Medicine and Me: Living with and managing endometriosis

Professor Stacey Missmer is an American reproductive biologist who is a Professor at Michigan State University.

Professor Missmer was the first faculty member to be appointed under the Michigan State University Global Health Initiative and Professor Missmer's research considers physical and environmental risk factors for endometriosis and infertility.

Dr Lucy Whitaker graduated from the University of Edinburgh and after two years in Christchurch Women’s Hospital in New Zealand, Dr Whitaker completed her obstetric and gynaecology training in Edinburgh and South East Scotland. Alongside this Dr Whitaker completed an MSc in Surgical Sciences and then completed an MD. After obtaining a Scotland-wide competitive entry advanced training post in endometriosis and minimal access surgery, she spent the final four years of her postgraduate training in Edinburgh as part of the Endometriosis: Patient-Centred Care, Education and Treatment (EXPPECT) nationally recognised British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy Endometriosis Centre.

Dr Whitaker is now a Senior Clinical Research Fellow and Honorary Consultant Gynaecologist, combining clinical care for endometriosis with a research portfolio focusing on clinical trials and precision treatment for endometriosis-associated pain. 

Dr Lydia Coxon is a Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Oxford. Dr Coxon investigates pain mechanisms in pelvic pain, particularly endometriosis-associated pain, and how we can improve our understanding of, thus treatment of this complex condition.

Dr Coxon's previous work has investigated the potential role of neuropathic-like mechanisms in endometriosis, using screening tools, quantitative sensory testing and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In her work, she applies tools that have been developed in other chronic pain settings to chronic pelvic pain in women and those assigned female at birth, to better understand the complex nature of pain in this population. Dr Coxon is currently investigating period pain in adolescence and its potential role as a risk factor for chronic pain later in life.

Dr Shaheen Khazali is internationally renowned as an expert in the field of endometriosis and complex laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Dr Khazali has devoted his career to caring for women with advanced endometriosis. After completing his basic surgical training in London and Cambridge, Dr Khazali embarked upon his specialty training at John Radcliff Hospital in Oxford. He then ventured to the south of England to continue his training, working at hospitals in Pool, Southampton and Winchester.

Dr Khazali is also an Honorary Senior Lecturer and faculty member at the University of Surrey. Dr Khazali is the lead surgeon at Centre for Endometriosis and Minimally Invasive Gynaecology at the Lister Hospital.

Mrs Pauline-Clare Callaghan is a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, with over 25 years of NHS and Private Practice experience. Mrs Callaghan is a Certified Disability Management Professional and an Endometrisis UK Volunteer. Mrs Callaghan has a special interest in physiotherapy for endometriosis; the comprehensive assessment and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction, complex pelvic pain, endometriosis-associated pain and sexual pain. She has delivered in person training, created and delivered webinars for Endometriosis UK on physiotherapy for endometriosis, and in practical pain management for endometriosis.

Mrs Callaghan has undertaken postgraduate courses such as pilates, yoga, psychosexual counselling, scar management, advanced acupuncture and electrostimulation. These enable her to choose the most optimal, evidence-based treatment. Mrs Callaghan provides highly bespoke care and an evidence-based approach, adopting a whole person, holistic and trauma-informed approach to pelvic health physiotherapy. Trauma-informed physiotherapy is a psychologically sensitive approach, incorporating the principles of safely, trust, collaboration, choice and empowerment which recognises the prevalence and impact of any previous trauma, resists re-traumatisation, responds appropriately, respecting and building resilience. Mrs Callaghan's commitment to delivering exceptional patient outcomes whilst providing comprehensive, compassionate care, combined with her dedication to continuous professional development, sets her apart as a highly respected pelvic health clinician. Mrs Callaghan is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, the Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy special interest group, engages in the Pelvic Pain Network Clinical Mentoring, endometriosis research and is Health and Care Professions Council registered.