Professor Anna Rosamilia is a subspecialist urogynaecologist and Head of the Pelvic floor Unit at Monash Medical Centre, Southern Health in Melbourne.

In recognition of International Urogynaecology Day celebrated annually on 20 February, the College caught up with Professor Rosamilia, who shared insights into her career journey, the evolving field of urogynaecology, and why this subspecialty plays such an important role in women’s health care.

What motivated you to become a urogynaecologist?

I first learnt about urogynaecology while working in Manchester in the UK, where I spent two years as a registrar and senior registrar. The unit was led by David Warrell and Tony Smith, two giants of the field, and it was there that I was drawn to this emerging subspecialty.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a subspecialist?

When I returned to Melbourne, I was fortunate to train with Peter Dwyer and Peter Glenning. More than 30 years ago, urogynaecology was only just beginning to develop as a distinct field, both in the UK and Australia. Being part of something so new — and so clearly needed — was deeply motivating.

Being focused on urogynaecology, I may have missed a few family planning lectures — we had four children in seven years! That period coincided with establishing a private practice and being encouraged to undertake a PhD.

From being a junior trainee at Monash just after its transition from the Queen Victoria Hospital, to being elected President of the International Urogynecology Association (IUGA) for 2025–26, I have been supported by many champions and allies.

I am especially grateful to Professor Peter Dwyer, who mentored me in subspecialty training and has been a true champion of urogynaecology in Australia and worldwide. I was encouraged along an academic path by the late Professor David Healy, and I owe much to Dr Geoff Edwards, who stepped aside so I could become Head of the Monash Pelvic Floor Unit, and to Professor Beverley Vollenhoven, the current Head of Gynaecology, who makes things happen.

For people who may not have heard of it before, what exactly is urogynaecology — and how does it differ from general gynaecology? Are there common misconceptions?

Urogynaecology focuses on pelvic floor disorders, which affect around one in four women. The most common include pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and faecal incontinence, fistula, voiding dysfunction, perineal trauma and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Every obstetrician and gynaecologist manages women with these conditions, so in that sense we all practice some urogynaecology. A subspecialist’s role is to optimise management — particularly in complex, persistent or severe cases.

A common misconception is that these problems are minor or simply part of ageing or childbirth. They can be life-altering, and they are treatable.

What might a typical day look like for you?

A typical day involves hearing women share deeply personal and confronting concerns and working with them to find solutions together.

Being a urogynaecologist has its challenges. In a single clinic day, we may need to be a psychologist, pain physician, dermatologist, sports coach, sexual counsellor and endocrinologist — as well as a skilled surgeon and thoughtful clinician.

It can feel impossible to give patients all the time they need while empowering them to make informed decisions, managing complications, and knowing when to ask for help.

On reflection, this mirrors many aspects of parenting. Whether at home or work, I try to stay humble about what I know, curious about what I don’t, and always keep communication open. We are all works in progress.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

I am deeply proud of the Pelvic Floor Unit at Monash Health, a busy tertiary service across multiple campuses. We are a close-knit team that offers exceptional care to women and excellent training to RANZCOG Certificate of Urogynaecology (CU) trainees, as well as international fellows and observers, over more than two decades.

It is immensely rewarding to see our trainees’ become consultants in Australia and overseas, and to watch them emerge as leaders in their own right. I also value the research collaborations we have fostered — working with basic scientists and engineers at the Hudson Institute, alongside funding bodies increasingly interested in advancing urogynaecology.

Serving as President of IUGA is rewarding because it allows me to advocate for pelvic health as part of women’s health globally and raise public awareness of urogynaecology as a subspecialty. For a society more than 3,000 members strong across 110 countries, this is no less than a civic duty — especially at a time in world affairs when bold collaboration is essential.

This month we were able to add pelvic floor disorders to the Women’s Health Strategy submitted to the European Parliament. We have also published a white paper that argues pelvic floor disorders should be included in maternal health policy which will lead to increased access to care in low resource settings.

In our field, empathy is fundamental. Some may view pelvic floor problems as minor inconveniences, but they are anything but minor. Our interventions can be transformative and so rewarding for ourpatientsand ourselves.

