Recognition for Groundbreaking Research in Women’s Health
On this Wednesday, the Hungarian Embassy in Mexico and pharmaceutical company Gedeon Richter awarded the Gedeon Richter Prize for Best Thesis in Gynecology and Obstetrics to three resident doctors. This prestigious award acknowledges their contributions and research in the field, advancing clinical care in Mexico.
Award Recipients and Their Research
- First Place: Dr. Sandra Lizbeth Ruiz Rodríguez, for her thesis “Efficacy of Ulipristal Acetate vs. Medicated IUD in Reducing Menorrhagia in Uterine Leiomyoma Patients” conducted at the Valentín Gómez Farías Hospital, ISSSTE, in Zapopan, Jalisco.
- Second Place: Dr. Noraid Romero Mercado, for her thesis “Association Between Multiple Hematological Parameters and Severity Criteria of Preeclampsia: Case-Control Study at the General Regional Hospital No. 1 in Tijuana, Baja California.”
- Third Place: Dr. Karla Ylen Cabrera Acosta, for her thesis “Vitamin D Deficiency as a Risk Factor for Preeclampsia.”
Supporting Future Medical Professionals
Dr. Mauricio Mendieta, General Director of Gedeon Richter Mexico, emphasized the importance of this award in fostering academic excellence and supporting emerging medical professionals transforming gynecological care in Mexico.
“This prize aims to encourage academic excellence and support the new generation of doctors revolutionizing women’s healthcare in our country,” Mendieta stated. “The recognition and contribution to making this knowledge accessible to future generations of specialists and subspecialists are the most valuable aspects.”
Strategic Priority in Women’s Health
Mendieta highlighted Mexico’s global leadership in gynecology and obstetrics, ranking 6th to 8th internationally. He acknowledged the significance of research conducted in public and private hospitals, but stressed the need for better communication of research outcomes.
“Our goal is to stimulate and contribute to increased research in all underdeveloped areas of the specialty,” Mendieta explained. “Women’s health is a strategic priority, and this prize reflects our commitment to advancing it.”
Bilateral Cooperation and Relevance of Research
During the award ceremony, Hungarian Ambassador to Mexico Zoltán Németh congratulated the winners and underscored the importance of this initiative as a symbol of bilateral cooperation.
“Such efforts strengthen ties between our nations and reinforce crucial areas like healthcare and education,” Németh said. “Recognizing medical research is an act of commitment to social well-being and shared scientific progress.”
Importance of the Research in Mexico
In Mexico, up to 50% of women will experience uterine fibroids at some point in their lives. Early diagnosis is vital to prevent complications like excessive bleeding, infertility, or the need for surgery. With over 2 million annual births, Mexico faces high demand for specialized obstetric and maternal healthcare.
Preeclampsia remains a significant challenge, causing up to 25% of maternal deaths in Mexico according to the Health Secretariat. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that preeclampsia affects 2% to 8% of global pregnancies, contributing substantially to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Dr. Sandra Lizbeth Ruiz Rodríguez’s research focuses on a medication proven effective in treating uterine leiomyomas, which cause excessive bleeding and abundant menstruation in some cases. “This medication reduces tumor size, controls bleeding, simplifies surgery if necessary, and minimizes the risk of uterus loss while increasing the chances of successful pregnancy,” she explained.
Evaluation Process
The competition was open to Mexican and foreign resident doctors who completed a thesis in Gynecology and Obstetrics or Human Reproductive Biology in Mexico. The three winning theses, chosen from over 50 submissions, were evaluated by an academic committee considering originality, methodological solidity, scientific contribution, and potential impact on patient care.
Mendieta highlighted the unique aspect of this contest, recognizing not only the doctoral students but also their training centers, tutors, and hospitals where research was conducted.
