Victorian Pelvic Pain Symposium

Join us at the Victorian Pelvic Pain Symposium - a free event presented in collaboration with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

This groundbreaking event will focus on understanding, treating, and supporting women with pelvic pain.

Explore innovative approaches, exchange insights, and network with experts and advocates in the field. From keynote presentations to interactive talks and panel discussions, this symposium offers a valuable platform to enhance knowledge, foster collaboration, and empower individuals in pelvic pain management.

How to book your place

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a dynamic conversation driving positive changes in women's healthcare.

Registrations have closed.

Please advise member number when booking.

This is an RACGP approved CPD activity under the RACGP CPD Program (4 hours educational activities, 1.5 hours reviewing performance).

Please email vpps@health.vic.gov.au for further enquiries.

Event details

When: Thursday 13 June 2024

Time: 8:30 am - 5 pm

Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) - Eureka Room, 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006

Symposium program

Opening address

The Hon Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Health

Keynote address

Dr Anita Munoz, Chair Victorian Council, RACGP

Session 1 - Increasing awareness of pelvic pain for clinicians and patients

Featuring

• Professor Sonia Grover, (Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecologist)
• Fi Macrea (Consumer representative and advocate, founder of Private Parts Community)
• Dr Sarah Borg (Public health and sexual reproductive health physician)
• Dr Angela Chia (Consultant Anaesthetist and Pain specialist, Royal Women's Hospital)
• Dr Magdalena Simonis (General Practitioner)

Session 2 - Strategies to support timely access to patient-centred care

Five break out rooms:

Melbourne Room: Specialist Pain Medicine and Chronic Pain Management

• Dr Karin Jones (Royal Women’s Hospital, Pelvic Pain Victoria)

Breakout 1: The intersection of General practitioners and allied health professionals

• Dr Laura Chapman – A General Practitioner with an interest in pelvic pain, contraception, preventative health, menopause and infertility

Breakout 2: Allied Health and Non-Surgical Pathways

• Naomi Nalder (Barwon Health)
• Jen Vardy (Mercy Hospital for Women)
• Shan Morrison (Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy, Camberwell)
• Facilitated by Naomi Bromley (Department of Health)

Breakout 3: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Womens Health

• Dr Sarah Borg (VACCHO) - A public health practitioner with thorough knowledge of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people might best access services

Breakout 4: Multicultural & LGBTIQA+ Communities

• Dr Adele Murdolo (Multicultural Centre for Women's Health)
• Vic Harden (Thorne Harbour Health)
• Facilitated by Dr. Bridie O’Donnell (Department of Health)

Session 3 - Understanding appropriate treatment and support

Four TED Talk style presentations facilitated by Professor Ben Thomson, Head of General Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital

• Dr Marilla Druitt - Experienced Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, President Pelvic Pain Victoria, RANZCOG counsellor and Deakin researcher
• Dr Megan de Souza - Role of psychology in the management of women's pelvic health
• Rosie Purdue - The role of Physiotherapy in the management of women's pelvic health
• Professor Caroline Gargett - Hudson Institute of Medical Research

Closing plenary - Building collaborative, patient-centred care to address pelvic pain now, and into the future

Facilitated by the Hon Jill Hennessy

• Dr Anita Munoz - Victorian Chair, RACGP
• Prof Sue Matthews - CEO, Royal Women's Hospital
• Kat Theophanous MP - Parliamentary Secretary for Women's Health
• Associate Professor Helena Frawley – University of Melbourne
• Professor Lena Sanci - GP Adviser, Department of Health