After Karen Green’s passing in 2021, she left a gift to the Women’s College Hospital Foundation (WCHF) to fund innovative healthcare initiatives through the Karen Green Courage Award, providing up to $100,000 annually for five years. The Women’s College Hospital (WCH) Healthcare Breakthrough Challenge, established in her honor, supports initiatives in clinical care, quality improvement and education aligned with WCH’s strategic goals.
“From bringing women’s health to the forefront of every conversation, to leading the charge in transforming our healthcare system, our vision and mission is unmatched,” said Chaim Cutler, Interim President and CEO of WCHF. “The concept of transforming a bright idea into a healthcare breakthrough was exactly what motivated Karen Green in her support of Women’s College Hospital Foundation.”
On November 6, Women’s College Hospital Research and Innovation Institute, in partnership with Women’s College Hospital Foundation (WCHF), hosted the second annual Breakthrough Challenge where three teams across care programs at WCH competed for a chance to win $100,000 in research funding for their project ideas.
“This year, we were fortunate to have received 12 outstanding applications from across the hospital,” said Dr. Rulan Parekh, Vice President of Academics at WCH. “I want to emphasize the quality of the submissions and the diversity of the applications we received – projects that ranged in scope and program, from clinical teams through to IT. The final three projects selected for the Breakthrough Challenge have massive potential to revolutionize the patient experience.”
Pitches encompassed a digital app for breast cancer survivorship, online educational resources to support primary care providers in menopause care and new approaches to pain management during gynecological procedures.
The project leads were given 10 minutes to pitch their innovative ideas to the late Karen Green’s family, donors, WCH and WCHF board members and healthcare leaders from across the hospital. Following the pitch presentations, the audience had the opportunity to cast their vote.
Nurse Practitioner Lauren Scott took first place, winning the Karen Green Courage Award and $100,000 for her team’s project, Just Inhale – Optimal Pain Management for Gynecological Procedures. Supported by a multidisciplinary team—comprising an anesthesiologist, gynecologist, patient partner, clinical scientist and primary care provider, their project aims to explore innovative analgesic methods, including inhaled medications, to improve pain management during gynecological procedures like IUD insertions.
“These medications are commonly used in different areas of medicine and gynecology has been excluded,” says Scott. “Clinicians in the community are uncertain about their safety and efficacy, so it’s crucial that we answer these questions and establish clear protocols for their safe use. Our goal is to integrate these options across all departments involved in gynecological procedures and ultimately expand their impact beyond our walls to transform care for women on a broader scale.”
“Women’s pain, especially in gynecological procedures, has for too long been diminished and ignored,” Scott adds. “We hear you – we believe you – and we want to help.”
Congratulations to Lauren and all the teams who participated in another successful year of the Breakthrough Challenge! Click here to view the list of teams and learn more about their innovative projects.
