WGBD® Clinics of Excellence

What is the WGBD^® Clinic of Excellence Model?

A Transformative Approach to Women’s Blood Health

The WGBD^® Clinic of Excellence Model is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary care framework designed to improve the recognition, diagnosis, and management of bleeding, clotting, and other blood disorders in women and girls.

Developed by the Foundation for Women & Girls with Blood Disorders, this model responds to longstanding gaps in awareness, fragmented care delivery, and inequities that have historically limited access to timely and appropriate care for this population.

Despite the high prevalence of conditions such as von Willebrand disease, and the fact that heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the most common clinical presentations, these disorders remain significantly under-recognized. Many patients experience years of delayed diagnosis, unmet needs, and preventable complications due to a lack of coordinated, gender-informed care.

Designed for Real-World Practice.

The WGBD^® Model is not a one-size-fits-all program. Instead, it provides healthcare organizations with a structured approach to evaluate their current systems, identify gaps, and implement practical solutions tailored to their local context.

Through an integrated model that brings together hematology, obstetrics-gynecology, and other key specialties, WGBD^® Clinics of Excellence are designed to:

• Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration
• Streamline referral pathways and care coordination
• Deliver individualized, life-stage specific care
• Improve early recognition and accurate diagnosis
• Reduce disparities and improve health outcomes

Turning Insight into Action

The WGBD^® Clinic of Excellence Model equips providers and health systems with the tools, guidance, and implementation support needed to drive meaningful change in clinical practice. By building on existing strengths and aligning with how care is delivered in real-world settings, the model helps organizations create sustainable, patient-centered systems of care.

Why An Interdisciplinary Clinic Devoted Specifically to Females with Bleeding and Other Blood Disorders?

The situation is concerning: 

• von Willebrand disease (VWD) accounts for 80-85% of all bleeding disorders¹
• 91% of women have never heard of VWD
• 16% – 37% of women with heavy menstrual periods have been found to have VWD
• 31% of women experience heavy periods

While providing effective treatment for bleeding and blood disorders is critical, it isn’t enough. Many women still suffer in silence, never getting the help or diagnosis they need. For most, this means sleepless nights from worrying about excessive bleeding, missing out on academic and social opportunities, and social isolation from their peers. And for some, this suffering could have tragic consequences.

There is a way, however, to ensure that women and girls get the proper diagnosis and treatment they need to manage their bleeding disorder or other blood disorder effectively.

What is a WGBD^® Clinic of Excellence? 

A WGBD^® Clinic of Excellence is a designated interdisciplinary (hematology and reproductive health (obstetrics, gynecology, etc.) clinic focused on delivering comprehensive, coordinated care for women and girls with bleeding, clotting or other blood disorders. 

These clinics integrate expertise across hematology and reproductive health (including obstetrics and gynecology) while working in partnership with patients and other specialties to ensure optimal outcomes across the lifespan.

At its core, the model is built on collaboration, coordination, and a shared commitment to closing critical gaps in care for women and girls affected by blood disorders.

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All trademarks on this website are the property of the Foundation for Women and Girls with Blood Disorders (the “Foundation”). In particular, WGBD^® is registered in the United States and may be registered in other jurisdictions. Use of any of these trademarks without the prior written consent of the Foundation is strictly prohibited.