Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, MD, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, co-chair of COORDS at Duke University, and leader of the Female Athlete Program, recently led a dynamic panel discussion following the screening of 'The M Factor,' a pioneering documentary on menopause. The event showcased a diverse panel of women’s health experts, fostering meaningful conversations, addressing pressing questions, and breaking down barriers to raise awareness and improve understanding of menopause and its impact.
With 15 years of practice in orthopaedic surgery, Dr. Wittstein specializes in sports medicine and directs research intersecting musculoskeletal and women’s health across the lifespan. From her studies on ACL injuries in girls to adhesive capsulitis and the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause, her work represents a comprehensive approach to advancing care for women. Inspired by her encounter with the M Factor producers during the December 2024 White House Conference on Women’s Health Research, Dr. Wittstein organized this community event to spark meaningful conversations and provide valuable insights.
Expert Insights into Women’s Health
The panel featured an impressive lineup of professionals dedicated to improving menopause care:
- Dr. Anne Ford (Duke University): A Menopause Society-certified practitioner with 25 years of experience promoting menopausal women’s health through disease prevention and wellness collaboration.
- Dr. Kate Zahn (UNC): An Assistant Professor co-directing the UNC Menopause Clinic, specializing in menopause care, cancer survivorship, and systematic reviews of menopause management.
- Dr. Hajira Yasmin: A Board-Certified OB-GYN with expertise in sexual medicine and menopause, treating conditions like pelvic pain, hormonal concerns, and intimacy restoration.
- Dr. Amantia Kennedy: A WakeMed physician with 13 years of experience helping women navigate midlife transitions with empowering, personalized care.
- Dr. Deepti Sharma: A triple board-certified specialist in Family Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine, focused on chronic disease prevention during menopause.
- Dr. Nichelle Satterfield: An OB-GYN at Durham Women’s Clinic, empowering patients with evidence-based solutions for perimenopause and menopause challenges.
- Dr. Ingrid Harm-Ernandes (Pelvic Floor PT): A Women’s Health board-certified physical therapist and author specializing in pelvic floor disorders and menopause care.
Each panelist offered unique expertise, fostering a robust exchange of knowledge that helped attendees better understand the multifaceted impacts of menopause.
Audience Participation & Learning
The event encouraged audience engagement through surveys conducted before, during, and after the screening. Attendees reflected on their learning experiences and provided valuable feedback to The M Factor's producers.
This collaborative event underscored the importance of amplifying women’s voices, breaking menopause stigma, and empowering individuals with evidence-based solutions for better health outcomes.
Dr. Wittstein and her team are dedicated to championing women’s health and fostering informed discussions to improve care across every stage of life.