Closing the gap in women's healthcare: an interdisciplinary approach
11:00am - 12:00pm
12:00pm - 12:20pm
11:00am - 4:15pm
Registration and Lunch
Welcome Dean Carmen Puliafito, MD, MBA
12:20pm - 12:50pm Keynote Dr. Laila Al-Marayati, MD
(intro by Dr. Laila Muderspach, MD)
Workshop Block 1 - 1:00pm - 1:50pm -------------------------------------------------------------------
A1. Laparoscopic Skills Workshop
Surgery & Ob/Gyn Faculty/Residents
Join faculty and residents from USC’s Department of Surgery and Obstetrics &
Gynecology for an interactive workshop in laparoscopic surgery. The workshop will entail hands-on training in laparoscopy using simulation kits and expert guidance from experienced surgeons. Attendees will learn the benefits and risks of laparoscopy and how doctors account for female anatomy during surgery.
A2. Women’s Mental Health Care during Pregnancy and Postpartum
Dr. Emily Dossett, MD, MTS
Women’s mental health is a significant public health concern affecting countless women, infants, and their families. Make a difference on this vital issue by learning to screen, treat, and when to refer women with psychiatric illnesses during pregnancy and the postpartum.
A3. Heart Disease: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Dr. Seth Politano, DO
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women and, therefore, an unmistakably important issue in women’s health. Learn more about women’s unique symptoms of heart disease and what you can do for your female patients during this seminar.
A4. Breast Cancer: From Diagnosis to the Surgeon's Table
Dr. Raquel Arias, MD
Dr. Heather MacDonald, MD
Dr. Mary Yamashita-Woo, MD
This workshop focuses on the interdisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating breast cancer. Insights from the perspective of an OB/GYN, radiologist, and surgical oncologist will be shared regarding each of their role in the management of breast cancer.
Workshop Block 2 - 2:00pm - 2:50pm -------------------------------------------------------------------
B1. Adolescent Women's Health: Diagnosing and Treating Congenital Anomalies
Dr. Cathy Shin, MD
Dr. Claire Templeman, MD

This case-based workshop presentation will highlight some of the congenital anomalies encountered in pediatric gynecology. Their treatment will also be discussed from the viewpoints of a pediatric gynecologist and pediatric surgeon.
B2. HIV and Pregnancy: Preventing Vertical Transmission
Dr. Alice Stek, MD
Join one of the world leaders of HIV and pregnancy in this workshop that will focus on the prevention of congenital HIV infection using current treatment modalities.
Management of both mother and fetus will be highlighted from the perspective of an
OB/GYN.
B3. Trauma and Pregnancy: A Panel Discussion
Dr. Jorge Fernandez, MD
Dr. Nicolas Melo, MD
Dr. Richard Lee, MD moderated by Dr. Neda Ghaffari, MD
Come learn about the complexity of treating not one, but two patients in this panel discussion. A resident will present a case with questions regarding diagnosis, treatment, and management from the perspectives of an ob/gyn, an emergency medicine doctor, and a general surgeon.
B4. Violence Intervention Program: Medicine's Role in Taking Care of Victimized Women and Children
Dr. Janet Arnold-Clark, MD
The Violence Intervention Program was implemented to protect and treat all victims of family violence and sexual assault. The VIP medical director will share her experience of working with women and children and shed light about the important role of the physician in treating patients who are victims of domestic violence.
Workshop Block 3 - 3:00pm - 3:50pm -------------------------------------------------------------------
C1. Social Considerations in Medicine: Care for Vulnerable Women and Yourself in the
Process
Dr. Aron Steward, PhD
Dr. Rachel Steward, MD
Sex workers and incarcerated women live in hostile environments and have specific medical concerns. This session will cover the social and medical problems that these vulnerable women face (homelessness, abuse, and STDs from HPV to HIV) and how physicians can provide additional support. The speakers will also talk about their personal experiences in aiding these women and the difficulties they've faced in implementing specific programs.
C2. The Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy in Menopause Transitioning
Dr. Kathy Besinque, PharmD
Dr. Donna Shoupe, MD
Hormone replacement therapy has become a popular and controversial treatment in menopause. This panel will address the transition into menopause and will highlight how a doctor and pharmacist work together in symptom management
C3. Advances in Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility

Dr. Alexander Quaas, MD, PhD, FACOG
This interactive discussion will feature a reproductive endocrinologist who will speak about the field of REI and the many ethical concerns, problems, and solutions encountered. Attendees will be able to gain a better sense of the responsibilities and difficulties involved in assisting reproduction.
C4. Laparoscopic Skills Workshop
Dr. Erin Randel, MD
Dr. Judy Wei, MD
Join faculty and residents from USC’s Department of Surgery and Obstetrics &
Gynecology for an interactive workshop in laparoscopic surgery. The workshop will entail hands-on training in laparoscopy using simulation kits and expert guidance from experienced surgeons. Attendees will learn the benefits and risks of laparoscopy and how doctors account for female anatomy during surgery.
4:00pm - 4:15pm Closing Remarks & Feedback Dr. Jenny Jaque, MD