Manson suggests that the University could encourage more medical research.

"Harvard could provide small seed grants to young researchers at critical stages when they have an interesting idea," she says. She also praised the Medical School's "Scholars in Medicine" program, which provides grant support to faculty members at difficult times in life when they're juggling their career and family.

Indeed, Manson says, her family is her top priority. "I do sometimes think about early retirement," she says, only half kidding.

She has a daughter, Jenn, 12, and a son, Jeffrey, 11, both avid soccer players. Pictures of them adorn her office, sharing space with the results of recent medical surveys.

Manson says she considers the field of medicine a noble pursuit.

"It is fascinating as a way to combine service to society with an intellectual pursuit," she says of her research in women's health. "It is exciting playing a role in trying to get the answers to medical questions. These are historic and unprecedented studies."