The Midlife Symposium

The Midlife Symposium is a thoughtfully curated gathering dedicated to supporting women through the transitions of midlife — from hormonal shifts and menopause to career pivots, identity evolution, wellness, and resilience.

Join us on October 17, 2026, at Jim Pattison Leadership Centre at the UBC Sauder School of Business for an inspiring afternoon of learning, connection, and empowerment.

Bringing together leading healthcare professionals, wellness experts, and community leaders, The Midlife Symposium creates a space where women feel seen, supported, and informed — not dismissed or overlooked. Whether you're in the midst of hormonal shifts or simply seeking knowledge and support, this event is designed to meet you where you are and provide practical tools for the journey ahead.

What to Expect

• Expert-led panel discussions featuring leaders in women's health, wellness, and personal development
• Evidence-based education on menopause, hormonal health, and longevity
• Conversations on mental health, cognitive wellness, and emotional resilience
• Guided movement and meditation experiences designed for midlife bodies and minds
• A curated marketplace featuring products, services, and resources that support women's wellbeing
• Meaningful opportunities to connect with like-minded women and build community
• A swag bag valued at over $160 that includes products from Blume, Everist, Fig Facial, Fluidwavy, Hustle, Jilly Box, Maris Dae, Skin Girls, Spin Society, Tractor, WithinUS and more! 
• Over $800 worth in door prizes from Arm Protein, Jaybird, Lululemon, Vancity and VSO

Agenda

• 11.30am-12.00pm: Doors Open- Arrive early to check-in and explore the marketplace
• 12.00pm-12.30pm: Opening Remarks- Guided movement and meditation sponsored by Writeway
• 12.30pm-12.45pm: Break and visit marketplace
• 12.45pm-1.30pm: Session 1* 
• 1.30pm-1.45pm: Break and visit marketplace
• 1.45pm-2.30pm: Session 2*
• 2.30pm-2.45pm: Break and visit marketplace
• 2.45pm-3.30pm: Session 3*
• 3.30pm-3.45pm: Break and visit marketplace
• 3.45pm-4.45pm: Closing Remarks -Research on what's next with Dr. Rachel Ollivier

*Please see below on building your own symposium experience choosing a session based on your interests and goals*

Supporting Better Menopause Care in British Columbia

The Midlife Symposium proudly supports the BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre Complex Menopause Clinic, a first-of-its-kind specialized program in Western Canada providing coordinated in-person and virtual care for women with complex menopause concerns.

Proceeds from the event directly fund clinical services, interdisciplinary referrals, and embedded research that helps expand access to evidence-based menopause care across British Columbia.

Together, we can break the stigma surrounding menopause, elevate the conversation around women's health, and ensure that women have the knowledge, support, and care they deserve at every stage of life

Build Your Own Symposium Experience

When purchasing your ticket, you'll select one breakout session during each session block, allowing you to personalize your Midlife Symposium experience based on your interests and goals.

Each breakout session is limited to 50 attendees, with spots allocated on a first-come, first-served basis at the time of registration. 

If you see only one session option available in the dropdown menu, it simply means the other session has already reached capacity. If you'd like to update your selections after registering, please email hello@thelumethod.com and we'll do our best to accommodate your request, subject to availability. 

Below are the breakout sessions available during each time block:

12.45-1.30pm - Session 1

Cognitive & Emotional Wellbeing in Midlife: Mood, Identity, Body Image & Self-Perception

Featuring Dr. Lori Brotto PhD, R Psych

OR

Menopause, Hormones & Whole-Body Health: Understanding Hormone Therapy, Physical Changes & the Mind-Body Connection

Featuring Dr. Dedeshya Holowenko, MD, CCFP, FCFP, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner

1.45pm-2.30pm - Session 2

Non-Hormonal Approaches to Midlife Body Changes: Weight Management, Skin Health & Aging Without HRT

Featuring Dr. Emma Lee ND, MSCP

OR

Sexual Health & Intimacy in Midlife

Featuring Dr. Samantha Dawson PhD, R Psych

2.45pm-3.30pm - Session 3

Pelvic Floor Health, Core Function & Movement Integration: Prevention, Rehabilitation & Whole-Body Alignment

Featuring Deanna Bicego, Physiotherapist and Pelvic Health Specialist & Dr. Burley, Chiropractor

OR

Nutrition & Metabolic Health in Midlife: Evidence-Based Strategies for Energy, Weight & Longevity

Featuring Melanie Steele, Registered Dietician

Speaker Line Up

Dr. Dedeshya Holowenko, MD, CCFP, FCFP, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner

Dr. Holowenko leads the Women's Health program at Elysian, with a clinical focus on menopause and midlife health. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the UBC Faculty of Medicine, and a Consultant at the Complex Menopause Clinic at BC Women's Hospital, practicing previously as an Emergency Physician. Her work has shaped menopause care across British Columbia. She created the first menopause module and pelvic health lecture in the UBC medical school curriculum, authored the Menopause Care Path on Pathways.BC, established a physician e-consultation service through the St. Paul's Hospital RACE line, and successfully petitioned Health Canada to review hormone therapy product monographs. She is currently developing the Provincial Menopause Care Pathway and working with Thrombosis Canada on hormone therapy guidelines for women at increased risk of clot.

