Women's Health Interrupted with Dr. Liisa Galea

Dr. Gina Ogilvie, clinician-scientist, global women’s health leader, and Professor at the University of British Columbia, joins us on this episode to discuss HPV vaccination and the future of cervical cancer screening. She explains how HPV causes cancer, why vaccination is such an effective prevention tool, and how self-collected HPV testing is expanding access and equity in Canada and around the world. Dr. Ogilvie also talks about vaccine hesitancy, global health disparities, and the long game of turning scientific evidence into policy. Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

Jennifer Gillivan, President and CEO of the IWK Foundation, joins us on this episode to discuss why Canada needs a national women’s health strategy and how systemic bias in science, medicine, and policy leaves women behind. She explains how decades of underfunding and male-default research have shaped today’s “illness-care” system, what she’s hearing from thousands of women across Atlantic Canada, and why her mantra is to educate, advocate, and mobilize to equalize. Gillivan also talks about the power of philanthropy and femtech to fuel a global women’s health movement and build a fairer future for all women. Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

Professor Siobhain O’Mahony, neurobiological scientist and microbiome researcher, joins us to discuss how your microbes talk to your hormones and your brain. She explains the gut microbiome, why most serotonin is made in the gut, and how the estrobolome can influence estrogen levels, touching endometriosis, perimenopause, and menopause. Professor O’Mahony also talks about “leaky gut,” stress, and practical ways fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics can support our mood. Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

Dr. Sofia Ahmed, nephrologist, clinician scientist, and Academic Lead of Women’s Health Research at the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI), joins us on this episode to discuss why the menstrual cycle is a vital sign and how women’s health extends far beyond reproductive health. She explains why kidney and heart health are closely linked, and areas of study where research falls behind. Dr. Ahmed also talks about how political shifts are threatening progress in sex and gender research. Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

Dr. Inger Sundström Poromaa, gynecologist and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Uppsala University, joins us on this episode to unpack how hormones affect mental health across the lifespan. She explains why some people are more sensitive to hormonal changes, how birth control and menopause can affect mood, and why blood tests don’t tell the full story. Dr. Sundström Poromaa also shares empowering tips for women struggling with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

Dr. Farida Sohrabji, Professor and Director of Women’s Health in Neuroscience at Texas Agricultural & Mechanical University, joins us on this episode to discuss the science of stroke, and the role of sex differences in brain health. She explains why women often experience more severe strokes later in life compared to men, the complex role of estrogen in stroke, and how gut health influences stroke outcomes. Farida also reflects on her journey as one of the early champions of women’s health in neuroscience. Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

Shirley Weir, founder of Menopause Chicks, joins us on this episode to discuss why menopause is still so misunderstood, and how we can replace confusion with confidence. She shares menopause myths, the symptoms that catch people off guard, and her perspective on the term “bothersome symptoms”. Shirley also talks about how to encourage more collaborative conversations between patients and healthcare providers. Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

Rachel Bartholomew, founder and CEO of Hyivy Health and founder of Femtech Canada, joins us on this episode to discuss how femtech innovation is redefining women’s health. She explains the value of innovation in the women’s health landscape, shares tips for dealing with rejection, and discusses how governments can accelerate moving from research to the real world. Rachel also explores how researchers and tech entrepreneurs can collaborate to bring solutions to patients faster. Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

Dr. Cat Bohannon, researcher and author, joins us on this episode to unpack how default assumptions in science have sidelined female bodies and what’s at stake when women’s biology and gendered experiences remain under-researched. She explains how men’s health benefits from women’s health research, the importance of a bio-psycho-social approach, and discusses the history of breastfeeding. Cat also talks about what she learned writing her book Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution.Guest: Dr. Cat Bohannon  Host: Dr. Liisa GaleaEditor: Dr. Andrew McGovernProducer: Dr. Andrew McGovernMusic by Dr. Andrew McGovernNew episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

Kiran Mann joins us on this episode to discuss pelvic floor dysfunction and breaking stigmas. She explains what pelvic floor dysfunction is, how common it is and useful tips if you do have it. Kiran will also talk about the Be Pelvic Health Aware campaign – aimed to help those with this dysfunction feel comfortable talking to their healthcare providers and support systems. Guest: Kiran Mann Host(s): Chhavi Mehra & Sarah Williscraft Editor: Negin Nia & Chhavi Mehra Music: "A Way to You" by Nick Petrov licensed via Premium Beat Special Thanks: UBC Medicine Learning Network, the UBC Work Learn program & WHRC donors New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available on the second Wednesday of each month. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast and explore the entire UBC Medicine Learning Network roster of podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and where you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearch.ubc.ca/ © UBC Medicine Learning Network Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

