Boost your primary care knowledge by learning from women’s health specialists.
May 29, June 26, July 31, August 28, September 25, October 30, November 27, December 18
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM ET
Live stream via Zoom
New attendees will receive recordings of past sessions as well as live access to and recordings of upcoming ones.
Why attend?
Gain insights from industry-leading women’s health specialists about commonly referred women’s health issues that can be effectively managed in primary care.
Who should attend?
Women’s Health Series is designed for Nurse Practitioners, Physicians, Physician Assistants, Registered Nurses, and learners who are working in or interested in primary care or women’s health.
Speakers & Schedule
May 29
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM ET
Supporting Patients with Common Fertility Concerns in Your Practice
Objectives: To discuss how you can support patients with common fertility concerns and challenges in your practice. We will cover the following: (1) Patients interested in proactive fertility testing or egg freezing, (2) Pre-conception counselling and optimizing natural conception, (3) Approach to oligomenorrhea or secondary amenorrhea. We will also review when to refer to a fertility clinic for further workup and management.
Dr. Rhonda Zwingerman
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist, Co-Founder, & Medical Director @ Twig Fertility
Co-founder and Medical Director of Twig Fertility, Dr. Rhonda Zwingerman is a physician and reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) specialist. She completed medical school at Queen’s University, OBGYN residency at the University of Alberta, and her Masters and REI fellowship at the University of Toronto. She is committed to modernizing fertility care through the use of best-in-class technologies and to creating clinics that provide people with comprehensive and compassionate fertility care. An avid musical theatre buff, Dr. Zwingerman sits on the board of the Musical Stage Company, Canada’s leading and largest non-profit dedicated to musical theatre. When not working, spending time with her family or at the theatre, she’s planning her next theatre-related trip to NYC.
June 26
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM ET
Assessment and Management of the Menopause Transition and Menopause in Primary Care
Half of the world's population will go through menopause, yet it remains shrouded in mystery, so many women enter this phase of their lives feeling completely unprepared. In addition, there are major gaps due to inadequate research gaps, lack of training among health care providers, misinformation, and sexism that can all prevent women from getting the effective care they need. With this seminar, the participant will come away with key knowledge about the basics of menopause, learn insights into the gaps in care, and understand key management strategies. Menopause shouldn't be a mystery, and medical professionals can and should help close the gaps in knowledge and care!
Dr. Jennifer Gunter
OB/GYN & International Bestselling Author
Dr. Jen Gunter is an internationally bestselling author, obstetrician, and gynecologist with more than three decades of experience as a vulvar and vaginal diseases expert. Her bestselling books, The Vagina Bible and The Menopause Manifesto, have been translated into 25 languages. She has a blog called The Vajenda, is the host of Jensplaining, a CBC/Amazon Prime video series that highlights the impact of medical misinformation on women, and is the recipient of the 2020 Media Award from The Menopause Society. Her TED Talk, “Why Can’t We Talk About Periods?” was the third most viewed TED Talk of 2020, leading to the launch of her popular podcast on the TED Audio Collective, “Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter.” She can be found online at www.thevajenda.com.
Photograph by Talia Herman
July 31
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM ET
What's New in the Workup and Management of Endometriosis
This session will provide an up-to-date, practical summary on the management of endometriosis for the primary care provider. This important condition affects about 10% of reproductive-aged women and can cause significant pain and infertility, negatively impacting quality of life and productivity. The average time to diagnosis is unfortunately about 9-10 years. The aim of this session will be to improve patient care by outlining the key components on history, physical exam, bloodwork and imaging for the diagnosis of endometriosis as well as to provide an evidence-based management strategy. An update on new medical treatments available will be highlighted. Tips on when and why a patient should be referred to a specialist will also be explored. A brief overview of surgical treatment approaches will be reviewed so that you can advocate for your patients when they are seeking surgical management.
