Healthcare leaders gather in Seattle to discuss the future of reproductive, mental, and chronic care for women
From June 12 to 14, 2025, the Mayo Clinic is convening its annual “Transforming Women’s Health” conference in Seattle, Washington, bringing together medical professionals from across the country to explore the latest research and clinical practices focused on women’s health. The three-day event, hosted at the Hyatt Regency Seattle, underscores growing recognition of the need for gender-specific approaches to healthcare and highlights new evidence on medical conditions that predominantly affect women.
Addressing the Gender Gap in Medicine
The conference emphasizes how emerging scientific evidence can bridge long-standing gaps in healthcare outcomes for women. Topics span from reproductive health and menopause to mental wellness and chronic disease management—areas where research has historically underrepresented women.
According to event organizers, the goal is to equip physicians, nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals with actionable strategies to improve care for their female patients. The sessions reflect a multidisciplinary approach, combining internal medicine, obstetrics, psychiatry, cardiology, and more.
Comprehensive Workshop on Menopause Opens Event
Kicking off the conference, a pre-session titled “Menopause 101” offered attendees a deep dive into midlife women’s health. Presented in partnership with The Menopause Society, the workshop examined hormone therapy, non-hormonal treatment options, vaginal health, and sleep disturbances common in postmenopausal women.
Dr. Laura Williams, a women’s health internist who spoke at the session, emphasized, “Menopause is a significant transition in a woman’s life, yet many clinicians feel ill-prepared to address it comprehensively. This workshop was designed to close that gap.”
Wide-Ranging Sessions on Women’s Health Issues
Throughout the main event, presentations have been organized into topic tracks covering sexual health, chronic disease, mental wellness, and innovation in screening and diagnostics.
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Sexual and Reproductive Health: Key sessions focus on endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and strategies for managing painful intercourse. Pelvic floor physical therapy and hormonal imbalances also receive attention.
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Chronic Disease Management: Speakers highlight the gender-specific nuances of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and autoimmune disorders in women. Presenters call for more tailored risk assessments and patient education.
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Mental Health and Resilience: Discussions explore how anxiety, depression, and trauma disproportionately affect women. Experts presented recent findings on perinatal mood disorders and emphasized early intervention and cross-specialty collaboration.
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Preventive Care and Screening: Breakthroughs in cervical cancer screening, breast cancer risk prediction, and osteoporosis management are shared alongside discussions of personalized screening plans.
One session that drew high attendance explored cardiovascular risks in women—particularly how symptoms manifest differently than in men and are often overlooked. Another drew praise for its in-depth case studies on managing chronic pelvic pain, a condition frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed.
Empowering Health Professionals with Practical Tools
Conference organizers ensured the event was not just about theoretical insights. Attendees received clinical toolkits, guidelines, and continuing education credits to help them apply the information in real-world settings. The conference is accredited for up to 21.5 continuing medical education (CME) credits, making it a valuable opportunity for professional development.
Dr. Melissa Chen, a family medicine doctor attending the conference for the first time, said, “The content is not only timely—it’s empowering. I’m walking away with strategies I can implement in my practice next week.”
In-Person and Virtual Attendance Enhances Access
To accommodate a wider audience, the event offers a hybrid format. While many healthcare professionals opted to attend in person in Seattle, others participated virtually via livestream. The format allows for increased accessibility for practitioners in rural or underserved areas who may not otherwise have the resources to travel.
Attendees participating online also have access to recorded sessions, interactive Q&As, and digital versions of all reference materials.
Why This Matters for the Future of Women’s Health
The “Transforming Women’s Health” conference is part of a broader movement to recalibrate the medical field’s approach to gender-specific health needs. Research consistently shows that women’s symptoms are more likely to be dismissed or misdiagnosed, and the conference seeks to reverse that trend by educating and empowering healthcare providers.
With increased awareness, specialized training, and a focus on personalized care, the Mayo Clinic’s initiative reflects a national shift toward equitable healthcare. As experts at the event noted, improving outcomes for women doesn’t just benefit individual patients—it strengthens the entire healthcare system.
