On September 28, Shankar Vedantam, Creator, Host and Executive Editor of the Hidden Brain podcast and radio show and the CEO of Hidden Brain Media, joined the Ludeman Family Center for Women’s Health Research to discuss the unconscious brain and how unconscious bias impacts decisions we make.  

This fireside chat was moderated by Marjorie Jenkins, MD, dean of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. Over 600 people attended this outstanding event where Vedantam talked about our unconscious mind and the types of decisions we make without consciously thinking about them.  

Vedantam noted, “Most of us think of ourselves as being conscious, intentional, deliberate creatures, but it may well be that the hidden brain is more in charge of what we do than our conscious minds.” This hidden brain shows up in everyday situations like what to watch on television but also in more surprising areas of life such as how we interact with others, make hiring decisions and even how we treat patients. 

New Seed Grants 

The event also showcased the latest recipients of the Early-Career Faculty Research Development Awards from the Ludeman Center. “Highlighting our seed grant recipients is more than just announcing names,” said Jane Reusch, MD, associate director at the Ludeman Center. “It represents early career investigators who now have resources to take chances and pursue innovative research. It is a tangible look at what your philanthropic support is accomplishing.”  

Annie Caldwell, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, highlighted the successes of the Early-Career Faculty Research Development Awards. Dr. Caldwell focused her talk on better understanding the reasons that weight loss and long-term weight management are difficult for some, but not others. In addition, she focused on how weight can interfere with certain reproductive hormones.   

Continued Investments in Women’s Health and Sex Differences Research 

“Since day one, the Ludeman Center has led efforts to turn research breakthroughs into better, more targeted healthcare, and to mentor and train the future research workforce,” said Donald Elliman, chancellor of the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. “The center’s programs and expertise have further elevated women’s health and sex differences on the national and international stage, inspiring others to follow our lead along the way.”  

The Annual Community Event raises funds for the operations and critical programming provided by the Ludeman Family Center for Women’s Health Research.  “The seeds we plant are growing into larger projects and changing prevention strategies, diagnosis, treatment and care to improve the health and wellbeing of women and men across the lifespan,” said Judy Regensteiner, PhD, Ludeman Center director and co-founder and distinguished professor of medicine.