National Lipoedema Conference in Cork

On Saturday, August 29, Dr. Ileana Rodríguez Standal took part in Ireland's first national lipoedema conference in Cork. The conference brought together 370 patients, healthcare professionals and leading experts from Ireland and other parts of the world, all with a shared goal of strengthening knowledge about lipoedema and improving care for people living with the condition.

The scientific program was of a high standard, with engaging talks on diagnostics, treatment and research, as well as the significant impact lipoedema can have on health, function and quality of life.

Many thanks to Lipoedema Support Network Ireland for a warm, inclusive and highly professional conference. The organization created an important meeting place for sharing knowledge and open conversations, where both patients and professionals were listened to and taken seriously.

Thanks also to all the speakers for strong, instructive and inspiring contributions.

Patients' experiences made the strongest impression

What moved Dr. Standal most were the patients' own stories.

They spoke openly and honestly about life with pain, the long search for answers and what it feels like not to be understood or believed. Many had waited for years before finally receiving an explanation for their symptoms.

Scientific and clinical knowledge is essential, but it cannot stand alone. We must listen to the people who live with the condition every day. Their experiences must be central as we develop new knowledge, better healthcare services and more comprehensive treatment options.

A need for more knowledge in primary care

One fact gave particular cause for reflection: among the conference's 370 participants, only two were general practitioners.

The GP is often the patient's first encounter with the healthcare system. The low attendance therefore underlines the need for greater knowledge about lipoedema in primary care. Earlier identification and proper guidance can shorten the path to diagnosis and help more people receive relevant follow-up.

Valuable international exchange of knowledge

During the conference, Dr. Standal met several international colleagues who work with lipoedema.

It was especially a pleasure to meet Dr. Iakovos Georgiou from the German Medical Institute in Cyprus and Maria Kokkinou from Global Lipoedema Awareness, the world's largest international patient community and resource network for people living with lipoedema. Dr. Standal also met again Dr. Mojtaba Ghods, president of the Lipoedema World Alliance, as well as Dr. Amier, Dr. Giw and the rest of his team from Bad Belzig, where she has previously completed a clinical placement.

The meetings made room for valuable exchange of knowledge, professional conversations and many meaningful moments.

The conference was far more than a professional gathering. It was a strong reminder of what we can achieve when patients and professionals meet, listen to each other and work toward a shared goal: greater understanding, earlier diagnosis and safe, evidence-based treatment of lipoedema.

We look forward to meeting again at the third Lipoedema World Congress in Melbourne in November 2027.