Two dedicated nursing students from Dalhousie University are taking a creative approach to raising awareness about endometriosis, a often misunderstood women's health condition that affects millions worldwide.
Educational Initiative Through Cinema
The students have organized a special film screening accompanied by a panel discussion scheduled for November 18, 2025. This event represents a significant effort to educate both the medical community and the general public about the challenges faced by those living with endometriosis.
Natalie Lombard and Crystal Garrett, the nursing students leading this initiative, explained that the event will serve dual purposes: increasing public understanding of the condition while simultaneously raising crucial funds for women's health programs. Their professional background in healthcare provides them with unique insight into the diagnostic challenges and treatment gaps that endometriosis patients frequently encounter.
Bridging Healthcare Gaps
Endometriosis remains a significantly underdiagnosed condition, with many patients suffering for years before receiving proper medical attention. The nursing students' initiative addresses this critical gap in women's healthcare by creating spaces for open conversation and education.
The panel discussion following the film screening will feature healthcare professionals and potentially individuals with lived experience of endometriosis. This format ensures multiple perspectives are represented, offering comprehensive understanding of the condition's impact on patients' lives.
Community Impact and Future Implications
By hosting this event in Halifax, the students are contributing to a growing national conversation about women's health issues in Canada. Their approach demonstrates how healthcare professionals in training can actively shape medical discourse and patient education even before completing their degrees.
The fundraising component of the event will directly support women's health initiatives, creating a tangible impact beyond awareness-raising. This student-led project exemplifies how academic institutions can serve as catalysts for important healthcare conversations that benefit both the medical community and the public they serve.
