I started with WHI in 1993 as a recruiter doing phone screening and the scheduling of participants’ first appointments. Now I do scheduling and mailings for annual and semi-annual appointments. The most important part of my job is scheduling visits close to your target date and getting forms back on time. This makes me happy. I feel good talking with our participants in the clinic; some remember me from the phone screening and scheduling their first appointment.
Debbie Davis
WHI Health Interviewer
It seems only yesterday that we started the screening process for WHI. This study represented to many of you the opportunity to finally answer some questions about women’s health. I am in awe of your dedication, your positive outlook, and your ability to always move forward, knowing that this study will provide the answers. Whether you are in the dietary change part of the study or the comparison group (dietary part of the study but not attending groups) your commitment is equally valuable. No one else can play your part, or do it as well.
Niki Gernhofer
WHI Nutritionist
Having recently moved from Los Angeles, I was unsure of what the future held for me in Chicago. I am happy to say that Chicago and fate have both smiled upon me. I was fortunate to be hired as a program assistant for the WHI team. Every day I am amazed at the outstanding dedication, caring, and understanding of participants and staff members alike. While I have various responsibilities as a program assistant, I like to think of myself as an ambassador of cheer and hospitality. If you arrive and leave with a smile on your face, I feel that I’ve done my job.
Joe Kozak
WHI Program Assistant
Increasingly, in articles about women’s health we see a phrase such as: “The Women’s Health Initiative should provide better answers after 2005.” I feel privileged to have a part in assisting you to provide this information. One thing I’d like participants to know is how much we value every contact, whether by mail, by phone, or in person. We hope participants will stay in touch with us even during times that may be difficult.
Grace Carlson Lund
WHI Clinic Manager, Clinic Practitioner
I joined WHI in April 2001. I am the person who checks your blood pressure and physical measurements when you’re in the clinic. I also keep track of mammograms and may have called you for information relating to that. While the bustling of our daily lives continues, you all still make time to share moments that provide such precious information. It’s such an honor to interact with those of you who have chosen to be part of the answer.
Shirlee Mohiuddin
WHI Health Interviewer
I feel fortunate that I have been "touched" by the lives of many WHI participants at our center since 1993. I am grateful for the WHI participants like yourself who have given me insight to what life in Chicago is really like. The stories about your family, work and other life experiences that you share with me are snap-shots of the rich and colorful history of Chicago, our great city. Additionally, you are part of "history in the making" because you are enrolled in WHI, the largest women's health research study ever done in both the United States and the world. Thanks for being with us.
Eileen Peters
WHI Nutritionist
I have seen this study progress from recruitment to enrollment and now the follow-up phase. During this time, I have matured and grown with the study and come to personally know many of the women participating. Each has taught me how to give of oneself with little in return and how to make a difference, not only in one's own life but also for the future. I want to thank all who joined WHI for the advice and wisdom you share with me and our staff.
Claudia Pulido
WHI Data Coordinator
I was determined to be a part of the WHI study, if not as a participant, then as a volunteer or staff member. In 1996 I joined the Evanston Clinic staff and in 2000, transferred to the Chicago Clinic to do the outcomes portion of WHI for both clinics. “Outcomes” involves the gathering of medical documents to study the hospitalizations, heart disease, fractures, and cancer diagnoses reported by participants. When all the data is gathered and it is analyzed at the end, all of us will be able to say, “I was an important part of that landmark study of postmenopausal women.”
Marita Sturm
WHI Outcomes Coordinator