The Endometriosis Foundation of America Names Dr. Piraye Yurttas Beim as Chairperson of the Board of Directors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound) proudly announces the appointment of Piraye Yurttas Beim, PhD, as Chairperson of its Board of Directors, ushering in a dynamic new chapter for the organization and a new era of molecular innovation in endometriosis. Dr. Beim succeeds EndoFound co-founder Dr. Tamer Seckin, who is stepping down from the role to pursue new projects but will continue as an active and engaged board member.

A longtime board member and visionary innovator in women’s health for over 25 years, Dr. Beim serves as founder and CEO of Celmatix Therapeutics, a biotechnology company pioneering advancements in reproductive medicine. She brings nearly a decade of leadership to EndoFound and a deep commitment to its mission.

Dr. Beim’s appointment comes at a defining moment as EndoFound prepares to launch an ambitious expansion of its research initiatives in 2025. With a renewed focus on molecular science, the foundation aims to accelerate innovation in endometriosis care and uncover the biological mechanisms driving the disease.

“As someone who has lived with this disease since my first period, I am honored to carry forward the legacy of our co-founders, Dr. Seckin and Padma Lakshmi, whose courage and leadership sparked a national dialogue around endometriosis when few were paying attention,” said Dr. Beim. “EndoFound has awarded more than $1.5 million in research grants, catalyzing groundbreaking projects that have gone on to secure NIH and institutional support. We are now at a critical juncture where philanthropic support for women’s health research has never been more urgent. To bring lasting change, we must move decisively into the era of molecular insights into this disease. I want a better standard of care for my daughter than the one I inherited. When she sees me in pain, she asks me if it will be different for her. I want to be able to decisively tell her that it will be. As Chair, I will work tirelessly for her and for millions of people around the world who have been impacted by this disease.”

“I’m also deeply committed to expanding the national reach of our ENPOWR (ENdometriosis: Promoting Outreach and Wide Recognition) program, which educates adolescents at the onset of menstruation—when symptoms often begin,” she continued. “By reaching young people earlier, we can reduce the average 7- to 10-year delay in diagnosis and help break the cycle of misdiagnosis that so many endure. As Chair, I will champion EndoFound’s core pillars—research, education, advocacy, and awareness—with a renewed focus on advancing advocacy at the state and federal levels, educating the next generation of medical professionals, and addressing the financial burden this disease places on patients, their families, and society as a whole.”

Dr. Seckin, who transformed the landscape of surgical care and advocacy for endometriosis, shared his optimism:

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done to bring endometriosis out of the shadows. Now is the time for a new generation of leaders to step forward. Piraye is at the forefront of scientific innovation, and I’m confident she will elevate EndoFound’s mission to new heights. I look forward to supporting her and continuing to serve on the board.”

Padma Lakshmi, EndoFound co-founder and longtime advocate, praised the transition:

“When Dr. Seckin and I founded EndoFound in 2009, our mission was to give a voice to the millions suffering silently with endometriosis. I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. I look forward to working with Dr. Beim, and this is an exciting new transition for EndoFound’s evolution.”

In the months ahead, EndoFound will unveil bold new research initiatives designed to fast-track discovery, support the translation of science into clinical care, and close the gaps in education and access. This next chapter builds on a powerful legacy of advocacy, awareness, and impact that continues to shape national conversations around women’s health.

About the Endometriosis Foundation of America

The Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound) is the leading endometriosis organization in the United States, co-founded by internationally renowned surgeon Tamer Seckin, MD, and television host/producer/author Padma Lakshmi. As the largest non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to this disease, EndoFound works to increase recognition of endometriosis, advance advocacy, support expert surgical training, and fund groundbreaking research. Through its robust public education and medical outreach campaigns, EndoFound champions early diagnosis and effective treatment. To learn more or get involved, visit www.endofound.org.