| In June, close to sixty alumnae from around the country gathered at Smith to discuss one of the most important topics of their lives: women’s health. They were on campus as part of the Alumnae Association’s symposium, “Your Best Life: Women’s Health and Well-being,” which included three days’ worth of workshops and panel discussions, all designed to provide women with a comprehensive overview of some of the health issues they regularly face. Speakers included Carolyn Scerbo Kaelin ’83, MD, MPH, FACS, founding director of the Comprehensive Breast Health Center at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, who used her keynote address to discuss her personal experience with breast cancer and the lessons she learned while fighting the disease. Barbara Brehm-Curtis led a tour of the athletics facilities on campus and provided some tips on how to feel more comfortable and confident in the gym. And Dominique Toran-Allerand ’55, professor of pathology and cell biology, and neurology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, allayed some of the concerns surrounding hormone-replacement therapy during her discussion about estrogen and progesterone and their importance for the brain.
The audio transcripts below are of two of the sessions offered during the weekend. The first is an address by Constance Laurence Brinckerhoff ’63 in which she weaves the latest research and science of breast cancer together with her own experience with the disease. Brinckerhoff is the Nathan Smith Professor of Medicine and Biochemistry and associate dean for science at Dartmouth Medical School.
The second is of the panel discussion “A Question of Balance: Lifestyle and Health,” which was moderated by Dean of the College Maureen Mahoney and featured panelists Barbara Brehm-Curtis; Jennifer Walters, dean of religious life; and Carolyn Jacobs, dean of the Smith School for Social Work. |
above to begin playback of the symposium or alternately the file can be downloaded 
