Pre-Congress Workshops

The Congress will commence on Wednesday 21 May 2025 with a series of pre-Congress workshops allowing you the opportunity to deep dive into a range of topics and issues. Half day workshops will be on offer in the morning and the afternoon with some full day options too.

All workshops will be held at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.

Half day workshops include a tea break (either morning or afternoon tea) and full day workshops include morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

Places are strictly limited and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend booking early to ensure you don't miss out. Book your place now via the online registration form.

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Morning Workhops

The relationship between exercise and endometriosis - may not be going ahead / could be combined with Patient Day

Time: 0900-1230hrs

Presenters: TBC

Cost: AU$125 inc GST

Details: Researchers in exercise and endometriosis acknowledge that the data in this area is limited and that more research is needed to understand the effects of physical activity and exercise on endometriosis-associated symptoms fully.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that exercise may benefit endometriosis symptoms, such as reducing pain and inflammation. One observational study found that the individual's habitual exercise frequency moderated the association between previous-day exercise and pain symptoms in endometriosis. Those who exercised regularly (at least 3 times per week) were more likely to experience favourable pain outcomes after exercising compared to those who exercised less frequently.

Personal accounts from those living with endometriosis, including high-profile athletes, highlight the challenges of exercising with endometriosis. Generally, they acknowledge that exercise can provide mental health benefits and help manage symptoms, despite the physical difficulties.

The existing evidence indicates that the relationship between exercise and endometriosis may be complex and influenced by factors like an individual's regular exercise habits. More high-quality, controlled studies are needed better to understand the correlation between physical activity and pain management.

Target audience:
GPs, gynaecologists
Physiotherapists, osteopaths and other allied health
Women + living with endometriosis
Researchers interested in Mind-Body, exercise physiology
Women Sport Australia (peak body)
Sports administrators from Netball Australia, Basketball Australia, Golf Australia, Cricket Australia, Gymnastics Australia, AFLW, Swimming Australia, Football Australia and others

Using ART and science for infertility

Time: 0900-1230hrs

Presenters: xx

Cost: AU$125 inc GST

Details: xx

Building interdisciplinary qualitative endometriosis research skills to improve healthcare outcomes

Time: 0900-1230hrs

Presenters: TBD if the below have been confirmed
A/Prof Annalise Weckesser, Birmingham City U/ Social Science Endometriosis Network, United Kingdom
Dr Beck O'Hara, University of Adelaide, Australia
A/Prof Subhadra Evans, Deakin University, Australia
A/Prof Kate Seear, La Trobe University, Australia
Dr Alex Hawkey, University of West Sydney, Australia

Cost: AU$125 inc GST

Details:

This workshop is designed for researchers and/or practitioners unfamiliar with qualitative research methods or those who would like to broaden their qualitative approach. Social science research on endometriosis through qualitative investigations is growing as is the need for interdisciplinary understandings of how best to improve care. High-profile medical research funding bodies increasingly require social science approaches to be embedded within clinical and biomedical trials/studies. This workshop will provide an overview of the basic principles of high-quality qualitative research, the value of such data and the insights it provides (including, but also beyond, the patient experience), and resources/networks for becoming involved in the growing field of social science endometriosis research. Participants will engage in interactive workshop activities including designing their own qualitative research question, a “Photovoice” demonstration, and a ‘Ask an Expert Qualitative Researcher’ panel discussion.

This interactive workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to increase their knowledge of:

Qualitative research frameworks, methodologies, and analytical approaches
Common misunderstandings in conducting qualitative research and how to avoid them
Designing a qualitative research question that will provide insights of the patient experience and beyond
Where to learn more, how to stay up-to-date, and how to get involved in the growing field of social science endometriosis research.

WES early/mid career researcher workshop: Guiding and mentoring the next generation

Time: 0900-1230hrs

Presenters:
Title Ezekiel Mecha, Organisation, Kenya
Title Lucie Marx, Organisation, France
Title Thomas Tapmeier, Organisation, Australia
Title Emily Paterson, Organisation, New Zealand
Title Dr Mabel Chew, Senior Editor, Co-chair, The Lance Group for Racial Equity (GRacE), Country

Cost: AU$200 inc GST

Details: This workshop is organised for an audience of Early-Mid Career professionals who are interested in endometriosis.

Objectives/outcomes for attendees:

What does an early career researcher/clinician want to know when you have access to senior/notable researchers in the field?

What does WES mentor/mentee program offer?

Advice to continue their post-doc journey and/or advice on a clinical research pathway.

How to combine a clinical and academic career.

How to establish a work life balance.
How to make connections with others in this area, outside your discipline.
How to work with industry.
How to get grant funding.

How to be part of a competitive team
When to lead, when to follow? etc.