Domperidone is a dopamine blocker that is being increasingly prescribed off-label in British Columbia and other provinces to treat low milk supply. In this episode of Women’s Health Interrupted, we are joined by Dr. Janet Currie and Dr. Suzanne Hetzel Campbell to address the effects of Domperidone on breast feeding mothers. They will also be discussing criticisms, research and areas of development around it. Guest: Dr. Janet Currie and Dr. Suzanne Hetzel Campbell Host(s): Chhavi Mehra & Sarah Williscraft Editor: Negin Nia & Chhavi Mehra Music: "A Way to You" by Nick Petrov licensed via Premium Beat Special Thanks: UBC Medicine Learning Network, the UBC Work Learn program & WHRC donors New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available on the second Wednesday of each month. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast and explore the entire UBC Medicine Learning Network roster of podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and where you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearch.ubc.ca/ © UBC Medicine Learning Network Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

In this episode of Women’s Health Interrupted, we are joined by Dr. Debra Anderson to discuss how you can improve your quality of life. Dr. Anderson delves into health behaviours like diet sleep, stress, exercise, and other lifestyle choices that can impact your quality of life, especially for women. She will specifically address how this can improve your life if you are dealing with a chronic disease like cancer, heart disease or diabetes. Guest: Dr. Debra Anderson Host(s): Chhavi Mehra & Sarah Williscraft Editor: Negin Nia & Chhavi Mehra Music: "A Way to You" by Nick Petrov licensed via Premium Beat Special Thanks: UBC Medicine Learning Network, the UBC Work Learn program & WHRC donors New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available on the second Wednesday of each month. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast and explore the entire UBC Medicine Learning Network roster of podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and where you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearch.ubc.ca/ © UBC Medicine Learning Network Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

Dr. Claudia Barth is joining us to discuss the possible link between your brain health and menopause. She addresses how changes to your estrogen levels during menopause may be causing cognitive declines. Dr. Barth will also address other issues and things you can do to keep your brain healthy when going through menopause – and how to help other women during this period in their lives. Guest: Dr. Claudia Barth Host(s): Chhavi Mehra & Sarah Williscraft Editor: Negin Nia & Chhavi Mehra Music: "A Way to You" by Nick Petrov licensed via Premium Beat Special Thanks: UBC Medicine Learning Network, the UBC Work Learn program & WHRC donors New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available on the second Wednesday of each month. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast and explore the entire UBC Medicine Learning Network roster of podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and where you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearch.ubc.ca/ © UBC Medicine Learning Network Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

In this week’s episode of Women’s Health Interrupted, we are joined by Dr. Ann-Marie De Lange, to discuss pregnancy and brain health, also referred to as “mommy brain.” Dr. De Lange will delve into how pregnancy may have long-lasting impacts on the brain and what processes go on in the brain when you give birth. She will also address what women can do to improve their brain health and address many of these issues when getting pregnant. Guest: Dr. Ann-Marie De Lange Host(s): Chhavi Mehra & Sarah Williscraft Editor: Negin Nia & Chhavi Mehra Music: "A Way to You" by Nick Petrov licensed via Premium Beat Special Thanks: UBC Medicine Learning Network, the UBC Work Learn program & WHRC donors New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available on the second Wednesday of each month. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast and explore the entire UBC Medicine Learning Network roster of podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and where you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearch.ubc.ca/ © UBC Medicine Learning Network Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

Amanda Namchuk and Tallinn Splinter will join us in this episode to discuss the exclusion of women from health research and how that has impacted us in the past, present and foreseeable future. They discuss how a lack of research on women and their bodies has led to a gap in research on sex and gender. Amanda and Tallinn will also go over how to better address this gap both on an individual and systemic level. Guest: Amanda Namchuk and Tallinn Splinter Host(s): Chhavi Mehra & Sarah Williscraft Editor: Negin Nia & Chhavi Mehra Music: "A Way to You" by Nick Petrov licensed via Premium Beat Special Thanks: UBC Medicine Learning Network, the UBC Work Learn program & WHRC donors New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available on the second Wednesday of each month. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast and explore the entire UBC Medicine Learning Network roster of podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and where you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearch.ubc.ca/ © UBC Medicine Learning Network Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

In this episode, Dr. Alex Abramovich will be highlighting the barriers that 2SLGBTQ+ youth face when accessing housing and health services. He will discuss how the issue of safety comes into place and how important it is for 2SLGBTQ+ youth to feel like they can be their full authentic selves when choosing different programs. Guest: Dr. Alex Abramovich Host(s): Chhavi Mehra & Sarah Williscraft Editor: Negin Nia & Chhavi Mehra Music: "A Way to You" by Nick Petrov licensed via Premium Beat Special Thanks: UBC Medicine Learning Network, the UBC Work Learn program & WHRC donors New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available on the second Wednesday of each month. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast and explore the entire UBC Medicine Learning Network roster of podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and where you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearch.ubc.ca/ © UBC Medicine Learning Network Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

