Schedule

Women's Health Symposium Schedule
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | Houston Methodist Hospital 


8 – 9 a.m. | Check-in and Breakfast
Research Institute, Lobby 


9 – 10 a.m. | Welcome and Keynote Speaker: Janet Gurwitch
From Runway to Boardroom – My Journey Through Three Careers

Research Institute


10:15 a.m. – 10: 55 a.m. | Health and Wellness Session I (Select One)

11:05 a.m. – 11: 45 a.m. | Health and Wellness Session II (Select One) 


Noon – 1 p.m. | Luncheon with Houston Methodist physicians, researchers and executives 

GUT INSTINCTS: FROM CELIAC TO CROHN’S TO COLITIS

Dunn Tower, Guadalupe-Pecos-Sabinal Conference Room


It pays to know your Cs when it comes to intestinal issues. Learning about the link between gastrointestinal tract health and the body’s inflammatory response might come in handy the next time your gut is telling you to get help.

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Bincy Abraham, MD

Fondren Distinguished Professor in Inflammatory Bowel Disease 

Director, Fondren Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program
Program Director, Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, 
Houston Methodist Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders 
Professor of Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College  

 

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IS IT HOT IN HERE? MENOPAUSE MADE MANAGEABLE

Fondren Tower, Fondren 100


Is this menopause? What does it feel like? Dr. Borchardt will address the top questions and concerns about menopause that she covers with patients — from hormone therapy to nutrition, to minimizing weight gain and symptoms.

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M. Kathleen Borchardt, MD
Vice Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates
Instructor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College

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FEEDING THE MIND: UNDERSTANDING AND TREATING DEPRESSION THROUGH THE BRAIN-GUT INTERFACE

Research Institute, Ernest H. Cockrell Boardroom

Depression is the leading cause of disability and women are twice as likely as men to experience it during their lifetimes. Through a better understanding of the brain-gut interface, Houston Methodist faculty are helping to identify microbial signatures of psychiatric illness and employing diet-based interventions to manipulate gut functioning. They also are integrating with obstetrics colleagues to better identify and address pregnancy-related psychiatric illness, including postpartum depression, and leveraging technology to develop novel brain stimulation devices to treat depression. 
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Alok Madan, PhD
John S. Dunn Foundation Distinguished Centennial Chair in Behavioral Health
Vice Chair, Houston Methodist Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
Professor of Psychology, Weill Cornell Medical College
 
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COMMITTED TO MEMORY

Dunn Tower, Rio Grande Conference Room

You likely know someone living with Alzheimer’s disease. What is being done to address and prevent this terrible scourge ? Learn about ongoing research and how to take steps to keep your brain healthy.
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Joseph C. Masdeu, MD, PhD
 Graham Family Distinguished Chair for Neurological Sciences
Director, Nantz National Alzheimer Center at Houston Methodist
Professor of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College


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STRENGTH IN MOTION: STAY ACTIVE AND INJURY-FREE

Research Institute, John F. Bookout Auditorium

Don’t let an injury sideline your daily life. Dr. McCulloch will share his expert opinion about preventing injuries, maintaining your athleticism and how you can stay out of the orthopedic surgeon’s office.  
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Patrick McCulloch, MD
John S. Dunn Chair in Orthopedic Surgery
Vice Chair, Houston Methodist Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine 
Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College

  

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ELEVATE YOUR PELVIC HEALTH

Research Institute, Ernest H. Cockrell Boardroom

One in three women will experience at least one pelvic floor disorder in her lifetime. Women are at special risk thanks to pregnancy, childbirth and shifting hormones. Learn the latest in prevention, plus proper techniques for the classic Kegel and other pelvic floor workouts.
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Danielle Antosh, MD
Director, Houston Methodist Center for Restorative Pelvic Medicine
Urogynecologist, Houston Methodist Urogynecology Associates
Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College

 

Emily Rutledge, MD
Urogynecologist, Houston Methodist Urogynecology Associates
Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College

 

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NUTRITION AND YOUR SKIN: SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTION

Research Institute, John F. Bookout Auditorium

Should I take collagen? Does vitamin C help prevent wrinkles? Learn more as our wellness dietitian takes a deep dive into how the food we eat affects our skin, and how we can leverage the power of nutrition to stay glowing inside and out.
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Amanda Beaver, RD
Senior Wellness Dietitian
Employee Wellness Services
Houston Methodist Hospital

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THE HEART OF A WOMAN

Dunn Tower, Rio Grande Conference Room

Why is a heart condition so different in women than in men? Learn about these differences and what you can do to mitigate the risks. Learn why you need to be your own best advocate for better heart health.  
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Karla Kurrelmeyer, MD
Medical Director, Houston Methodist Department of Cardiology
Associate Professor of Clinical Cardiology, Weill Cornell Medical College

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MINDFUL BALANCE: A LIFESPAN APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH

Dunn Tower, Guadalupe-Pecos-Sabinal Conference Room

Hormonal changes unique to women throughout their lifespans have a documented impact on mood and functioning. Learn about  women’s mental health and share  with others what you learn.
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Jessica Rohr, PhD
Director, Women’s Mental Health Program
Clinical Psychologist
Houston Methodist Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health


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