Today, three of our four meetings consisted of members from the Contraceptive Technology Innovation Department- meaning we learned about devices, hormones, and bodily functions we never knew existed. In order to fully appreciate the work of this group, we needed to learn the basics of all forms of contraception on the market and of their purposes, pros, and cons. With Ms. Sergison, we discussed female and male anatomy and contraception basics, with Dr. Dorflinger we learned about more details and differences in contraception, and finally with Dr. Callahan reviewed her latest project- a dissolving contraceptive micro-needle patch. Partnering with Georgia Tech, she and other colleagues are collaborating on this project to make a new and improved form of non-intrusive contraception using progestin, estrogen, and micro-needles. With these elements, this contraceptive is painless, fast, discreet, and disposable. Once placed on the patient’s skin, the small needles are inserted and are released painlessly into the patient’s blood stream delivering the hormones. Next, the patient can remove the patch and dispose of its remains. While also discussing her research in other countries for this project, she also introduced us to another of NHI’s projects- a biodegradable contraceptive implant. With this implant, the hormones could be released through a patient’s arm over the course of a few years and then would dissolve, requiring no treatment after insertion. These medical advances are fascinating! However, the highlight of my day was watching the baseball game from the cafeteria balcony.
A shelf with many forms of contraception within the office.
The baseball game today!