In addition, in recognition of the authors and their accomplishment, the research foundation sends a donation in their honor to a non-profit organization devoted to research in women’s health.
In the past several years we have encountered changes in women’s health that include not only in research but in practice. Donations previously have been directed to research non-profits as outlined in the original mission of the Foundation. However, recently we have become acutely aware of needs that go beyond basic research, fundamental challenges faced by those with “boots on the ground”, whether in women’s health care advocacy or in the delivery of care to women in the practice setting. For these reasons, we have expanded the philanthropic net to include both.