For many women in Canada, the midlife transition into perimenopause and menopause remains overlooked. According to the Menopause Foundation of Canada, over 10 million women in Canada are over the age of 40, representing about one quarter of the population — among them, three out of four experience symptoms that interfere with their daily lives, yet the care they receive does not often address their needs.

In honour of Menopause Awareness Month, UBC CPD invites Canadian primary care providers to a brand-new virtual conference: The Menopause Essentials. This one-day event on February 6 is dedicated to equipping participants with tools to assess perimenopause and menopause, to better support patients through the midlife transition.

“UBC CPD aims to address gaps, where specialized or emerging knowledge supports better patient care,” says Lindsay Callan, Conference Director. 

Acquire practical tools for menopause assessment

To work toward bridging the gap in women’s health, The Menopause Essentials conference will help participants to:

  • Recognize and assess stages, symptoms and impacts of perimenopause and menopause in primary care settings.
  • Apply evidence-based management strategies for common and complex menopause presentations.
  • Integrate practical tools, resources and communication approaches to enhance patient education, shared decision-making and quality of life.
  • Foster curiosity, empathy and advocacy in menopause care, promoting equitable and comprehensive women’s health.
Why the conversation is overdue

Recent media underscores the difficulty women going through menopause transitions face to receive up-to-date care from physicians, as highlighted in the CBC Radio White Coat Black Art episode, including outdated information about hormone therapy risks, and the importance of assessing cardiovascular health. It emphasizes the need for specialized menopause training, the focus of this accredited, UBC CPD learning activity.  

“Women are frustrated, and that shows up in primary care offices across this country. It’s our aim to support health professionals with the latest information, ultimately improving quality of care,” says Callan.  

A focus on quality of life, despite underlying symptoms and inconsistent treatment, rises from this dilemma. The Menopause Essentials conference addresses this topic, among presentations, such as:

  • “Non-Hormonal Treatment Pathways: What Works and What Doesn’t”
  • “Sexual Wellness in Menopause: Strategies for Patients and Partners”
  • “Menopause Head to Toe: Recognizing the Many Ways Menopause Presents”

Join us on Feb. 6, 2026 to build confidence in menopause care through evidence-based assessment strategies designed for primary care practice.

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