Dr Dean Conrad, Sydney, NSW Videos

As we come to a close on Women’s Health Week, I want to discuss a topic close to my heart—endometriosis. Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting 1 in 7 women, causing symptoms ranging from heavy, painful periods to infertility. Managing endometriosis requires a truly collaborative team approach. I'm fortunate to work alongside an exceptional group of health specialists who play vital roles in our efforts—GPs, pain specialists, physiotherapists, dietitians, naturopaths, psychologists, acupuncturists, and many more. Nothing embodies this team approach better than our upcoming conference in October, aptly titled "Endo Together." This is why articles like the one recently published in The Age frustrate me so much. Making inflammatory and misleading claims that surgery is "a waste" dismisses the essential role it plays in helping many women manage their symptoms and pursue their fertility goals. That said, it’s true that some gynaecologists may offer surgery too liberally without a balanced, multidisciplinary team approach. Surgery isn’t a cure for endometriosis and should be used thoughtfully as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. So in light of Women’s Health Week, let’s continue to focus on collaboration, not isolation, as we work to improve the lives of women everywhere.

It’s long overdue that gender bias in healthcare receives the attention it deserves. I’ve consistently highlighted the gender inequities in accessing robotic surgery, where reduced rebates for gynaecological procedures create barriers for skilled surgeons, ultimately impacting women’s access to high-quality healthcare. This article sheds light on these systemic issues, revealing a deeper structural bias within the healthcare system. While I don’t necessarily agree with comparing Mirena insertions to vasectomies, it’s just one example of the broader gender disparities in medical rebates. The article reaffirms what I’ve been saying all along: women face increased costs and reduced access to high quality health care, further serving to disincentivise practitioners in women’s health. It’s time for the Health Minister to take decisive action and initiate a gender-focused review of the Medicare Benefits Schedule. #drdeanconrad #womenshealth #awareness #medicare #medicarebenefits #genderequality #worldsurgeons #gynacology #obstetricsandgynecology #action

Kamsamida [thank you] to the ASGRS (Asian Society of Gynaecologic Robotic Surgery). What an absolute honour it was to travel to beautiful Jeju Island, Korea, representing AGES as an invited guest speaker on the role of robotic surgery in the management of stress urinary incontinence. I was shown such kindness and hospitality by the conference organisers and humbled by the generosity of my Asian colleagues. Heartfelt thanks must go to Dr Jiheum Paek and Professor Chi-Heum Cho for the humbling invitation to speak and making me feel so welcome. To Professor TJ Kim, thank you for being an inspiration and for showing me the natural beauty that Jeju had to offer. From pristine beaches to lush green mountains, in such a short time we got to see it all, and in the most fantastic company. To my fellow international speakers and travel companions, Dr Peter Lim, Prof Kenneth Kim, Dr Johnny Yi, Dr Valerio Gallotta, Dr Athitan Rattanburi- what an amazing group of talented individuals whom I am proud to call my international colleagues and new friends. This is what these conferences are all about. The opportunity to meet like-minded people from different backgrounds, sharing knowledge and skills, promoting robotics in surgery while forging lifetime friendships. I am reminded that the “A” in AGES stands for Australasia, and by sharing our experience with all our Australasian colleagues, we develop a mutually beneficial relationship to learn and build our skills. It was incredible to be in a room full of people who are all so passionate about robotics and pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved. The single site robot was the main theme of the event, being currently used all over Asia, but I wonder how many years it will take for single site robotic platforms to become available in Australia. Through our Asian and other international connections, we can all continue to build on our robotic skills for the benefit of patients and doctors worldwide. Here’s to more i

Some recent recognition for the work I was involved in during my time in Port Macquarie with Dr Ashrafy. It is nice that the work being done with robotic technology in the Gynaecology field is being recognised . It is an honour to be able to share my knowledge of advanced surgical skills to the people of regional Australia. We have fantastic surgeons throughout this great country, and with robotic platforms becoming more available, patients have access to high quality surgery outside the big cities. Providing robotic surgical care requires a high functioning specialised team and the staff at Port Macquarie Private were absolutely on point, with skills that could rival any of the large robotic surgical centres in Sydney. Thanks For the story @portmacnews For more on the story visit the below link https://www.portnews.com.au/story/8190377/robotic-technology-expands-into-gynaecology-at-private-hospital/ #portmacquarie #recognition #skills #surgicalskills #roboticplatform #davincirobot #advancedLaparoscopicsurgeon #surgeon #gynaecologist #advancedlaparoscopicsurgery #obstetrician #anaria #drdeanconrad #womenswellbeing #pregnancycare #womenshealth #ovaries #worldsurgeons

Following my recent post about whether or not Endometriosis runs in families Channel 9 recently featured a story on an Endometriosis study that reveals clues to better treatment relating t the differences in the DNA code in tens of thousands of women. Check out the link below for more on the story https://loom.ly/zIlvsgo #endometriosis #channel9 #treatment #dna #woman #bettertreatment #advancedLaparoscopicsurgeon #surgeon #gynaecologist #advancedlaparoscopicsurgery #obstetrician #anaria #drdeanconrad #womenswellbeing #pregnancycare #womenshealth #ovaries #worldsurgeons #fertility #pcossyndrome #iudcare #hormonereplacement #contraceptioncare #pelvicfloorhealth #pelvicfloor

Earlier this month, a patient I cared for during their pregnancy journey was featured in an ABC news article I’d like to share with you about positive birth experiences. Jaimi made an informed decision to have an elective Caesarean section for her first pregnancy. Being an experienced women’s health physiotherapist with pre-existing pelvic floor issues, a C-section felt right for her after we discussed all birth options. The article highlights Jaimi’s positive birth experience and the importance of empowering and supporting women in whatever their birth choices may be. She was able to choose a doctor she trusted, feel supported in her decision making and opt for the mode of birth she felt was best for her and her baby. Being able to see her gorgeous baby girl Gracie being delivered was a heartwarming and joyous moment for Jaimi and her partner. The gender was kept a surprise all the way to the birth, and Jaimi was the first to see and announce it to the world! There’s often no right or wrong answer when it comes to making your birth choice, but being informed and empowered to make those decisions is incredibly important. I believe in the right to choose what happens to your body, and I aim to provide the necessary information as well as the medical and emotional support to make your choice happen. Unfortunately, many women who chose an elective C-section experience stigma and judgement regarding their birth choices. I am so glad to hear about positive birth experiences, especially for women choosing to undergo elective C-sections. Thank you Jaimi for your bravery in sharing your beautiful story and helping reduce the stigma surrounding birth choices. To read the full article please click on link below https://loom.ly/J5nZwpo #instababy #pregnancy #news #article #experiences #positivebirth #advancedLaparoscopicsurgeon #surgeon #gynaecologist #advancedlaparoscopicsurgery #obstetrician #anaria #drdeanconrad #womenswellbeing #pregnancycare #womenshealth