Dr. Jamie Kroft
OB/GYN & Deputy Chief @ Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Dr. Kroft is the Deputy Chief of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. She specializes in minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery. Her clinical practice focuses on the treatment of endometriosis. She completed her residency at the University of Toronto and her fellowship at Sunnybrook, certified through the American Association of Gynaecologic Laparoscopists. She is part of the fellowship training program for gynaecologic laparoscopy at Sunnybrook. She completed her Masters in Clinical Epidemiology at McMaster University and conducts clinical research mostly investigating surgical outcomes as well as surgical education. She is the current President of the Canadian Society for the Advancement of Gynaecologic Excellence and is also part of EndoAct Canada, a task force aimed at improving care for patients living with endometriosis in Canada. Dr. Kroft is committed to raising awareness and educating health care providers and patients about endometriosis and the treatments available.
August 28
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM ET
Updates in Breast Health for
Primary Care
This session will provide attendees with detailed updates on breast screening, benign breast conditions, breast cancer, and survivorship.
Dr. David Lim
Breast Surgical Oncologist & Medical Director @ Henrietta Banting Breast Centre, Women’s College Hospital | Surgeon-Scientist @ Women’s College Research Institute
Dr. David Lim is a breast surgical oncologist at Women’s College Hospital and a surgeon-scientist based at Women’s College Research Institute. Dr. David Lim is the Medical Director of the Henrietta Banting Breast Centre at Women’s College Hospital. He is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery (Division of General Surgery) of the University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine. His clinical research program is focused on understanding and improving outcomes for patients with breast cancer. His areas of research focus include patient-reported outcomes/patient experience, surgical decision-making including contralateral prophylactic mastectomy and implications of neoadjuvant therapy, treatment de-escalation, outcomes after ambulatory breast surgery, disparities in cancer care and lobular breast cancer. Dr. Lim’s research is supported by a 2024 Terry Fox Research Institute New Investigator Award and the Canadian Cancer Society Chair in Breast Cancer Research at Women’s College Research Institute.
September 25
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM ET
Identifying and Managing Someone at Risk for Hereditary Gyne Cancers
This session will offer attendees insights on pertinent high-risk genes for hereditary gynecological cancers, as well as guidance on recognizing a high-risk genetic history and interpreting genetic test results.
Dr. Michelle Jacobson
Director @ Familial Ovarian Cancer Clinic, Women’s College Hospital | OB/GYN @ Mount Sinai Hospital
Dr. Michelle Jacobson is a menopause specialist at Women’s College and Mount Sinai Hospitals in Toronto where she directs the familial ovarian cancer clinic. She did her residency at McMaster university and fellowship in Menopause at the University of Toronto, followed by a Masters of Health Science in translational research. She is the creator and director of the SOGC’s community of practice in Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer and the primary author of the guidelines on the Gynaecologic Management of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer and Breast Cancer and Menopause.
October 30
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM ET
Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia, Hypertension, and Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy and Postpartum
This session will provide attendees with an overview of managing iron deficiency anemia, hypertension, and gestational diabetes during pregnancy and postpartum in primary care, as well as guidance on when to refer for specialist care.
Dr. Kristin Harris
OB/GYN & Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist @
Mount Sinai Hospital
Dr. Kristin Harris completed her medical school and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Toronto. Following her residency, she completed a two-year Royal College accredited fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine at the University of Toronto. Kristin began her career with the team at St. Michael's Hospital where she worked at Humber River Regional Hospital as part of a collaborative effort to bring access to high risk obstetrical care closer to patients and their community. She transitioned to Mount Sinai Hospital in 2023 to provide care and leadership with the Obesity in Pregnancy and Complex Obstetrical Surgery programs within the department of Maternal Fetal Medicine. Kristin specializes in complex maternal and fetal obstetrical care with a particular interest in advanced obstetrical surgery, obesity in pregnancy, and antibiotic stewardship in context of infectious diseases in pregnancy. She has an enthusiasm for teaching and improving knowledge translation to patients and providers. Her current research projects are centred around antenatal care and labour and delivery outcomes for patients with obesity, developing programming for penicillin allergy testing in pregnancy, assessment of surgical techniques at cesarean section, and assessment of surgical outcomes for myomectomy at time of cesarean section.
November 27
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM ET
Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Urinary Incontinence, and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause for the Primary Care Provider
This session will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of assessing, diagnosing, and managing pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and genitourinary syndrome of menopause in primary care.
