Endometriosis: The Hidden Pain

This session will enhance participant ability to recognise the symptoms of endometriosis, appreciate its broad impact on quality of life and understand the importance of early diagnosis. It will also explore a range of evidence-based management options to support and educate patients. Presented by Western Health in collaboration with NWMPHN.

Endometriosis is a complex and often misunderstood condition affecting many people assigned female at birth. This session will build clinical confidence and capacity in identifying, diagnosing, and supporting patients living with the condition. Participants will enhance their awareness and recognition by understanding its typical symptoms and presentation patterns.

The will explore the importance of timely diagnosis and strategies to avoid unnecessary delays, including an overview of diagnostic pathways and referral options. We will also examine the significant physical, emotional, and social impact of endometriosis, including its association with other chronic conditions, to support a more empathetic, whole-person approach to care.

Participants will be introduced to a range of management options—conservative, medical, surgical, and multidisciplinary—and how to apply this knowledge to empower patients in shared decision-making. Whether you're a GP, nurse, or allied health professional, this session provides practical tools and evidence-based strategies to improve health outcomes and quality of life for those affected by endometriosis.

By its end, participants will be better equipped to support early intervention, patient education, and collaborative care planning for their patients.

Speaker:  

Dr. Samina Ahmed is a highly experienced obstetrician, gynaecologist, and fertility specialist with over 20 years in women’s health. She holds specialist appointments at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Northpark Private Hospital, and St Vincent’s Private Hospital, and has contributed to fertility care through assisted reproductive techniques (ART/IVF).  

Dr. Ahmed is actively involved in medical education and research, holding academic roles at Deakin University and the University of Melbourne, and serving as a training supervisor for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.  

Fluent in English, Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi, she is a registered practitioner with Translating and Interpreting Services Australia, ensuring inclusive care for diverse communities. Her clinical expertise spans infertility, menstrual disorders, pelvic pain, endometriosis, fibroids, prolapse, cervical screening abnormalities, and advanced surgical procedures.  

Dr. Ahmed is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care and empowering women through informed

Ranjana Rahman is a passionate Women’s Health Physiotherapist at Western Specialist Centre in Werribee, Victoria. With expertise in pelvic floor therapy, birth trauma recovery, and managing conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and bowel health, Ranjana is dedicated to empowering women—especially from multicultural and migrant backgrounds—through education and compassionate care. Her community outreach includes workshops and speaking engagements with organizations such as the Australian Multicultural Women’s Association and the Australian Islamic Medical Association. Ranjana’s mission is to break down health stigmas and improve access to women’s health services for all.

Learning outcomes:

• Identify endometriosis by defining the typical symptoms
• Describe the importance of early diagnosis and intervention by outlining the typical diagnostic process
• Demonstrate the association between endometriosis and increased risk of other conditions, and provide accurate and up-to-date information to individuals with endometriosis and their support networks
• Identify and explain conservative, medical, surgical, and multidisciplinary management options for endometriosis, and apply this knowledge to support patient education and empowerment during consultations.