53. Uncovering Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Exposure with Karen Fernandes

In this episode of the Patient Partner Innovation Community podcast, Desiree Bradley is joined by Karen Fernandes, president of AYR Consulting Group in Dallas, Texas, to discuss the prevalence and risks of DES exposure.

The story of Diethylstilbestrol (DES) began in 1938 when British physician and chemist Charles Dodds and his team of scientists made the first synthetic oral form of estrogen. While DES was used widely to prevent miscarriage and related complications in pregnant women, 1970s research has since linked DES exposure to a host of health conditions that affect generations.

Still, many are uninformed about DES, including health providers. Karen, who shares her insights as a DES daughter, nurse, and advocate, advises the DES-exposed or those concerned about DES exposure to ask providers questions and actively seek information related to DES. At the same time, providers must engage in an ongoing dialogue with patients to become familiarized with their lived experiences and address DES exposure.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

DES Info 

NIH website 

AYR Consulting Group

National Quality Forum

The Joint Commission