Dr. May Alarab
Lead Urogynecologist @ Perineal Clinic, Mount Sinai Hospital
Dr. Alarab’s graduated from Medical School, Baghdad University, Iraq. She completed her residency program in Obstetrics & Gynecology In Ireland. She then completed 3 years fellowship program at University of Toronto Mount Sinai Hospital in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, and gained Master of Science degree at the Institute of Medical Science, University of Totonto studying the Etiology off pelvic organ prolapse in young women. Her research within the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive in Canada focus on the extra cellular matrix (ECM) of vaginal tissue of women with pelvic organ prolapse. Dr. Alarab also leads the perineal clinic at Mount Sinai (Ontario), where she takes care of postpartum women effected by obstetrical anal sphincter injuries
December 18
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM ET
An Overview of Types of Contraception Counseling and Medical Abortion in the Primary Care Setting
This session will provide attendees with an overview of contraception counseling, types of contraception options, and IUD/IUS insertion. Additionally, attendees will takeaway a practical approach to providing medical abortion in a primary care setting, covering the mifepristone/misoprostol regimen as well as resources and tools to facilitate medical abortion in a primary care setting.
Niru Bhanderi, NP
Nurse Practitioner @ Bay Centre for Birth Control, Women’s College Hospital
Niru Bhanderi completed her Bachelors of Science in Nursing at York University in 2010 and her Masters in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner degree at University of Toronto in 2015. Niru joined the Bay Center for Birth Control (BCBC) at Women's College Hospital (WCH) as a primary care nurse practitioner in 2016. At BCBC she specializes in various types of contraception care including intrauterine device (IUD) insertion and implant insertion. Additionally, in the past two years, she has heavily focused her interest in providing medical abortion care. As part of this focus, Niru is collaborating with nurse practitioners from remote areas of Ontario who are interested in implementing medical abortion in their practice.
FAQ
Who created this event and why?
Women’s Health Series was founded by a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner in Canada. The aim of this series is to offer additional education to primary care providers and reduce unwarranted referrals to women’s health specialists.
Is this event accredited?
Credits will not be awarded for Women’s Health Series 2024. However, we are looking into the process of accreditation for Women’s Health Series 2025.
Will the talks be recorded?
All talks will be recorded and shared with ticket holders.
Learn with attendees across Canada.
Testimonials
Brooke Wagner, MN, NP
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner @ Niagara north family health team
“Nursing Lane creates the best educational opportunities I’ve come across in my NP career thus far. Hearing from the industry’s top specialists about tips and tricks on how we can manage many illnesses and conditions that we often refer for in primary care is motivating, empowering and can significantly reduce the volume of referrals sent and wait times for patients.”
Alexandra milne, MN, NP
Clinical director & Primary Care Nurse Practitioner @ Care& Family Health
“These are the most important education sessions you can attend as a nurse practitioner in primary health care. You leave with tangible tools to better serve your patients and minimize unnecessary referrals and long specialist wait times. Sessions are organized with sufficient time for questions and some specialist even provide post-session written materials”
SANA VIRANI, MD
FAMILY PHYSICIAN @ VICTORIA MEDICAL GROUP
“As a family physician currently in practice, I sometimes find it difficult to stay abreast of the latest advances in clinical practice or new/current guidelines in the diagnosis and management of the multitude of medical illnesses that we come across day to day. I am so glad I came across this event. Monthly lectures from specialists across different specialties provides not only that but also a quick refresher on things we see in practice everyday. Since graduating from residency, I find it difficult to have time to review or learn new things that would help me to help my patients. This event allows me to learn directly from the specialists, something I have not had access to since residency. I'm glad there's more lecture series coming up.”
CLAIRE SMITH, MN, NP
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner @ TORONTO WESTERN family health team
“Could not be happier with my decision to attend this event. For ~$20 per session, you get evidence-based and relevant clinical tools from medical specialists. The majority of the sessions are held after a standard work day and recorded for later viewing as well, which is super convenient. After attending each session, I take away valuable knowledge that will enhance the care that I provide my patients.”
Brianna smith, MN, NP
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner @ Care& Family Health
“I’m so happy this exists! I would highly recommend these events to any primary care provider who is looking to gain knowledge from some of the best specialists and improve their everyday practice. I’ve already been able to implement some of the knowledge I gained from the first session into my practice and prevent an unnecessary referral! 5/5 stars”
Sponsors