Dedication
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The first time I heard the word “endometriosis” was from the late, great Professor David Healy in 1997. I remember it distinctly, first, out of my fear of mispronouncing it as endomee-tree-what-now? and second, because I was pregnant with my daughter Brianna, struggling with severe "all-day" morning sickness. Attempting to hide my nausea from this world-renowned gynaecologist and obstetrician proved futile. Professor Healy compassionately guided me through a breathing technique, suggesting ginger and small sips of water, though I had already tried everything imaginable.
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A pioneer in obstetrics and gynaecology, Professor Healy was a renowned advocate for women’s health, known especially for his contributions to endometriosis research and treatment. At that time, he had just taken the role of Head of Reproductive Medicine at Monash University and co-founded Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. I was recently elected to the Victorian Parliament, representing an electorate that included Monash University, Monash Hospital, Monash IVF, and other major research institutions.
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Professor Healy’s passing in 2012 left a profound legacy in advancing women’s health. His influence resonates across the medical community, particularly through the World Endometriosis Society, which honours his contributions with the David Healy Award. It was an honour to witness this award being presented by his protégé, Professor Luk Rombauts, at the World Congress on Endometriosis in Edinburgh in 2023, and I look forward to its presentation in Sydney in 2025.​​​
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Acknowledgements
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I want to acknowledge Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, a national not-for-profit organisation co-founded by Professor Healy, that remains dedicated to improving women’s health at every life stage. I am privileged to call Janet Michelmore AO, my friend. She is the daughter of the namesake late Jean Hailes, and now Patron of the organisation, serving on the Australian Government Endometriosis Advisory Group (EAG), along with co-founder Professor Peter Rogers (University of Melbourne). Professor Susan Davis AO (Monash University), Dr. Elizabeth Farrell AM (current Medical Director of Jean Hailes for Women's Health), the late Professor Henry Burger AO, are also co-founders of the ‘digital gateway’ to women’s health.​ I am also grateful to my friend CEO Dr. Sarah White, who serves on the National Women’s Health Advisory Council and the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s Women’s Health Products Group.
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To my own gynaecologist and obstetrician, Dr Tony Lawrence, who has cared for me for over 30 years and delivered my three children, ‘making’ the last one via IVF— I thank you and your wonderful wife, Penny, a general practitioner.
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Dr. Tony Lawrence was part of the team that founded Melbourne’s first Endometriosis Clinic in 1991 with IVF pioneers Professor Carl Wood, Dr. Bruce Downing, Dr. Mac Talbot, Dr. Mary Wingfield, and Dr. Nick Lolatgis.
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This clinic, which later joined Epworth Health in 1999, is now the Julia Argyrou Centre for Endometriosis. I am privileged to call Julia my friend; she and her husband, Michael Argyrou, tirelessly advocate and financially support the JAECE to help those living with endometriosis and fund research to find a cure.
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The Endometriosis Association of Victoria championed early awareness and the establishment of the original clinic. The organisation’s co-founders, Ros Wood (still active at endometriosis.org) and Lorraine Henderson, wrote Explaining Endometriosis with journalist Robyn Riley (now Medical Director for News Corp’s Herald Sun). Professor Healy gifted me a copy of the book, and I know Ellie Angel Mobbs’ mother, Barbara, still keeps hers.
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I would also like to recognise Dr. Sofie Piessens, a gynaecologist known for bringing specialised ultrasound techniques to Australia, enabling the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis through transvaginal ultrasound. With encouragement from her husband, Professor Luk Rombauts, and colleagues Associate Professor Jim Tsaltas (who has looked after Brianna), Associate Professor Martin Healey, and the late Professor Peter Maher, she brought her expertise back to Australia after training in Brazil.
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I also note the contribution of Professor Euan Wallace, now the Secretary of the Victorian Department of Health. I met Euan when he arrived from Edinburgh in 1996. He is a wonderful person. He was the Carl Wood Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Monash University and was formerly Safer Care Victoria's inaugural CEO. He has driven the endometriosis and ‘gender pain gap’ agenda with the Inquiry into Women’s Pain and the Victorian Pelvic Pain Symposium.​
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Working alongside dedicated organisers for the World Congress on Endometriosis in Sydney in May 2025 has been an honour. As Chair of the Patient Liaison Committee, I collaborate with Jessica Taylor, Chair of the Australian Coalition for Endometriosis (ACE) and CEO of QENDO, as well as brilliant co-convenors Professor Jason Abbott and Professor Gita Mishra, and their esteemed colleagues: Dr. Rebecca Deans, Professor Caroline Ford, Dr. Erin Nesbitt-Hawes, Dr. Cecilia Ng (University of New South Wales); Professor Grant Montgomery, Associate Professor Anush Yazdani, Dr. Brett McKinnon, Dr. Sally Mortlock (University of Queensland); Professor Roger Hart (University of Western Australia); Professor Louise Hull (University of Adelaide); Associate Professor Mike Armour (Western Sydney University); Associate Professor Subhadra Evans, Dr. Antonina Mikocka-Walus (Deakin University); Professor Caroline Gargett, Professor Luk Rombauts (Monash University); Associate Professor Peter Rogers (University of Melbourne); Dr. Leesa Van Niekerk (University of Tasmania).
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My deepest gratitude goes to the endo warriors who courageously shared their personal experiences with me to empower and uplift others. To the remarkable clinicians and researchers who offered their expertise and insights for this book, I extend my sincerest thanks on behalf of the entire endometriosis community.
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Finally, I could not have completed this journey without the support of my family. My ever-patient husband Marcus has stood steadfastly by my side, and my children have cheered me on through type strokes and edits. I owe some special “Nanree” time to my three beloved grandchildren. To my parents, Pat and Terri, my most ardent champions, who raised me and my five siblings with the values of loyalty, empathy, and justice—I am endlessly grateful.
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As I wrote this book, I also cared for my dear friend and business partner, Paul, who bravely fought leukemia until his passing shortly after his 55th birthday. I dedicate this book to his memory and promise to be a role model for his beloved daughter.
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Gender Equity, Endogendernomics & Fairness
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In my 20's, as a young woman raised in a feminist household and educated to expect equal opportunity and fairness regardless of gender, conscious - and blatant - discrimination, unconscious - and ignorant - bias was a shock to the system.
As Chair of the government’s health policy committee and later as Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Human Services, I was exposed to the staggering impact of medical misogyny on women’s lives, the lack of research into women+ health and the ‘gaslighting’ about hysterical, weak women who needed to accept their ‘lot’ in life . Realising the scope of this issue remains both humbling and galvanising. It has continued to motivate me and to complete my Master of Leadership, specialising in gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
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For example, we know now that the prevalence of endometriosis was vastly underestimated, and thanks to the research of Professor Gita Mishra and her team, published with the AIHW, it is now accepted that one in seven Australian women+ are diagnosed with endometriosis by age 50.
I also highlight the ‘endo gendernomics’ challenges with a medical system built for men, by men. Women+ receive less Medicare benefits than men, medication costs more for women and the focus on men’s erectile dysfunction outstrips investment in endometriosis. If men experienced the pain and life disruption of endometriosis, we would have more extensive investment in diagnosis, treatment and finding a cure.
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This book is my tribute to the estimated one million Aussies living with endometriosis. I am committed to a future where endometriosis is better understood, respected, and, one day, a condition of the past.
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Please do your 'bit' to raise awareness and share The Australian Guide to Living Well with Endometriosis in your networks.
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