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Cardozo

Licy L. Yanes-Cardozo, MD

University of Mississippi Medical Center

Licy L. Yanes Cardozo, MD, is a physician and associate professor in the department of cell and molecular biology and medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. She is also the co-organizer of the APS New Trends in Sex and Gender Medicine conference. She has been an APS member since 2004.

APS members are doing amazing things. We asked Licy L. Yanes Cardozo, MD—one of our esteemed member-researchers—to tell us about her work and its implications on our understanding of life and health. She also shares why her connections to family, friends and APS colleagues are vital supports as she navigates a challenging and fulfilling career.

What do you do? Describe your work.

I am a research scientist, practicing physician, and associate professor in the departments of Cell and Molecular Biology and Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (Jackson, MS). As a practicing endocrinologist, I have the privilege and the responsibility to take care of patients with different endocrine disorders. My research focuses on the mechanisms by which androgen excess leads to cardiac, renal and metabolic complications in women.

Give it context.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive-age women. Women with PCOS have multiple cardiac and metabolic complications as well as reproductive ones. Using rodent models of PCOS, we aim to elucidate the molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms by which androgen excess leads to increased blood pressure, obesity, and renal injury and dysfunction in women with PCOS. My long-term goal is to discover safe and effective therapeutics to prevent or mitigate the cardiometabolic complications that women with PCOS frequently suffer.

If you could do anything else… What outside of science inspires you? What would you be doing if not science? Describe your passion.

I am living my calling in life by taking care of patients and doing basic research simultaneously. That is the best work that I could ever dream of. However, a research career in medicine is challenging. You need to ensure that you have multiple strong sources of energy to overcome the difficulties that you will face, as there will be many on the road. My energy and passion come from the interactions that I have with my patients, colleagues, trainees and family.  APS has been my home Society for many years and a main source of energy for my career.