Dr. Teresa Woodruff ’85 has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, an independent organization of professionals from the fields of health and medicine and natural, social and behavioral sciences. She is an alumna of the Department of Biological Sciences at Olivet Nazarene University.
Currently, Dr. Woodruff is the vice chair for research in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the Thomas J. Watkins Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern, a member of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, and dean of The Graduate School at Northwestern.
“I’m thrilled about my election to the National Academy of Medicine, which recognizes not only my work but also that of my students over a 33-year career,” said Dr. Woodruff. “I have been privileged to work in the fundamental sciences, from cloning the genes that drive reproductive cycles in women to solving the structure of these hormones.”
Being elected to the National Academy of Medicine is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievements and commitment to service.
Members are elected to the National Academy of Medicine by their peers from candidates nominated for their accomplishments and contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care and public health. The academy works to address critical issues in health, medicine and related policy, and inspire positive action across sectors.
“Perhaps the most rewarding is the work our group has done to create fertility options for young cancer patients in the field of oncofertility,” said Dr. Woodruff in a recent Tedx Talk.
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner recently signed legislation that amends the state’s insurance code to require oncofertility coverage, making Illinois the fifth state to enact a law requiring insurance coverage for fertility preservation.
Dr. Woodruff earned her Ph.D. at Northwestern and has been awarded two honorary doctorates. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Inventors and is a Guggenheim Fellow. For her science education work, she was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring by President Barack Obama.
Reprinted from 10/15/2018 article by Kristin Samuelson for Northwestern University. Used with permission.
Published: 10/16/2018
