The need for repeated surgeries in patients with endometriosis will be the focus of this year’s medical conference, among other events, hosted by the Endometriosis Foundation (EndoFound) of America to mark Endometriosis Awareness Month in March.
The 11th annual conference will address the role of surgeons and researchers in repeated surgeries, and how re-operation rates can be minimized. It will be held March 14 to 16 in New York City.
At least one in three women who undergo surgical treatment for endometriosis will need an additional procedure, exposing them to health risks, emotional distress, and undue financial burden, Tamer Seckin, MD, the founder of EndoFound, wrote in an online welcome note to the 11th Annual Medical Conference and Surgeons Symposium: Reoperative Endometriosis.
“In trying to understand the complicated explanations behind disease recurrence and the results of ineffective surgical strategy, our goal is to equip doctors and patients with the knowledge necessary for preventing and reducing the likelihood of re-operation,” she said.
March 14 will be devoted to post-graduate courses for medical students, residents, and fellows in minimally invasive gynecological surgery.
The subsequent two days will be dedicated to the main medical meeting with presentations and discussions on different topics, including ethical challenges in endometriosis management, molecular mechanisms of the disease and its connection to cancer, infertility, and pregnancy outcomes after surgery. More details about the preliminary program can be found here.
In addition, Arnaud Wattiez, MD, will be honored with the Harry Reich Award for his contributions to teaching and innovations in endometriosis surgery.
Conference tickets are $200 for each physician and $75 each for all others, including the general public. Registration is available here.
As a conference adjunct, the foundation will host the Patient Day 2020 on March 14. The annual event, which has been planned with the help of patients, will feature a series of panels and breakout groups to help arm women with the tools and information they need to live with endometriosis.
Themed “Live Your Best Life With Endo,” this year’s Patient Day will focus on addressing stigmatized topics related to endometriosis, including the use of opioids, surgery and insurance coverage, fertility, menopause, nutrition, acupuncture, painful sex, physical therapy, and yoga. Information about the preliminary program is available here.
Speakers and presenters will include physicians specializing in endometriosis, patient advocates, physical therapists, researchers, and nutritionists.
Patient Day registration, which includes meals and a cocktail reception, is $50. For $75, registrants may also attend the main medical conference on March 15 and 16.
Following the conference, on March 16, EndoFound will host its 11th Annual Blossom Ball, the nonprofit’s biggest annual fundraiser event that brings together individuals from the healthcare, research, and entertainment communities for an evening of celebrating progress in endometriosis.
Emceed by celebrity cook Judy Joo, the event will include a cocktail hour followed by a multi-course dinner and after-party. There will also be a special performance by Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, who recently starred in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.
This year, the foundation will honor Michael J. Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health, and Lisa Sanders, MD, a New York Times columnist and creator of Netflix’s docuseries “Diagnosis.”
Individual tickets range from $750 to $2,500. Tickets for the after-party are $125. There are also sponsorship opportunities. Registration can be done here.