Diversity and women's health: a call for papers CMAJ 1997;157:1547 © Canadian Medical Association Significant progress has been made in Canada over the past decade in addressing the unique experiences and needs of women in their interactions with the health care system. There has also been an increased awareness of the shortcomings of conventional approaches to medical research and education in addressing the specific needs of women in relation to health and health care. However, in working to advance the health of women, we must also recognize the extreme diversity within this patient group. We need to address the differences in health status, access to health care and health care outcomes that affect women who are set apart from the dominant culture by virtue of ethnic, cultural, sexual, sociopolitical or economic differences. This requires a working framework based on mutual respect and safety, one that acknowledges the wisdom, strength and creativity of the women whose health we are trying to promote. It requires a willingness to listen and to allow communities to set their own priorities. Finally, it requires an awareness of the wider social, economic and environmental contexts that perpetuate inequities in health status. Both the integrity and the success of our efforts will depend to a large extent on our ability to effect change in all of these areas. In 1998 CMAJ will devote a special issue to the theme of diversity and women's health. We invite original research papers, descriptive reports of innovative approaches and programs, and personal accounts of physicians' experiences. We welcome inquiries about possible submissions. Completed articles should be submitted according to our Instructions for Authors, published in the first issue of each volume and posted on our Web site (www.cma.ca/cmaj/author.htm). The deadline for receipt of manuscripts is Mar. 1, 1998. John Hoey, MD Editor-in-Chief, CMAJ 800 663-7336 x2118 613 731-8610 x2118 Co-Editors, Diversity and Women's Health special issue Penny Ballem, MD Vice President, Programs and Services BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver Cathy Younger-Lewis, MD Book Review Editor, CMAJ Send a letter to the editor responding to this article Envoyez une lettre à la rédaction au sujet de cet article | CMAJ December 1, 1997 (vol 157, no 11) / JAMC le 1er décembre 1997 (vol 157, no 11) |