In the personal & inspiring stories of four patients urgently searching for answers to mysterious symptoms, Below the Belt exposes widespread problems in our healthcare systems. Through the lens of endometriosis, a disease that affects 1 in 9 women, the film shows how women are often dismissed, discounted & disbelieved. From societal taboos and gender bias to misinformed doctors and profit-driven healthcare, the film reveals how millions are effectively silenced and how, by fighting back, they can improve healthcare for everyone. View the trailer here.
Screening will be followed by a discussion and Q&A with panelists knowledgeable on the topic of endometriosis.
Meet the Panelists:
Madhu Bagaria, MD, FACOG - Dr. Bagaria's journey in the medical field began with two rigorous OBGYN residencies, one in India and the other at Henry Ford Detroit/ Wayne state university. She further honed her expertise by completing a prestigious 2-year fellowship in minimally invasive gynecological surgery at Mayo Clinic Arizona, where she trained under world-renowned experts like Drs. Louie, Yi, Wasson, Magtibay and Butler. This exposure to diverse specializations (minimally invasive gynecology, urogynecology, gynecologic oncology) allows her to provide innovative and compassionate treatment for your pelvic health needs.
Before dedicating her practice to pelvic pain and endometriosis, Dr. Bagaria gained valuable experience as an attending OBGYN at Mayo Clinic Health System in Minnesota for 6 years. During this time, she developed a comprehensive understanding of women's health issues, providing care for a wide range of gynecological conditions.
Throughout her career, Dr. Bagaria has developed a deep understanding of pelvic pain and endometriosis, conditions that can significantly impact the lives of women. She is a strong advocate for Endometriosis, believing that women should be actively involved in making decisions about their healthcare.
Dr. Bagaria's approach to patient care is characterized by compassion, empathy, and a genuine commitment to understanding each patient's unique needs and challenges. She meticulously listens to her patients' concerns, carefully evaluates their individual circumstances, and works collaboratively with them to develop personalized treatment plans that align with their preferences and goals.
Niva Herzig, MS, PT - I knew my passion was in health care from a young age. While studying anatomy, I became more fascinated with it and that led to me to my physical therapy studies. Once I discovered pelvic floor physical therapy was a specialty, I jumped to the front of the line.
Initially, my focus was to work with people during pregnancy and postpartum. I felt so strongly about the care people needed surrounding these changes. My early practice led me to working with all sorts of pelvic pain. I was introduced to Endometriosis organizations in 2005 and began working with this population.
In the past 2 decades, I have worked with a multitude of people dealing with various symptoms related to Endometriosis and Adenomyosis as well as before/after their surgical journeys. I provide easy conversations and use my hands-on skills to guide them. I provide a safe space, where people can talk and share freely. As a PT and person who loves to move her body, I want to help others understand their body and help them move and be active as they desire. Our bodies are magical, and we must learn to ignite that magic.
For the past 16 years, I have owned my practice, Core Dynamics Physical Therapy, in Englewood, NJ. We are dedicated to treating pelvic health.
Stephanie LaFontant, CLC (Community Birth Activist, Student Midwife) - Stephanie’s passion has always been Diversity Equity and Inclusion. The specialization to do birth work was a natural trajectory because she understands and is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that is sensitive to the cultural and social context to all the families she encounters. After having much difficulty breatfeeding her first born, and being a two-time Hyperemisis Gravidarum survivor; supporting birthing people through their reproductive years was an absolute must. In particular, she specializes in working with systematically marginalized individuals and the immigrant population. Stephanie is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that is sensitive to the cultural and social contexts to all she works with. Stephanie is a member of the Rockland Breastfeeding Coalition. She is a full scholarship recipient of Black Maternal health Doula scholarship. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, listening to democracy now, cooking, meeting new people, and unschooling herself and her two children. All breastfed and birthed at home.
Stephanie has been working with birthing families since 2019. She is a doula and became a Certified Lactation Counselor in 2022. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and Africana Latino Studies with a concentration in gender studies from SUNY Oneonta and a M.A. degree from the University of Binghamton, Vestal New York where she studied Sociology and DEI.
Christina Warner, APN, MSN, WHNP-BC - Christina Warner is a women’s health clinician who exudes passion and dedication as an advocate for endometriosis education and improving the quality of care. Christina has become a beacon of hope for many, offering resources and sharing knowledge to empower others in their journey with endometriosis. Her efforts in educating both patients and clinicians have made a significant impact on providing better care for women across various healthcare settings. With her friendly and approachable demeanor, Christina empowers individuals to take control of their health and improve their quality of life. She is committed to bridging the gap between patients and healthcare professionals, to ensure that women receive the care and attention they deserve.
Registration is required.