Emory brings together thought leaders and health care experts to empower female athletes

Emory will host the fourth-annual Women’s Sports & Wellness Conference on Saturday, Aug. 6, bringing together thought leaders and health care experts to empower women and girls through sports and wellness. The full-day event will be held at the Emory University School of Medicine (100 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322).

“Sports and fitness have a valuable impact on the lives of women and girls,” says Courtney Gleason, MD, director of Emory’s Female Athlete Program. “It is our hope that through the conference we can provide a platform for furthering education while continuing the conversation for women to be a force for good in sports, our professions, communities and throughout the country.” 

The conference will feature health care experts discussing current topics related to the health and wellness of female athletes of all levels and generations, largely focused on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. 

Topics will include nutritional trends, psychological impacts and changes in women’s bodies during adolescence, pregnancy and aging. Medical experts will provide new information on cutting-edge technologies and treatments used at Emory Healthcare and nationally.

In addition to more than 50 expert speakers across medical disciplines, the conference will feature two “game changers” in the field of women’s athletics. Keynote addresses will be given by Morgan Shaw Parker, president and COO of the Atlanta Dream, speaking on “Power and Empowerment: Women and Sports” and Markesha Henderson, director of athletics and physical education at Agnes Scott College, speaking about Title IX since its inception 50 years ago. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to an audience of professionals who prioritize the wellness of women athletes,” says Henderson.

The conference aims to attract medical professionals as well as community participants: physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, sports dietitians, sports psychologists, school administrators, young and adult female athletes, coaches, parents and all those interested in this important topic. Continuing educational credits are available for those within the medical field. All are welcome and encouraged to be a part of the conversation. 

Online registration, a complete agenda and other details are available on the Women’s Sports & Wellness Conference registration page through Emory Healthcare. Registration for virtual participation also is available.