Pre-Conference Workshops

Designed and presented by urogynecology providers, these workshops will complement the meeting's sessions with opportunities to learn and collaborate.

Register for a Workshop

Current attendees may add a workshop to their registration using the link in their confirmation email.

Tuesday, October 14, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM PT

Workshop 1: Clitoral Anatomy, (dys)Function and Surgery

Workshop Faculty
Laura M. Reyes Martinez, MD, PhD – Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta
May Sanaee, MD, FRCSC, MHsEd – University of Alberta
Astha Sharma, Masters of Physiotherapy, Pelvic health physiotherapist (she/her/hers) – AHS

Workshop Overview: This workshop curriculum has a special focus on clitoral anatomy which has historically been omitted from classic gynecology training and is an 'orphaned structure' whose pathologies sometimes falls under the purvue of gynecology, urology, plastic surgery, dermatology or general surgery. We propose that urogynecologists and pelvic physiotherapists develop and maintain expertise when it comes to the restoration of normal clitoral anatomy and function. The participant will learn a historical overview of social implications of omitting female genitalia from anatomy and surgical teaching, will learn the anatomy and then translate this newfound knowledge to create an anatomically correct 3-D model of the clitoris with its nerves and vasculature using plasticine. Then, the participants will learn about certain pathologies they may see in their clinical practice and practice treatments on pelvic models. Finally, the participants will walk away equipped with curricular content they can bring to their home institution to change the way clitoral anatomy is taught to medical students and residents.

Workshop 2: VNOTES: Hysterectomy and Specific Urogynecological Applications

Workshop Faculty
Mihnea Gangal, MD – Notre Dame Hospital
Maryse Larouche, MD MPH – McGill University
Jens Erik Walter, MD FRCSC – Les Cours Medical Centre

Workshop Overview: The workshop will be divided in 2 sections: 1 hour lecture and panel discussion + 2 hour dry lab session.

Masterclass Session & Panel: This session will be interactive, featuring a roundtable discussion where attendees are encouraged to contribute. Topics include:

Presentation on the state of the art on VNOTES. Procedures routinely done by VNOTES vs future developments and experimental surgery.
Vaginal vs. VNOTES Approach for Uterosacral Suspension: debate on technique selection for general gynecologists vs. urogynecologists
Suture Placement Standardization in Uterosacral Suspension: discussing the variability in suture height placement (from cervical insertion to sacral promontory); evaluating the impact of suture height on anatomical support and prolapse repair
Advancing Uterosacral Hysteropexy with VNOTES: discussing success of hysteropexy using a transvaginal laparoscopic approach
Anatomical Landmarks of the Uterosacral Ligament: insights from radiology, histology, and 3D reconstructions of frozen cadaveric sections
Video presentations

Dry Lab Stations:

Anatomy station focused on critical landmarks in anterior colpotomy entry (including ureters and uterine artery)
Urogynecology focused workstations
VNOTES port insertion station
Hysterectomy station
VNOTES suturing stations

Wednesday, October 15, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM PT

Workshop 1: Friend or Foe - The Immune Response in Pelvic Floor Biology and Symptomatology (Basic Science Workshop)

Workshop Faculty
Mary F. Ackenbom, MD, MSc – Magee-Womens Research Institute
Amanda M. Artsen, MD – University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Lindsey A. Burnett, PhD MD – UC San Diego
Fievos L. Christofi, PhD, AGAF – Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University
Marsha K. Guess, MD, MS – University of Colorado School of Medicine
Robert S. Kelley, DO, MBA – Emory University School of Medicine
Amanda Lewis, PhD – UC San Diego School of Medicine
Rui Liang, MD – Ohio State University

Workshop Overview: The pelvic floor is a dynamic system that supports the anatomical positions and functions of vital organs like the bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs within the peritoneal cavity. Numerous factors influence the architecture and functionality of the pelvic floor, culminating in an ongoing process of tissue repair and regeneration. Incomplete repair, or, accelerated degradation are understood to result in pelvic floor disorders (PFD). While the immune system is traditionally seen as an intricate and highly coordinated network of organs, cells and cell products that defend the body against infection and surveil for cancerous cellular transformation, an inappropriately regulated immune system can induce tissue damage downstream of excessive inflammation and tissue degradation. Such tissue damage is being increasingly identified in PFDs. Our understanding of how immune mechanisms are dysregulated in the context of PFDs is limited, and there is a critical need to fill in knowledge gaps so that we can better treat the conditions. Holistic information from clinical datasets to translational wet laboratory and bioinformatics approaches is needed so that we can develop targeted treatments, and one day, effective prevention strategies. This workshop will highlight research that goes beyond disciplinary boundaries, with an emphasis on broadening our knowledge of various conditions relevant to the etiology, prevention, and treatment of PFDs

Workshop 2: Advanced Case-Based Approach to Complex Urogynecologic Surgery

Workshop Faculty
Oz Harmanli, Professor of OB/GYN/RS and Urology – Yale School of Medicine

JaHong Kim, MD – University of California, Los Angeles Department of Urology
Cassandra K. Kisby, MD, MS – Duke Health
Christopher M. Tarnay, MD, MHA – University of California, Los Angeles Department

Workshop Overview: This workshop is designed to equip participants with advanced skills and knowledge necessary for performing complex urogynecologic surgeries. Emphasizing a case-based learning approach, the workshop will explore surgical techniques for managing complex patients, provide expert-guided decision-making frameworks, and address key management strategies to optimize surgical outcomes. Through an interactive format that includes real-world case discussions, high-yield surgical videos, and expert panel reviews, participants will gain practical insights and technical refinements to enhance their surgical proficiency and improve patient care.

