The Women’s Health Symposium will bring together some of Calgary’s leading specialists to speak, educate, and build awareness of women’s conditions and disorders.
CALGARY, AB – On Saturday, March 8, 2025, Calgary Health Foundation is co-hosting a full-day event dedicated to women’s health. The Women’s Health Symposium, presented in partnership with O’Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary Public Library, and the Sex, Gender and Women’s Health Research Hub, is a first for Calgary in terms of vision and scope.
The theme of the symposium was an easy one for Calgary Health Foundation to embrace. Women’s health is one of its fundraising priorities.
“Women’s health affects everyone. We each know of a mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and/or colleague who has been touched by a health concern. Events like the Women’s Health Symposium give a platform to the unique health challenges of women. Through partnerships like the one we have with the Symposium our hope is that more people will take it upon themselves to advocate for the health of women and to give back to healthcare in their community. What better way to celebrate International Women’s Day in Calgary!” Murray Sigler, President & CEO, Calgary Health Foundation.
The Women’s Health Symposium is the brainchild of urogynecologist, Dr. Erin Brennand. Dr. Brennand is the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department Head at the University of Calgary and for Alberta Health Services, Calgary Zone, and is an advocate for women’s health. Through her work, she is made painfully aware of the enormous gaps in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of women’s health concerns to the point she now dedicates her work to garnering the necessary attention, funding, and advocacy to fill these gaps.
“My hope is that this event will bring awareness to the challenges women face when it comes to their health. Women deserve to know more about how their bodies work. This symposium will hopefully be the catalyst for them to learn more and will drive home the need for additional attention, funding, and advocacy to women’s health concerns. I am grateful for the partnership we have with Calgary Health Foundation.” Dr. Brennand.
The complimentary event will feature an engaging keynote address by Dr. Alison Shea, Menopause and Reproductive Mental Health Specialist from McMaster University, along with revealing presentations by specialists on pelvic floor disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, fertility, and endometriosis. Longtime Global News reporter, Leslie Horton, will emcee the event.
Attendees can explore health-inspired interactive booths and enjoy a women’s health-themed art exhibit by students from Alberta University of the Arts, the Performing and Visual Arts Program at Central Memorial, and the University of Calgary Arts Society.
The day will end with an exclusive screening of Below the Belt, a powerful documentary that sheds light on endometriosis and the systemic healthcare challenges disproportionately impacting women.
The Women’s Health Symposium is on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Calgary Central Library (800 3 St SE, Calgary, AB) from 9:30 am-5:00 pm. Speaker presentations will take place throughout the day in the library’s Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall.
The event is open to the public. For more information, visit: calgaryhealthfoundation.ca/events/womens-health-symposium
About Calgary Health Foundation
Calgary Health Foundation is a community-based charity raising funds to advance healthcare across our city. We find opportunities to invest in excellence across the entire healthcare system and offer more firsts for care providers and patients, all to enhance outcomes and improve lives. calgaryhealthfoundation.ca
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For more information, contact:
James McCurdy, VP, Marketing & Communications
Calgary Health Foundation
Ph. 403.990.7943 or james.mccurdy@calgaryhealthfoundation.ca