In this episode of Women’s Health Interrupted we are joined by Dr. Lindsay Larios to discuss reproductive care in Canada when you have a precarious immigration status. Dr. Larios addresses our questions related to how abortion and reproductive care rights work in a healthcare system that often discriminates against marginalized groups. SUBJECT/HOST CREDITS: Guest: Dr. Lindsay Larios Host(s): Chhavi Mehra & Sarah Williscraft Editor: Negin Nia & Chhavi Mehra MUSIC CREDITS: A Way to You by Nick Petrov SPECIAL THANKS: UBC Medicine Learning Network, the UBC Work Learn program & WHRC donors ANY ADDITIONAL CREDITS/NOTES: New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available the second Wednesday of each month. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast and explore the entire UBC Medicine Learning Network roster of podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and where you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearch.ubc.ca/ Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

In this episode, we are joined by Nicole Keay and Stephanie Lam from The Gynecologic Cancer Initiative. Nicole and Stephanie co-host the Gynecologic Oncology Sharing Hub (GOSH) podcast. They joined us to discuss all things gynecological cancer from what it is, to treatments, and how to support patients or survivors. You will also hear about new initiatives based in B.C. that the Gynecological Cancer Initiative and the GOSH Podcast are working.Guests: Nicole Keay & Stephanie LamHost(s): Chhavi Mehra & Sarah WilliscraftEditor: Negin Nia & Chhavi MehraMusic: "A Way to You" by Nick Petrov licensed via Premium BeatSPECIAL THANKS: UBC Medicine Learning Network, the UBC Work Learn program & WHRC donorsNew episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available the second Wednesday of each month. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast and explore the entire UBC Medicine Learning Network roster of podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and where you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearch.ubc.ca/ Host: Dr. Liisa GaleaEditor: Dr. Andrew McGovernProducer: Dr. Andrew McGovernMusic by Dr. Andrew McGovernNew episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

In this episode, we spoke to Dr. Najah Adreak, who brought her expertise to discuss the knowledge gaps in women’s heart health. In this episode, she will go over the risk factor, diagnosis and treatment for women’s cardiovascular concerns. Dr. Adreak will also address the long-standing knowledge gaps in women’s cardiovascular health. She delves into how health research is often solely based on male bodies and how this impacts female patients today.New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available the second Wednesday of each month. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast and explore the entire UBC Medicine Learning Network roster of podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and where you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their websiteSUBJECT/HOST CREDITS:Guest: Dr. Najah AdreakHost(s): Chhavi Mehra & Sarah Williscraft Editor: Negin Nia & Sarah WilliscraftMUSIC CREDITS:A Way to You by Nick PetrovLicensed via Premium BeatSPECIAL THANKS: UBC Medicine Learning Network, the UBC Work Learn program & WHRC donors(C) UBC Medicine Learning Network Host: Dr. Liisa GaleaEditor: Dr. Andrew McGovernProducer: Dr. Andrew McGovernMusic by Dr. Andrew McGovernNew episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/

Dr. Lori Brotto joins us in the first episode of  Season 2 to discuss cultivating female sexual health and empowerment. She addresses myths, sex research and other historical issues  that may impact why many women may experience sexual concerns today. Dr. Brotto will go over how one can cultivate sexual desire through interventions, mindfulness and female empowerment. Dr. Lori Brotto is a professor in the UBC Department of Gynecology, a registered psychologist in Vancouver, and executive director of the Women’s Health Research Institute of BC. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of British Columbia (UBC). Then, she trained at the University of Washington where she completed her one-year internship in the Department of Psychiatry followed by a two-year Postdoctoral Fellow in Reproductive and Sexual Medicine. Dr. Brotto is a member of the International Academy of Sex Research, the Society for Sex Therapy and Research, the Canadian Sex Research Forum, and the Canadian Psychological Association.She researches women's sexual health and develops psychoeducational interventions for women with sexual desire and arousal complaints. She studies culture and sexuality, hormones and sexual desire, cancer and sexuality, concerns about HPV and sexuality, asexuality, and more. Dr. Brotto’s latest book, Better Sex Through Mindfulness, demonstrates the benefits of mindfulness to aid with women’s sexual concerns. Through her work, she aims to be a strong advocate for empowering women to feel comfortable in their bodies. SUBJECT/HOST CREDITS:Guest: Dr. Lori BrottoHosts: Chhavi Mehra & Sarah Williscraft Editors: Negin Nia & Chhavi Mehra MUSIC CREDITS:A Way to You by Nick Petrov SPECIAL THANKS: N/AANY ADDITIONAL CREDITS/NOTES:Learn more about the UBC Women's Health Research Cluster at their website and stay up to date on the UBC Medicine Learning Network by following @ubcmedvid on all social platforms. (C)  UBC Medicine Learning Network Host: Dr. Liisa GaleaEditor: Dr. Andrew McGovernProducer: Dr. Andrew McGovernMusic by Dr. Andrew McGovernNew episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/