A Closer Look at Women's Health Centers: Historical Lessons and Future Aims

Women's Health Centers (WHC) have evolved over the last few decades as comprehensive centers for women's health care. This article reviews the history and evaluation of WHC, as well as opportunities for women's health training. Prior studies comparing WHC with traditional primary care and obstetrics/gynecology clinics have found that WHC offer at least similar levels of preventative care, may increase access to care for a more diverse patient population, and improve patient/provider relationship satisfaction. WHC also increase women's health providers' education and research opportunities. There is still a gap in women's health education and training, although residency and fellowship programs have aimed to address this through women's health tracks and fellowships. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its negative impact on women's access to care have further highlighted the potential of WHC to meet women's health care demands. WHC can provide comprehensive, convenient, and single-site care for women. The increased opportunities for women's health training through WHC give rise to more representation in leadership and investment in women's health. New research is needed to reassess and further evaluate health outcomes of WHC compared with traditional care models.