From silent suffering to systemic change, endometriosis is finally being heard. But is it truly understood?
UNSW Medicine & Health proudly presents MedConnect | Endometriosis: Behind the pain, hosted by Sydney Morning Herald Health Editor, Kate Aubusson, on Wednesday 3 September.
This thought-provoking panel will explore the often-overlooked realities of endometriosis — a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide. From misdiagnosis and fertility challenges to the emotional toll, the discussion will highlight how endometriosis exposes deeper gaps in women’s healthcare, research, and funding.
Yet this is also a story of hope and change. Hear from leading gynaecologists, women’s health specialists, and passionate advocates, and discover the latest insights and innovations. This includes the recently launched Ainsworth Endometriosis Research Institute at UNSW, a world-first initiative dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by endometriosis.
Be part of the movement driving change and reshaping health together.
Kate Aubusson is the Health Editor at the Sydney Morning Herald. She is an award-winning reporter and one of Australia’s most experienced health journalists, having covered Australia’s healthcare system and medical research for both general audiences and medical professionals. Kate’s work has been broadcast and published online and in print across multiple outlets nationally and internationally. Most recently, she and her colleagues at the Herald and The Age have been investigating the implications of gender bias in medicine for women whose pain has been dismissed or ignored.
Dr Jason Abbott is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at UNSW Sydney. He has published more than 250 peer-reviewed publications, has supervised more than 40 students through higher research degrees, and garnered more than $20million in research funding. He is the co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynaecology, the chair of the National Endometriosis Clinical and Scientific Trials (NECST) Network, Australia, he directs the GRACE research group, and is a member of the Endometriosis advisory group to the Australian government.
Lily is a Founding Director of the Grevillea Foundation, a charity set up to support scientific research into endometriosis. She is the Director of the Eden Foundation Philanthropic Ancillary Fund and has been on the Endometriosis Australia Research Grant Review Committee since 2022. Lily works as an applied anthropologist and is passionate about ensuring the lived experience of everyday people is included in the design of community and public policies and services. Lily was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2010, after experiencing 5 years of unexplained debilitating pain. She lives with and manages her endometriosis symptoms every day. Through the Grevillea Foundation and the Ainsworth Endometriosis Research Institute, Lily is determined to significantly improve the quality of life of those living with endo, now and in the future.
Monica Forlano is the Board Chair of Endometriosis Australia and a transformational media executive. Diagnosed with endometriosis at 31 after years of undiagnosed chronic pain, Monica has transformed her personal experience into powerful advocacy. She executive produced the first television commercial about endometriosis on Australian television, using her media expertise to build awareness so others can seek treatment instead of putting their life on hold. Monica’s board leadership at Endometriosis Australia demonstrates her unwavering commitment to gender equity and health advocacy. Her lived experience, combined with her media transformation expertise, makes her uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change for the nearly one million Australians living with endometriosis. Under her leadership, Endometriosis Australia continues to champion research, education, and support for those affected by this condition.
Bronwyn Graham is the inaugural Director of the Centre for Sex & Gender Equity in Health & Medicine (CSGEHM) at the George Institute for Global Health, and a Professor in the School of Psychology at UNSW Sydney. A clinical psychologist and behavioural neuroscientist, Bronwyn has dedicated her career to improving women’s mental health by researching how the female brain regulates emotions and translating the findings to clinical settings and beyond.
