About the Academy for Advanced Women’s Health Medicine

Our high-quality curriculum is engaging and practical. The online format makes it highly accessible, and our community and mentorship models ensure that our students have every opportunity to put their learning into practice with real-life case studies and active support.

We offer a unique certification program that goes beyond theoretical knowledge. It focuses on the practical aspects of delivering menopause care at the bedside, emphasizing patient-centered approaches and hands-on training.

Key Aspects of the Academy for Advanced Women’s Health Medicine Certification:

Consistent Care Philosophy: All certified providers share a common foundation in their approach to menopause care. This consistency ensures patients receive high-quality, standardized care regardless of which certified provider they see.

Practical Training: The Academy certification program is designed to equip healthcare providers with the skills needed to deliver menopause care effectively. This includes training on how to approach and communicate with patients, conduct thorough assessments, and develop personalized treatment plans.

Patient-Centered Approach: The program emphasizes the importance of understanding the patient’s perspective and addressing their specific needs and concerns. This approach ensures that care is tailored to each individual, improving patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Confidence in Prescribing HRT: A significant component of the Academy for Advanced Women’s Health Medicine certification is training on how to confidently prescribe FDA-approved, evidence-based hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Providers learn not only the science behind HRT but also practical strategies for discussing treatment options with patients and managing their concerns.

Do I need MSCP certification or AAWHM Certification, or Both?

Both MSCP and the Academy for Advanced Women’s Health Medicine (AAWHM) certifications play crucial roles in advancing menopause care, but they serve different purposes. MSCP certification ensures that healthcare professionals understand menopause and its treatments through a knowledge-based exam. In contrast, the Academy for Advanced Women’s Health Medicine certification focuses on this knowledge and its practical application, training providers in the hands-on skills needed to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care.

For healthcare providers, choosing between these certifications depends on their individual goals and practice needs. Those seeking to deepen their theoretical knowledge may opt for MSCP certification, while those looking to enhance their bedside manner and practical skills in menopause care might find the Academy for Advanced Women’s Health Medicine certification more beneficial. Ultimately, both certifications contribute to improving the quality of menopause care, ensuring that women receive the best possible support during this important stage of life.

Our Founder

Meet Dr. Heather Hirsch

Dr. Hirsch is board-certified in internal medicine, completed a fellowship at Cleveland Clinic, and founded the menopause clinic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital while serving as faculty at Harvard Medical School. Her fellowship training included an emphasis on scholarly activity, the development of women’s health curriculum, clinical research, and leadership. She is a MSCP-certified menopause practitioner and ISSWSH fellow. Dr. Hirsch’s educational skills can be seen across her large social media accounts, invited grand rounds, media talks, and her down-to-earth, practical approach to leading women to live empowered and healthy lives.