The Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound) said its 11th Annual Patient Day, scheduled for March 14 in New York, will feature “topics often stigmatized” relating to endometriosis.
Patient Day is part of a three-day conference that includes a postgraduate training course for medical professionals and residents, and a two-day international medical symposium on repeated surgeries.
This year’s Patient Day is the first to have an established patient advisory committee, which helped plan the program. More than others, those who live with the disease know what topics are routinely dismissed or stigmatized, including the effect of chronic pain on mental health, the foundation said.
“We believe that living with this disease requires a collaborative and interdisciplinary effort that prioritizes the patient’s voice, so in addition to presentations, this year we have programmed a diverse series of patient panels, networking sessions, patient presentations, and a cocktail reception for the ultimate networking,” Margaret Cianci, executive director of EndoFound, said in a press release.
“When you leave, you will be armed with some of the best tools to live your best life with endo, and we hope a whole new support group of friends, too,” Cianci said.
Preliminary topics include what physicians learn from patients, the endometriosis life cycle, opioids, surgery, insurance coverage, fertility, advocacy, painful sex, physical therapy, acupuncture, yoga, hormones, menopause, and taboos and stigmas. There will also be discussion periods.
Presenters will include physicians, patient advocates, lawmakers, physical therapists, scientists, nutritionists, and other interdisciplinary experts. There will also be a stand-up performance by Eleanor Thom, author of the memoir, “Private Parts: How to Really Live with Endometriosis.”
“We have an exceptional faculty comprised of members from the research, medical and patient communities looking forward to presenting and engaging in some lively discussion,” Cianci said. “From nutrition and exercise to insurance coverage and fertility, Patient Day will highlight topics often stigmatized, and work to uncover the truth in every arena of this disease for women of every age.”
Registration is available here. The fee is $50 per individual, or $75 for Patient Day and the medical conference on March 15 and 16. Meals, refreshments, and a cocktail reception are included.
The presenting Patient Day sponsor is Northwell Health. Also sponsoring the event are AAGL, the Society of Endometriosis and Uterine Disorders (SEUD), the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology (ISGE), MyEndometriosisTeam, Ob.Gyn.News/MDEdge, and Everyday Health.