Advancing Women’s Health Through Education, Advocacy, and Community
Women’s health affects every stage of life, yet many women continue to face barriers when seeking answers about their bodies and their care. From under-researched conditions to misinformation circulating online, patients are often left navigating complex health questions without the knowledge or support they need.
Students at Rocky Vista University are working to change that.
This spring, the University’s student-led Women’s Health and Wellness Conference will bring together healthcare professionals, community organizations, and local residents for a day focused on education, advocacy, and access to trusted health information.
Organized by members of the OBGYN Club at Rocky Vista University, the conference reflects a growing commitment among future physicians to strengthen conversations about women’s health in both clinical settings and the broader community.
Why Women’s Health Education Matters
For many of the students involved in organizing the conference, their motivation comes from experiences they’ve witnessed firsthand.
“We live in a time where misinformation is at an all-time high, particularly in the space of women’s health,” said Maddie Stephens OMS II, an executive board member for the conference. “A lot of women have been dismissed in the doctor’s office, and this has led to a lot of mistrust as well. As medical students, we’ve been both patients and healthcare providers, which gives us a unique perspective on where knowledge gaps exist.”
Those gaps often extend beyond the clinic. Conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause-related complications, and chronic pelvic pain remain under-researched or misunderstood, leaving many patients searching for answers.
“Women’s health is severely understudied, even though it affects a large portion of the population,” said Katelyn Johnson, OMS I, chair of the conference’s food committee. “I’ve talked to many women who have dealt with issues like endometriosis or PCOS and struggled to find answers. Educating current physicians, future physicians, and most importantly, women themselves is a huge step toward helping women feel heard and get the treatment they deserve.”
Empowering Patients Through Knowledge
One of the conference’s central goals is to help attendees better understand their health and feel confident advocating for themselves within the healthcare system.
“Knowledge is power,” Stephens explained. “Our hope is to empower patients to take charge of their health by connecting them with community resources, learning the language around women’s health, and gaining knowledge that will help them make informed decisions.”
Workshops and presentations will cover topics ranging from pregnancy and newborn care to mental health, pelvic floor health, and public health resources. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect directly with healthcare professionals and local organizations that provide services for women and families.
“Education is the strongest power you can have,” Johnson added. “When people understand their bodies and the resources available to them, they’re better equipped to advocate for themselves and get the care they need.”
Student Leadership Driving Community Impact
The conference itself began as a student initiative.
Myrna-Nahisha St. Hilaire OMS-II, who founded the event as a first-year medical student, saw an opportunity to create a space where community members could learn about women’s health and feel supported in navigating their care.
“This conference is my baby,” St. Hilaire said. “I founded it as a first-year medical student because I saw a gap in women’s health within the community. Even as a medical student, I believed it was my responsibility to help equip others with the tools to advocate for themselves and for the women around them.”
For St. Hilaire, the conference also reflects the role medical education plays in preparing physicians to advocate for their patients.
“Advancing women’s health must begin with us, even as medical students,” she said. “Advocacy isn’t something physicians simply stumble into; it’s a skill that must be intentionally developed and practiced.”
Strengthening Connections Between Communities and Care
Beyond education, organizers hope the conference helps build stronger connections between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
“Rocky Vista University is not only a place where future physicians are trained, but also a resource for the community,” said Alexandra Orahovats, OMS-II, an executive board member and chair of the conference’s Resource Outreach Committee. “Hosting this conference allows us to share medical education beyond our campus walls while increasing access to trusted health information.”
The event also provides an opportunity for clinicians to hear directly from community members about their experiences navigating women’s health concerns.
“When patients feel informed and confident asking questions, it helps reduce traditional barriers between providers and patients,” Orahovats said. “That leads to more collaborative, patient-centered care.”
A Call to Learn, Connect, and Advocate
The Women’s Health and Wellness Conference represents an opportunity for students, clinicians, and community members to come together around a shared goal: improving access to education and resources that support women’s health.
By creating space for conversations, learning, and collaboration, the student organizers hope to encourage attendees to take an active role in their health journeys.
“Events like this remind us that healthcare isn’t just about treating illness,” St. Hilaire said. “It’s about empowering people with knowledge so they can advocate for themselves and their communities.”
The Women’s Health and Wellness Conference will be held at Rocky Vista University – Colorado on April 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and registration is now available.