In this video, Dr. Marie Schambach, Chair of the Women in Hair Restoration Surgery (WISHRS), discusses a few insights with Dr. Gorana Kuka-Epstein, our keynote speaker for the WISHRS session. The title is: “Women Are Not Small Men: Harmonizing Women’s Health Across the 28-Day Cycle and the Seven Decades.”
This event embraces the theme Heritage & Hairitage -a call for women in hair restoration surgery worldwide to be visible and bold. And the color to wear this year is marigold, very fitting for the theme.
Together we’ll celebrate women’s empowerment changing the narrative in training, patient care, and self-care. Because, as Dr. Schambach says, “we are not small men.”
Summary Notes for WISHRS Luncheon Preview
Intro discussion on the upcoming WISHRS Session at the ISHRS World Congress in Berlin.
Introduction:
Dr. Marie Schambach and Dr. Gorana Kuka-Epstein invite the Women in ISHRS to the WISHRS Luncheon. The WISHRS session’s theme is “Heritage & Hairitage,” setting the theme’s dual intent to honor women’s legacy while encouraging bold participation.
Key Discussion Points:
[00:015 – 00:51] Introduction and Session Overview
Dr. Marie Schambach’s invitation to the WISHRS Luncheon included the announcement of marigold as the unifying dress code, symbolizing optimism and strength. The session was positioned as a dedicated space for growth, mentorship, and the challenging of convention.
[00:51 – 01:40] Keynote Speaker Preview – Dr. Gorana Kuka-Epstein
Dr. Schambach introduced Dr. Gorana Kuka-Epstein, highlighting her keynote: “Women are not small men: harmonizing women’s health across the 28-day cycle and the seven decades.”
Dr. Kuka-Epstein explained the inspiration for her talk – calling for physicians to honor women’s unique physiology. She also reflected on the importance of a safe, affirming space in a male-dominated field.
[01:40 – 06:16] Exploration of Women’s Health Cycles and Practice Implications
Dr. Kuka-Epstein contrasted women’s 28-day hormonal cycle with men’s 24-hour rhythm, noting differences in metabolism, brain function, and resilience. She mapped challenges across decades of life: adolescence, motherhood, caregiving, menopause.
She hared how adapting her own work rhythm to her cycle improved creativity and well-being.
Practical examples: cycle-aware lab testing (hormones, iron) can give more accurate results.
Consensus: integrate cycle-specific awareness into both patient consultations and physician self-care.
[08:06 – 09:25] Perimenopausal & Menopausal Care
Dr. Schambach raised patient care concerns and Dr. Kuka-Epstein stressed holistic evaluation: thyroid, adrenal, and stress factors strongly influence symptoms. They agreed on multi-system assessments, beyond just hormone levels.
[10:23 – 11:38] Program Highlights & Mentorship
Dr. Schambach outlined interactive elements like Speed Mentoring Carousel and the “Truth from the Hairchair” panel. Mentorship emphasized as essential for both newcomers and established women in the field.
[11:59 – 12:16] Closing Reflections
Both Dr. Schambach and Dr. Kuka-Epstein closed with the reminder: “Women are not small men,” and framed the session as a movement, not just a meeting.
Conclusion:
The conversation previewed the WISHRS luncheon as a session that goes beyond technical training. Through bold themes, cycle-aware medicine, mentorship opportunities, and collective empowerment, attendees can expect a transformative experience designed to challenge norms and build lasting sisterhood.
See you in Berlin October 23rd – visible, bold, and in marigold.