Women's Health Essentials in Primary Care: Empowering GPs to Transform Women's Health
“When we empower health practitioners, we empower entire communities.”
This sentiment was at the heart of Women’s Health Essentials in Primary Care — a landmark event hosted by Myhealth Academy, where Dr. Angela Kwong joined a passionate group of presenters to address some of the most pressing and under-discussed issues in women’s health.
From fertility and contraception to endometriosis, menopause and metabolic health, women’s health continues to be mired in stigma, fear, and significant inequity. Underfunded and under-researched, it’s a space where both patients and clinicians often struggle to access clear, evidence-based information.
That’s why events like these are so vital.
Breaking Down Barriers to Better Care
Primary care is often the first point of contact for women seeking answers about their bodies. Yet time constraints, outdated frameworks, and a lack of ongoing education can hinder effective care.
At the Women’s Health Essentials event, GPs were not only given the tools to have better conversations with their patients - they were empowered to rethink how and when those conversations happen.
Whether it’s:
- Initiating fertility assessments earlier in General Practice
- Considering endometriosis before labelling infertility as ‘unexplained’
- Or moving beyond the BMI to assess the whole patient and their broader health risks
These shifts in approach can truly change a woman’s journey - medically, emotionally, and socially.
Reframing Metabolic Health and Menopause
In a highlight presentation, Dr. Angela explored the often-overlooked link between insulin resistance and metabolic health — particularly during the peri- and post-menopausal years.
She discussed how early intervention can dramatically change outcomes, and why BMI alone should never dictate treatment decisions. Instead, clinicians were encouraged to assess the full picture: family history, metabolic risk factors, and consideration of personal preferences.
Dr. Angela also shared ways to support women who may not want or need medications like GLP-1s. Medical strategies must work hand-in-hand with lifestyle support and should be tailored to each woman’s goals, risks, and stage of life.
You can watch her key takeaways below.
A Space for Collaboration and Courage
The day was intensive, evidence-based and energising. GPs walked away not just with knowledge, but with confidence - confidence to challenge outdated norms, start important conversations earlier, and raise the standard of care for women across Australia.
A big Thank You to Myhealth Academy for creating this important event, and to all the attendees and speakers, who are helping shape the future of women’s health in Australia.
