Editor’s Note: The FACTS Advisory Council consists of a talented and diverse group of individuals whose guidance and support are crucial to the success of our organization. Being a member of our Advisory Council is a voluntary position and all their work with FACTS is a generous contribution of time and expertise. This past year, we have featured one of our Council members each month to highlight their unique contributions to our mission. Our series continues with Theresa M. Hardy, PhD, RN. Her experience in research, expertise in the Marquette Method, and knowledge of the latest “Fem-Tech” (female technology) are a few of the reasons we are thrilled to have her as the newest member of our Advisory Council.
Meet Theresa Hardy, PhD, RN
Dr. Theresa Hardy is Senior Research and Development Scientist at Onegevity Health, where she manages product development for common women’s health issues. Before transitioning to the private sector, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at New York University. In 2018, she earned a doctoral degree in nursing from Marquette University. Her doctoral work focused on biomarkers of ovarian function. In her dissertation, she examined the influence of chronic stress on reproductive function in female cancer survivors.
Her Path to FACTS
Dr. Hardy first learned about FACTS from her father. He met Dr. Duane, executive director and co-founder of FACTS, at a conference and spoke highly of her and the work she was doing to improve medical education regarding fertility awareness based methods (FABMs). Not long after that, Dr. Hardy met Dr. Duane at a research conference at the Institute for Reproductive Health in Washington, DC. At this meeting of researchers and educators convened by leaders in the field of fertility awareness, Drs. Duane and Hardy connected immediately based on shared interests and a mutual desire to increase evidence-based education about FABMs.
In Her Own Words
While pursuing a doctorate degree, she began to develop research to study risk factors contributing to fertility problems. The high prevalence of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and infertility, along with delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation, fueled her future work. “I felt we could do better for women,” she explains. “With improved understanding of the menstrual cycle as a vital sign of women’s health, medical professionals will have greater insight into reproductive health issues, which will lead to improvements in care.”
After meeting Dr. Duane, she had the opportunity to present on the Marquette Method at a FACTS conference. “This FABM uses urine hormone markers to help a woman identify when she is ovulating.” Her experience there was uplifting and positive, and she was struck by the level of excellence and knowledge among the presenters and conference leaders. “I was very impressed with the presentations and the high quality of medical professionals and researchers that had come together to improve the state of the science around FABMs.”
The following year, after she accepted a position in the private sector in product development for women’s health, Dr. Duane asked Dr. Hardy to present at the FACTS annual conference on Fem-Tech, the use of technology for women’s health. “We have seen so much growth and momentum in this sector, with increased awareness of the gaps in care, increased funding from private investors, and increased demand from consumers,” Dr. Hardy said. “It is an excellent opportunity to ride this wave of growth and shine some light on FABMs.”
Shortly after this conference, Dr. Duane invited Theresa to serve on the FACTS Advisory Council, and she was glad to accept. “I was excited at the opportunity to be involved in the mission of FACTS and to help it grow. What FACTS is attempting to do for women’s health care and for medical education should not be seen as extraordinary or optional; it’s basic health care.”
Contributions to the Mission of FACTS
As part of the 2020 FACTS educational series, Dr. Hardy presented a new webinar last month on The Role of Technology in Tracking the Female Cycle. She is passionate about helping us achieve our goal to create a database of FABM-trained medical professionals and educators from the various methods to ensure this information is accessible to patients and medical professionals, and made available from a trusted source.
We value her solid background in research, the perspective she brings as a registered nurse, and her commitment to spreading the message about fertility awareness and the science behind FABMs. We are grateful for Dr. Theresa Hardy’s support of our mission and are excited to welcome her as a member of the FACTS Advisory Council.
More About Theresa Hardy, PhD, RN
After finishing her doctorate, Dr. Hardy completed a postdoctoral fellowship at New York University where she examined the genetic pleiotropy (the influence of one gene over two or more seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits) of reproductive and cardiometabolic traits in African American women. In her free time, she enjoys ballroom dancing and exploring New York City.
Inspired by what you read?
You can support the ongoing work of FACTS here. To connect with a member of our team, please email development@FACTSaboutFertility.org. Interested in becoming an individual or organizational member? You can learn more and register here. To discuss with a member of our team, please email membership@FACTSaboutFertility.org.
