NPWH honors women’s health leaders at Richmond conference

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health brought more than 800 attendees to Richmond for its 29th annual conference, where leaders were recognized and clinicians focused on fast-changing issues in women’s care. The event highlighted the profession’s growing role in care across the lifespan, from screening and pregnancy to menopause and sexual health.

Why it matters: - NPWH’s annual conference put women’s health nurse practitioners at the center of current debates in care, policy and clinical practice. - The gathering highlighted how WHNPs are being asked to manage a wider range of needs across the lifespan, from adolescent health to menopause and high-risk pregnancy. - Recognition of leaders and fellows reinforced the profession’s effort to expand influence in clinics, schools, advocacy and community care.

What happened: - The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health welcomed more than 800 women’s health professionals to Richmond, Virginia, for its 29th Annual Women’s Healthcare Conference. - The conference ran Sept. 23-25 and centered on the theme “Transforming Women’s Healthcare Across the Lifespan.” - Attendees included Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners, advanced practice nurses, students, educators and healthcare leaders from across the U.S. - Richmond Mayor Danny Avula joined the opening day and issued a proclamation recognizing Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Week in Richmond.

The details: - Conference sessions covered GLP-1 therapy, menopause, hormone therapy, sexual health, breast and cervical cancer screening, high-risk pregnancy, STI care, adolescent health and integrative care. - Programming focused on evidence-based, practical strategies clinicians can use in their practices. - Dr. Jessica Wells, NPWH board president, said the conference is meant to recognize excellence, strengthen the group’s collective voice and support WHNPs as they lead change in their practices, institutions and communities. - Avula said the city was proud to celebrate the profession and its role in the health of women, families and communities. - NPWH presented the 2026 Inspiration Awards in Women’s Health to Dr. Kathryn Atkin, Dr. Carmen Giurgescu, Dr. Julie Jenkins and Major Kristin Kepler. - NPWH gave the 2026 Fran Way Legacy Award to Susan Kendig for contributions to women’s healthcare through practice, policy, education and advocacy. - NPWH welcomed its 2026 Fellows: Dr. Brooke Faught, Dr. Kristin Gianelis and Dr. Kettie Romain Louis. - The Fellows were recognized for work in healthcare education and advocacy, strengthening nursing education and improving health outcomes for women in Haiti. - More information is available at NPWH.

Between the lines: - The conference programming suggests women’s health is moving fast enough that clinicians need regular updates on both new therapies and long-standing care gaps. - The awards and fellowship honors point to a professional field that is trying to build visibility, credibility and policy influence at the same time. - The city proclamation gave the event a local civic stamp, but the larger signal was national: WHNPs are pushing for a broader role in women’s care delivery.

What's next: - NPWH is expected to continue using its annual conference as a platform for education, professional recognition and advocacy. - WHNPs are likely to keep focusing on translating new evidence into day-to-day care as women’s healthcare continues to evolve. - The organization’s next steps will likely center on training, clinical guidance and leadership development for its members.

The bottom line: - NPWH used its 29th annual conference to spotlight the growing scope and influence of women’s health nurse practitioners while recognizing the leaders shaping the field.