I think of the marathon runner whose continence and prolapse surgery restored her love of running. The cancer survivor with painful intercourse who was expected simply to be grateful she had survived. The woman who says “bless you, doctor” every time she does star jumps without leaking. The patient who believed the misery of recurrent UTIs would never end. The woman whose refractory overactive bladder was cured with Botox.

These are real people whose lives were transformed by thoughtful, evidence-based care.

It is often said that patients don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. As urogynaecologists — and as gynaecologists more broadly — we should commit to beginning with empathy and ending with excellence.

°”ÍűTV is deeply saddened by the tragic events in Bondi and extends its thoughts and support to the Jewish community, including RANZCOG members, trainees and staff, and all those affected by the senseless violence. The College gratefully acknowledges the first responders, emergency services, and medical professionals for their swift, skilled and courageous response in the face of this abhorrent event.

°”ÍűTV unequivocally condemns all forms of violence and affirms its commitment to fostering connection, compassion, and inclusion within the communities we serve.

The College is here to support members and trainees who may have been affected either directly or indirectly by this incident. RANZCOG’s Member and Trainee Wellbeing Hub contains a range of support resources, including external support services.

Members and trainees feeling distressed are also encouraged to contact the Member and Trainee Support Unit for assistance:

Carly Moorfield and Conor Clerkin

• Email: mtsu@ranzcog.edu.au
• Phone: +61 8 6102 2096 (Aus) +64 4 399 1376 (NZ)

Sincerely,
The RANZCOG Board

Each year RANZCOG presents a selection of nominated individuals with honours and awards to recognise their outstanding service and dedication to advancing women’s health. Nominations are considered by the College Honours Committee and awarded by the RANZCOG Board.

The College would like to congratulate all recipients of the 2025 honours and awards.

°”ÍűTV congratulates our members who have been recognised in the 2024 Australia Day Honours List.

Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the General Division

• The late Fellow Dr Peter Maher – For distinguished service to gynaecological medicine, to medical research and education, and to professional societies.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division

• Diplomate Dr Christine McConnell – For service to medicine through a range of roles.

Military Awards – Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)

• Fellow Colonel Dr Rodney Petersen – For outstanding devotion to duty as Staff Officer Class One, Military Employment Classification and Review Service, Joint Health Command.

°”ÍűTV wishes to acknowledge all Fellows and Diplomate members who have reached 35 years of service in 2023 and those retiring.

Active Diplomates

• Dr Margaret Clark
• Dr Alison Creagh
• Dr Ruth Drohan
• Dr Sally Ennis
• Dr Shaunagh Jones
• Dr Leanne Myerscough
• Dr Katrina Philip
• Dr Celina Rappaport
• Dr Clare Roczniok
• Dr Jane Russell
• Dr Deborah Taft
• Dr Dorothy Tinker

Retired Diplomates

• Dr Judith Birch
• Dr Helen Rhode
• Dr Geok-Tin Boon

Dr Judith Gardiner – Distinguished Service Medal 2023

Honoured for her exceptional and invaluable dedication to the College’s endeavours over numerous years. Judith’s remarkable contributions span across various committees, her role as Councillor and Board Director. Furthermore, her commitment to the DRANZCOG and DRANZCOG Advanced examinations as an Exam Coordinator and Examiner, along with her advocacy for rural and remote women’s healthcare.

Dr Scott White – Distinguished Service Medal 2023

Awarded for the remarkable contribution and impact Scott has made to the College over many years through his work on numerous committees, working groups and advisory groups, as well as his role as a Councillor. Moreover, Scott’s commitment to teaching and supporting junior doctors including as a member of the ‘Supportive Seniors’ group offering additional support for trainees facing challenges.

Professor Yee Leung – President’s Medal 2022

Recognised for his exceptional dedication to the work of the College over many years. In particular, Yee’s extensive work on committees including the Council and Board, and as a College Examiner and Training Supervisor as well as his extraordinary commitment to the subspecialty of Gynaecology Oncology.

Associate Professor Gregory Jenkins – President’s Medal 2023

Awarded for Greg’s extraordinary contribution to the work of the College over many years. In particular, Greg’s extensive work on committees and incredible commitment to the FRANZCOG training program. Additionally, Greg’s invaluable leadership as Chair of the Training Accreditation Committee during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the many challenges, changes, and decisions necessary for ongoing delivery of training.

