Dr Olivia Ong was told she would never walk again.
It was 2008. Dr Ong was just 28 years old, finding her feet as a junior medical doctor. But after a life-altering car accident that rendered her paraplegic, she was told her career in medicine would be over.
Flashforward to today, after years of rehabilitation and determination, Dr Ong is an author, a keynote speaker, physician, mum, entrepreneur and leader in the healthcare industry.
It wasn’t an easy journey – Dr Ong put everything into not just recovering from her spinal cord injury, but starting a family, resuming her career in medicine and continuing her studies. She juggled all of this until, eventually she burned out.
Dr Ong specialises in nervous system health and persistent pelvic pain as a practising physician, but also helps other medical professionals in dealing with burnout – something she has experienced first hand.
We recently asked Dr Ong some questions ahead of the 2024 Women’s Health Summit in Sydney on September 4, where she will be speaking on closing the gender pain gap in Australia.
1. Why do you think that women’s pain so often goes ignored?
Pointing to what’s driving the pain gap specifically, women aren’t always taken as seriously because they’re viewed as ‘emotional’ and women are expected to naturally suffer pain, such as period pain or childbirth.
2. How can we close the gender pain gap in Australia?
Top down: The Victorian government is launching an inquiry into women’s pain and experiences within the healthcare system in a bid to drive solutions to the systemic issues facing women’s health.
“It’s why we are transforming our health system – delivering new women’s health clinics, recruiting more women’s health specialists and establishing more dedicated sexual and reproductive health hubs across the state,” said Victoria’s Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas.
The Victorian government is currently in the process of establishing 20 Women’s Health Clinics across the state, which will offer free and wide-ranging care, allowing women to see specialists including gynaecologists, urologists, specialist nursing and allied health professionals, in one clinic. Meanwhile, nine new reproductive healthcare clinics are being established by the government that will offer free or low cost services.
Bottom up: As a Melbourne based pain specialist with an expertise in persistent pelvic pain, I had the opportunity to attend Join us at the Victorian Pelvic Pain Symposium on 13 June 2024 – a free event presented in collaboration with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
This was a gathering of the State’s most influential minds to discuss better health outcomes for women regarding pelvic pain, its identification, treatment and ultimate prevention. This groundbreaking event focused on understanding, treating, and supporting women with pelvic pain. We explored innovative approaches, exchanged insights, and networked with experts and advocates in the field.
From keynote presentations to interactive talks and panel discussions, this symposium offered a valuable platform to enhance knowledge, fostered collaboration, and empowered individuals in pelvic pain management.
3. What’s one key thing you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?
I am working on launching my online learning program called “Reset Foundation” to help professional women regulate their nervous system so that they can leave burnout, anxiety and chronic pain behind.
4. Can you share a key thing you regularly do (or aspire to do more) that really supports your wellbeing?
I regularly practice a self compassion exercise called self compassion break every morning for 10 minutes and exercise 3-4 times per week which really supports my wellbeing.
5. What do you want more women to know about their health?
I want more women to know that they are their own best healer and practising self compassion can help them feel more confident and more empowered about their health.
The Women’s Agenda Health Summit is in Sydney on September 4. Get your tickets here!