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

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'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:

1.00-2.00pm

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 and Dr. Maryam Zeineddin, MD, CCFP, FCFP

2.00pm-3.00pm

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

3.00pm-4.00pm

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. Maryam Zeineddin, MD, CCFP

Dr. Maryam Zeineddin is a family physician, women’s health expert, healthcare leader, and founder of Zili CARE, a preventive health platform dedicated to helping people thrive through evidence-based lifestyle medicine and compassionate care. For more than 20 years, she has cared for thousands of patients as co-founder of Ambleside Medical Centre in West Vancouver, where she and her colleagues provide longitudinal care to over 15,000 patients. Her clinical focus is women’s health, perimenopause, menopause, and the powerful connection between physical, emotional, and social well-being.

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.

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. 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.

Rachel Ollivier, PhD, NP(F), MSCP

Dr. Rachel Ollivier is a Nurse Practitioner and clinician scientist based in Vancouver, BC, specializing in complex menopause care, women’s heart health, and complex gynecology. She actively contributes to several research projects focused on advancing women’s health and is recognized as a trailblazing leader in her field, recently honored with the King Charles III Coronation Medal and Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award.

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.

Melanie Steele, RD, MSCP

Melanie Steele is a Dietitian and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. She helps her clients use practical, real-life nutrition strategies to reduce menopause symptoms and improve their overall health and well-being.

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.