Dr. Lori A. Brotto, PhD, R Psych

Dr. Lori Brotto is a Professor in the UBC Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, a Canada Research Chair in Women’s Sexual Health, and the Executive Director of the Women’s Health Research Institute. As a Registered Psychologist and Allied Staff Member with Vancouver Acute Health Services, she is internationally recognized for her work developing safe, evidence-based, and accessible treatments for women’s sexual concerns, with a strong focus on equity and digital health solutions. She is the author of two widely respected books, including the New York Times-recognized Better Sex Through Mindfulness, and has been featured in major media and documentaries such as Netflix’s The Principles of Pleasure, CBC’s The Big Sex Talk, and the MasterClass on the Magic of Menopause. Her leadership supports over 750 researchers across British Columbia in advancing women’s health science. Dr. Brotto believes in the power of personal stories to shape research and is a vocal advocate for women in STEM. Through her clinical, academic, and public outreach work, she empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual and overall health.

Dr. Emma Lee, ND, MSCP

Dr. Emma Lee is a dedicated naturopathic doctor specializing in compassionate, evidence-based care for women and their families. She supports women through every stage of life, with a focus on perimenopause and menopause, understanding how this hormonal transition affects both well-being and healthy aging. Dr. Lee believes the best care comes from empowering patients with knowledge. She takes time to explain the reasoning behind each recommendation so patients can confidently make informed choices. Her personalized treatment plans may include nutrition, lifestyle strategies, supplements, herbal remedies, acupuncture, and pharmaceutical options. She is a passionate advocate for integrating naturopathic and conventional medicine to achieve optimal health outcomes. Outside of her practice, Dr. Lee enjoys keeping up with her 5-year-old and, after a decade-long break, is bravely returning to the ski slopes this winter — you might just spot her pizza-wedge skiing!

Dr. Genieve Burley, DC

Dr. Genieve Burley is a chiropractor and wellness expert with over 15 years of experience in health and fitness. Passionate about women’s health—especially hormones and menopause—she is dedicated to empowering women with the knowledge and tools to navigate these life stages with confidence. Alongside her clinical and educational work, Genieve has been deeply involved with the BC Women’s Health Foundation for over a decade, supporting and organizing their annual fundraising gala to advance women’s health initiatives

Rachel Ollivier, PhD, NP(F), MSCP

Dr. Rachel Ollivier is a Nurse Practitioner and researcher based in Vancouver, BC. She advances women's health through clinical practice, scholarship, education, and health system innovation. Her work spans program development, authorship, knowledge translation, and national governance, with a focus on improving care across the lifespan. Dr. Ollivier is committed to strengthening nursing leadership, advancing health equity, and translating evidence into meaningful improvements in care across Canada. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the UBC Faculty of Medicine and an Adjunct Professor in the UBC MacIsaac School of Nursing. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Options for Sexual Health (Co-President) and the Canadian Association of Perinatal & Women's Health Nurses (Director at Large). A trailblazing young leader in her field, she has been recognized as a two-time Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award honouree (2024, 2026) and last year, was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Dr. Samantha Dawson, PhD, R Psych

Dr. Samantha Dawson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia and Director of the Sexuality and Well-being (SWell) Lab. A Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar and registered clinical psychologist, she has published over 70 research articles focusing on sexual well-being in individuals and couples. Her award-winning research explores sexuality during vulnerable periods, including pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause, and is supported by major Canadian research grants. Dr. Dawson actively shares her work on Twitter @dawson_sj and @UBCSwell.

Melanie Steele, RD, MSCP

Melanie Steele, RD, MSCP, is a Registered Dietitian and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree in Food, Nutrition and Health (Major in Dietetics) with honours from the University of British Columbia. Melanie is registered in good standing with the College of Dietitians of British Columbia. Before starting her private practice, Melanie worked as a clinical dietitian, counselling clients in diabetes management, kidney care and dialysis, cardiovascular health, GI surgery, and geriatric medicine.

Deanna Bicego, Physiotherapist

Deanna has been a Physiotherapist for 20 years, working in different settings and wearing different hats (clinic owner, Clinic Director, Lead Clinician). For years she was dedicated to teaching and mentorship at Myo. Her passion is working in Pelvic Health and helping women of all ages with issues such as: pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, pregnancy and especially women in midlife going through perimenopause and the menopause transition. She hopes events like this help bring awareness to topics that are finally getting the attention they deserve!

Lucy Ulmer, Fitness Studio Owner

Lucy Ulmer is a motivational lifestyle coach with over 12 years of experience helping people achieve holistic health and wellness. As the owner of Hustle and Spin Society indoor cycling studios in Vancouver, she leads both the business and its coaching team, blending movement with community and empowerment. Lucy holds a wide range of certifications—including indoor cycling, personal training, yoga, Pilates, TRX, Lagree, and pre/postnatal fitness—and specializes in supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause to menopause transitions. She is the creator of The LU Method, a holistic fitness approach designed to guide individuals through every phase of their journey.

Thank You To Our Sponsors

• Founding Partner: Hustle & The Lu Method
• Gold Partner: Vancity
• Bronze Partner: Writeway
• In-kind sponsors: Blume, Everist, FIG Formula, Fluidwavy, Herbaland, Jilly Box, Jaybird, Lululemon, The Skin Girls, Suna, Tractor, Vancity, WithinUS, Writeway