Endometriosis New Zealand has appointed leading gynaecologist and obstetrician Dr Sarah Fitzgibbon as the new Chair of its Clinical Advisory Committee.
Dr Fitzgibbon succeeds Dr Michael Wynn-Williams, who established the Clinical Advisory Committee and has chaired it since its formation. Dr Wynn-Williams will remain a member of the Committee.
Endometriosis New Zealand Chief Executive Tanya Cooke says the Clinical Advisory Committee plays a critical role in ensuring the organisation’s advocacy, education, resources and support programmes are grounded in clinical evidence and informed by current best practice.
“We are delighted to welcome Sarah as Chair and enormously grateful to Michael for the leadership, expertise and commitment he has brought to the Committee since establishing it three years ago,” Cooke says.
“The Clinical Advisory Committee provides Endometriosis New Zealand with a vital source of clinical and research expertise. That is increasingly important as our support and advocacy work grows and as understanding, diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis continue to evolve.”
“It means that when we advocate for better care, develop resources or provide information and support to our community, that work is underpinned by credible clinical advice and the latest evidence.”
Dr Fitzgibbon’s expertise includes general gynaecology, colposcopy and gynaecological surgery, with particular surgical interests in the management of ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, menstrual disorders and severe endometriosis. She also has a strong interest in interdisciplinary and collaborative care for women experiencing pelvic pain.
Dr Fitzgibbon says she is excited to take on the role and build on the strong foundation established by Dr Wynn-Williams and the Committee.
“Michael has done an outstanding job establishing the Clinical Advisory Committee and bringing together clinicians and researchers with a shared commitment to improving outcomes for people with endometriosis,” she says.
“I am very grateful to all the Committee members for the expertise and time they contribute voluntarily, and I’m looking forward to working alongside them, the Board and staff to ensure Endometriosis New Zealand continues to have access to high-quality clinical advice that supports its advocacy, education and support work.”
Dr Wynn-Williams says the Clinical Advisory Committee was set up to provide clinical and scientific expertise to support the work of Endometriosis New Zealand.
“I am extremely proud of what the Committee has developed into and particularly grateful to the members who have volunteered their time and expertise, and to the Endometriosis New Zealand Board and staff for the value they place on evidence-based clinical input,” Dr Wynn-Williams says.
“Sarah will bring considerable expertise, energy and a genuinely collaborative approach to the role. I’m very pleased she has agreed to take over as Chair, and I look forward to continuing to support her as a committee member.”
Cooke says the diversity of expertise around the Committee table is an important part of Endometriosis New Zealand’s strength.
“Endometriosis can affect many aspects of a person’s life and effective care often requires input from a range of health professionals. Having that breadth of knowledge within our Clinical Advisory Committee helps us take a genuinely multidisciplinary approach and ensures our work reflects the different needs and experiences of the people we support.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have people like Sarah and Michael, alongside the other members of the Committee, who are prepared to contribute their expertise for the good of the wider endometriosis community.”
The full membership of Endometriosis New Zealand’s Clinical Advisory Committee and member bios are available here.