How to get published in a peer reviewed journal
How to establish clinical research
How to establish basic science research
How to initiate public engagement, how to translate your research outcome and present it to public

Includes lunch and beverage

Afternoon Workshops

Surgical management of deeply invasive endometriosis: Evidence and techniques for optimised outcomes

Time: 1330-1700hrs

Presenters: xx

Cost: AU$125 inc GST

Details: xx

Harnessing psychology to improve healthcare for people with endometriosis

Time: 1330-1700hrs

Presenters:
Prof Antonina Mikocka-Walus, Deakin University, Australia
A/Prof Subhadra Evans, Deakin University, Australia
Dr Leesa van Niekerk, University of Tasmania, Australia
Ms Kat Stanley, Endo Help Foundation, Australia

Cost: AU$125 inc GST

Details: Psychological therapies are used widely to complement healthcare delivery in chronic diseases. Research provides strong evidence for their efficacy in reducing pain and fatigue and improving quality of life and mental health in people living with persistent pain. However, endometriosis research lacks detail on which psychotherapies work best on endometriosis-related outcomes. While consumers want access to integrated inter-disciplinary care where their complex needs are addressed comprehensively, pathways for establishing patient-centred care for endometriosis are murky. This workshop aims to 1) provide an overview of the current evidence of psychological therapies in endometriosis and 2) brainstorm possible avenues for ensuring better access to biopsychosocial care for Australians negotiating the life with endometriosis.

The biological and psychosocial approach to pelvic pain associated with endometriosis

Time: 1330-1700hrs

Presenters:

A/Prof Helena Frawley, University of Melbourne, Australia
Ruth Schubert, University of New South Wales, Australia
Elise Fraser, University of Melbourne, Australia
Dr Shan Morrison, Womens, Men’s Pelvic Health, Australia
Dr Rachel Elphinston, University of Queensland, Australia

Cost: AU$125 inc GST

Details: Endometriosis associated pain is complex and requires a multi-disciplinary and multi-modal approach. This workshop aims to provide updates on the biopsychosocial management and practical skill sessions to empower practitioners managing pelvic pain.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the current theories of Bio-pschosocial care in Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis
Improved confidence in the role and use of biofeedback tools in Pelvic Pain

Practical Objectives:

Develop an efficient assessment framework for identifying biological mechanisms in pelvic pain
Develop an efficient assessment framework for identifying psychosocial mechanisms in pelvic pain
Apply knowledge of current evidence-base to case study presentations

Nursing in endometriosis and pelvic pain: Leading the way to empowered health

Time: 1330-1700hrs

Presenters: TBC

Cost: AU$125 inc GST

Details: Following a nursing consultation process, the nursing workshop will provide a packed and exciting program covering the vital role of the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain (EPP) Nurse, including current topics and future directions.

The program includes:

Module 1: the role and skills of the EPP Nurse

The role of the EPP nurse across a range from autonomous to MDT/IDT team scenarios including public, private, remote, virtual and international healthcare settings.
Sub-topics include nurse-led and MDT/IDT models of care, peer support and Communities of Practice; skills including assessment, education, research, advocacy, motivational interviewing, difficult conversations and the power of education and connecting clients to appropriate knowledge and resources.
EPP Nurse training, remuneration and resourcing the workforce.
Summary panel discussion and learning outcome: what role can EPP Nurses play to best help their clients? (within their local setting and resources)

Module 2: EPP knowledge and skill building

Complexity of period pain, pelvic pain, inflammation and systemic endo.
Differentiating other pelvic pain contributors (and comorbid conditions) including myofascial pain, painful sex, painful bladder syndrome, bowel pain, microbiome and dysbiosis, inflammation, trauma, neurodiversity and the environment.
Pain science and the crucial role of pelvic physiotherapy.
Trauma and gender inclusivity.
Diet, movement, sleep, bowel function and mental health.
Summary panel discussion and learning outcome: what do future EPP Nurses need to know?

Full Day Workshops

Global advances in endometriosis imaging: Cutting-edge techniques and innovations

Time: 0900-1700hrs

Presenters: TBC

Cost: AU$220 inc GST

Details: The learning objectives for this workshop are:

Unlock the Power of Imaging: Gain exclusive insights into the revolutionary International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) consensus and transform your diagnostic skills with cutting-edge knowledge.
Master Advanced Techniques: Dive into the world of ultrasound and MRI with global leaders, learning the strengths and limitations of these essential tools to enhance your ability to predict and diagnose deep endometriosis.
Embrace AI Innovation: Discover the future of endometriosis diagnosis with groundbreaking evidence on artificial intelligence, and learn how to predict this condition non-invasively with unprecedented accuracy.
Experience Real-Time Learning: Witness live scanning demonstrations that bring theoretical knowledge to life, showcasing the latest advancements in imaging technology and allowing you to see real-time results.
Innovate Surgical Planning: Refine your skills in mapping rectal endometriosis and explore cutting-edge treatments like High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), setting new standards in patient care and surgical planning.
Join a Global Community: Connect with leading experts from around the world through dynamic Q&A sessions and panel discussions, expanding your professional network and staying updated on the latest research and innovations in endometriosis imaging.

Embracing new technologies and collaborative partnerships to enhance laboratory-based endometriosis research

Time: 0900-1700hrs

Presenters: TBC

Cost: AU$220 inc GST

Details: The workshop will move through the Pipeline of research commencing from experimental design, collaborators, sample collection through to considerations needed to execute the research design. It will focus on cutting-edge techniques within each section, and the inputs and outputs required to generate meaningful results. The program will also explore how to build comprehensive research programs involving samples and data, state-of-the-art laboratory techniques. It will demonstrate the value of linking clinicians, basic scientists and data analysts as this type of collaborative program is key to future research in endometriosis and in general. In particular it will also explore seamless partnering between clinician and basic scientist and bioinformatician.

Clinicians, Scientists and Data Analysts are encouraged to attend to help build their research programs.