Workshop 3: Beyond the Tip of the Iceberg: A Comprehensive Approach to Menopause Transitions

Workshop Faculty
Anne C. Ford, MD, FAOG, MSCP – Duke University School of Medicine
Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS – Chipmunk Enterprises
Dee H. Hartmann, PT DPT – Dee Hartmann Physical Therapy
Nazema Y. Siddiqui, MD, MHSc – Duke University

Workshop Overview: This interactive workshop will address the intersection of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause, and sexual health and how these conditions can be effectively addressed within the practice of urogynecology.

Menopause is a natural part of aging. This transition is variable—some women experience significantly disruptive symptoms, while others have few or none. For those affected, the impact on quality of life can be significant. An estimated 27–84% of postmenopausal women are affected by Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), which includes local vulvar complaints related to urogenital aging and estrogen loss. Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), affecting up to 30%, are a key aspect of GSM often seen in urogynecologic practice. Less well known is the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause (MSM), involving symptoms related to joint and bone health and loss of lean muscle mass. Over 70% of women experience these symptoms during menopause. Though not always linked to menopause, MSM can significantly affect quality of life and how patients present for urogynecologic care.

Workshop 4: Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy - An Interactive Masterclass

Workshop Faculty
Patrick Culligan, MD – Valley Hospital
Peter L. Rosenblatt, MD, FACOG – Mount Auburn Hospital
Briana Walton, MD, FACOG – University of MD Capital Region Health

Workshop Overview: During this highly interactive, strongly video-based course, the faculty will present their latest detailed surgical techniques for laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with or without robotic assistance. The agenda will include a significant amount of time for questions and faculty interaction, and course attendees will have opportunities to present their own challenging cases.

Workshop 5: Navigating Neurogenic Bladder: Pathophysiology, Evaluation, and Treatment

Workshop Faculty
Shannon L. Wallace, MD – Cleveland Clinic Hospital
Emily A. Slopnick, MD – Cleveland Clinic
Sandip Vasavada, MD – Cleveland Clinic

Workshop Overview: This workshop will provide a comprehensive review of the neuroanatomy and pathophysiology of neurogenic bladder, helping clinicians develop a foundational understanding of how different neurological conditions impact bladder function. Participants will then engage in a structured discussion of evaluation strategies based on the American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines, including the appropriate use of urodynamics and renal function monitoring.

Workshop 6: No Margin, No Mission: How to Get the Most Revenue For your Practice

Workshop Faculty
Ashley Caroll
Sarah Collins, MD, FACOG, FACS – The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Emily RW Davidson, MD – Medical College of Wisconsin
Evelyn Hall, MD – Tufts Medical School
Mamta Mamik, MD, MS – Jacobi Hospital / Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Stephanie Molden
Mikio A. Nihira, MD, MPH – SevenStar OB/GYN
Joseph Panza, MD – University of Rochester Medical Center
Jameca Price, MD, MPH, MCR – University of Oklahoma-Tulsa
Charles D. Thompson, MD – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Workshop Overview: It is critical for urogynecologists to understand how effective medical decision making (MDM) will now be a main factor when selecting which level of Evaluation and Management (E/M) codes to bill for visits performed in their practice. This workshop will educate attendees on these important documentation and billings changes.

Workshop 7: CSPM Physiotherapy Forum

Workshop Faculty
Linda McLean
Melanie Morin, PT, PhD – University of Sherbrooke and Research Center of the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS)
Jodie Pulsifer, MPT – Full Circle Physiotherapy, University of British Columbia
Barbara Rechetzer, MD
Adrienne Sim
Malgorzata Starzec-Proserpio, PT, PhD – Universite de Sherbrooke

Workshop Overview: This session will bring together Physiotherapists practicing pelvic health from across Canada for an engaging and interactive opportunity to network, learn, and collaborate on important topics in pelvic health Physiotherapy practice. Attendees will have the chance to explore a range of subjects pertinent to modern Pelvic Health Physiotherapy.

The forum will include two roundtables with informative discussions and a hands-on skills station, all facilitated by leading Physiotherapy educators and researchers in the field. These activities will encourage collaborative learning and the exchange of best practices, ensuring that participants gain practical, evidence-based insights that they can directly apply in their clinical settings.