Perspectives of Endometriosis Care Panel Discussion and Networking Event

This forward-looking panel will explore what the future of endometriosis care could and should look like in Australia and beyond. Rather than focusing only on where we are today, the conversation will centre on what must change over the next decade to dramatically improve diagnosis, treatment, care integration, and lived experience.

Our panel includes:

• Dr Stephanie Allen — Member, WEF Women’s Advisory Council and co-host of the Women Deliver Conference

• Prof. Jason Abbott — Clinical Director, Ainsworth Endometriosis Research Institute (AERI), UNSW

• Assoc. Prof. Susan Evans — Clinician, researcher and Founder of Alyra Biotech

• Milli Weaver - CEO and Founder of Australian Endometriosis Foundation, 2026 NSW Young Woman of the Year
  

We will examine what early and accurate diagnosis might look like in five to ten years, how care pathways could become more coordinated and patient-centred, and how digital tools, AI, better data linkage, and new funding models could reshape outcomes. The discussion will also address persistent systemic gaps, including inequities in access, workplace support, and the ongoing under-recognition of chronic pain in women’s health.

The panel will bring together up to four cross-sector voices, including a researcher, clinician, policymaker or system leader, industry innovator or start-up founder, and a person with lived experience.

This event marks the beginning of a broader women’s health event series focused on closing equity, data, and delivery gaps across the system, starting with one of the most urgent and high-impact conditions affecting Australian women today.

Why this matters in Australia—right now

-       Around 1 in 7 Australian women (and those assigned female at birth) are now estimated to live with endometriosis, with diagnoses rising in younger cohorts as awareness improves. Endometriosis is also among the top causes of non-fatal disease burden for reproductive and maternal conditions.

-       The total annual economic burden is estimated at $7.4–$9.7 billion, with ~84% due to lost productivity—a clear signal that better diagnosis, treatment, and workplace support would pay dividends (Source: AIHW)

-       Despite growing investment—such as the rollout of 22 Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain GP clinics and new Medicare supports—significant gaps persist in coordinated care and data linkage, limiting our ability to track outcomes and target resources.

-       Broader women’s health equity. Australian women continue to report bias and discrimination in healthcare, especially around chronic pain and reproductive health—reinforcing the need for sex- and gender-responsive care models and innovation pathways. Closing the women’s health gap is both a moral and economic opportunity.

Agenda

5.00 - Arrival and refreshments

5.15 - Welcome and panel discussion

6.15 - Closing remarks and networking