Biogen Idec introduces Women in MS educational initiative

WESTON, Mass. — Biogen Idec is looking to address the advantages and challenges female clinicians experience in treating patients living with multiple sclerosis through a new educational initiative.

"Women in MS," the drug maker said, will includes a series of local seminars held throughout 2011 that feature female healthcare professionals at the forefront of MS research and treatment, as well as a mentor matching service to enable ongoing participant networking. The inaugural seminar took place Tuesday in Seattle and was broadcast live to venues in Seattle, San Diego, Los Angeles and Phoenix.

"The goal of the 'Women in MS' initiative is to identify gender-related communication gaps and unmet resource needs, and [to] provide opportunities for clinicians to begin developing and initiating solutions," said Nancy Richert, senior fellow at Biogen Idec. "As a leader in MS treatment for more than 15 years, we are proud to be partnering with treating clinicians on this unique initiative to help drive excellence in MS care."