Revisiting the IOM Lesbian Health report: The current status of SMW's health research

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) Committee on Lesbian Health Research Priorities was convened in July 1997 to: 1) assess the strength of the science base regarding the physical and mental health of lesbians, 2) review the methodological challenges involved in conducting research on lesbian health, and 3) suggest areas for research attention. The result of this meeting was the IOM's report, Lesbian Health: Current Assessment and Directions for the Future. As an active member of 1997 Committee on Lesbian Health Research Priorities, as well as a research scientist and consultant to Federal and state agencies, Dr. Judith Bradford has worked on the frontlines of SMW's health seeking to improve the methodological soundness of sexual and gender minority research, as well as the provision of culturally appropriate health services to lesbian and bisexual women. Dr. Bradford will discuss the progress made in SMW's health research and services since the IOM report was released a decade ago, as well as the gaps that remain in SMW's health research and service.