Congratulations to all RANZCOG Fellows and members for their inclusion on the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia

Fellow Professor David Ellwood – For distinguished service to medicine as an obstetrician and gynaecologist, to research and tertiary education, and to professional associations.

Fellow Professor Glen Mola – For distinguished service to obstetrics and gynaecology, to reproductive health research, and to medical education in the Pacific region.

Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia

Fellow Dr Marcus Carey – For significant service to urogynaecology, and to women’s health.

Fellow Dr Stephen Steigrad – For significant service to medicine particularly in a range of national and international organisations.

Diplomate Professor Danielle Mazza – For significant service to medicine and to medical research, particularly to women’s health.

Diplomate Clinical Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis – For significant service to medicine through a range of roles, and to women’s health.

Professor Deborah Bateson – For significant service to medicine through research and education, and to reproductive health.

Professor Bateson was awarded RANZCOG’s Excellence in Women’s Health Award in 2019 for recognition of her outstanding contribution to sexual and reproductive health.

Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division

Ms Amy Dawes – For service to women’s health, particularly to birth-related trauma.

Ms Dawes is a RANZCOG Informed Birth Working Group member.

Congratulations

°”ÍűTV congratulates Australian College of Midwives President Joanne Gray, made a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to education, and to the midwifery profession.

°”ÍűTV President Dr Benjamin Bopp has written to governments across Australia advocating for improved trainee leave entitlements.

In a letter to state and territory health ministers across Australia, Dr Bopp seeks support in making trainee leave entitlements transferable between all hospitals and other training sites (public and private).

Dr Bopp urged the health ministers to discuss this issue at the next Health Ministers Meeting.

The College is all of us. It is the Members, the Diplomates, and the College staff and the trainees, unified and with purpose.

That is what the College means to Dr Debbie Nisbet, a Victorian representative on RANZCOG’s Council.

“I put my hand up for Council as it gives me an opportunity to address areas I believe require change. I have enjoyed my involvement with the College in the past, including being involved in Nuchal Translucency education and assessment, the COGU examination committee, and chairing the COGU Subspecialty committee. I have also enjoyed representing the College including on the committee overseeing the accreditation of diagnostic imaging services, and viewed the Council as the next step,” Debbie, a COGU Subspecialist, says.

What kind of approach has Debbie, who works in both public and private practice in Melbourne, taken to being a Councillor? “In an organisation the size of RANZCOG, the corporate approach may lead to a perception of distancing or being ‘out-of-reach’ for many members,” she says. “Therefore, those holding positions representing others need to take their role and its transparency very seriously. A consistent and approachable leadership is required, open to discussion and feedback.”

With Victoria having the highest number of COGU subspecialists, addressing inequities for women, especially around Medicare and pelvic and obstetric ultrasound, has been a long-held passion for Debbie which she has advocated for during her time on Council. “With ultrasound providing an opportunity to directly compare items specifically designed for men with those for women, we can see the inequity; women and those who provide their ultrasounds remain undervalued in comparison with items used for men. This needs to change.”

Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) is another focus area for Debbie. “The process doesn’t reflect what we see clinically at the moment and there is an opportunity to review this.”

Debbie would urge her colleagues to get involved in the College, “It’s actually fun,” she says. “It’s mentally stimulating. And when you feel frustrated at how something is done and no one will listen, you can think it through and actually do something about it.”

°”ÍűTV congratulates our members who have been recognised in the 2023 Australia Day Honours List.

Member (AM) in the General Division

• Fellow Dr Thomas Cottee – For significant service to obstetrics and gynaecology.
• Honorary Fellow Dr Annabelle Farnsworth – For significant service to medicine, and to women’s health.
• The late Fellow Dr Gregory Kesby – For significant service to obstetrics and gynaecology, and to professional organisations.

Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division

• Diplomate Dr Joyleen Ann O’Hazy – For service to the community, and to medicine.

Public Service Medal (PSM)

• Diplomate Dr Sally Singleton – For outstanding public service to public health.