Our speakers
Dr. Bary Berghmans
Bary started his career as a physical therapist. In 1980 he set up his practice ICL Fysio, which ICL Arbeid later joined as a second organization. Within ICL Fysio, Bary is still active as a regular physiotherapist and as a pelvic physiotherapist, his specialization. Bary is co-founder and former senior researcher of the Pelvic care Center Maastricht, involved in the epidemiology department at Maastricht University and the urology department of the MUMC+. On behalf of the KNGF, he was partly responsible for writing national and international guidelines. In 2022 he received honorary membership from the KNGF/NVFB for his work. He also received by far the greatest token of appreciation in 2022, as he was appointed Officer in the Order of Orange Nassau.
Dr. Bert Messelink
Dr. Bert Messelink is a Dutch urologist and sexologist working at the Leeuwarden Medical Center, specializing in pelvic floor disorders and chronic pelvic pain. He focuses on multidisciplinary and biopsychosocial care for patients with complex pelvic conditions. Messelink served as chair of the working group for the Chronic Pelvic Pain Guideline and contributes to evidence-based treatment protocols. He publishes and speaks internationally on pain, urinary issues, and sexual dysfunction, and helps standardize terminology in the field. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of a team-based approach and taking pain complaints seriously, even when there is no clear physical cause.
Dr. Carolien Vermeulen
Carolien Vermeulen is a Dutch gynaecologist at the Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven, specializing in pelvic floor disorders in women. She earned her PhD in 2024 with research on the effects of hysterectomy on the pelvic floor, providing a nuanced perspective on prolapse risk. For this work, she was awarded the prestigious Schellekens Prize and donated the prize money to the foundation of her late mentor. Vermeulen advocates for improved patient education about the long-term consequences of these procedures to support better decision-making and reduce stress.
Prof. Dr. Helena Frawley
Professor Dr. Helena C. Frawley is an Australian professor and clinical researcher specializing in women’s and pelvic floor health. She works at the Melbourne School of Health Sciences at The University of Melbourne and is affiliated with Cabrini Health. Her research focuses on conditions such as incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, emphasizing conservative therapies and physiotherapeutic interventions. She publishes internationally, participates in clinical studies, and is active in the International Continence Society. Her work combines education, research, and clinical practice, contributing to the improvement of evidence-based care for women with pelvic floor disorders.
Dr. Carsten Leue
Carsten Leue is a German physician and university lecturer specializing in pelvic and urological disorders. He works at Maastricht University and Maastricht UMC+, focusing on the biopsychosocial approach to physical complaints. His research examines the relationship between psychological factors, such as anxiety and depression, and functional urological and pelvic problems, including chronic pain. Leue publishes internationally on integrated care and the development of new methods for symptom assessment. He advocates for multidisciplinary treatment pathways that combine psychological and physical aspects, contributing to improved care and outcomes for patients with complex pelvic and urological conditions.
Dr. Alma Brand
Alma Brand is a pelvic physiotherapist and psychologist. She is a postdoc researcher at the Department of Clinical Psychology of the Open University, core lecturer in the second year and thesis supervisor in the third year of the master pelvic physiotherapy course at Habeo+. She received her PhD in 2024 and conducted research into characteristic pelvic floor, sexual and psychological factors of women who were being treated by pelvic physiotherapists. She has an NVVS Sexology certificate and has been a Sexual Health Consultant since January 2026.
Dr. Maura Seleme
Maura is originally from Brazil and earned her PhD at the University of Rio de Janeiro. She has extensive knowledge and experience, which she enjoys sharing with her professional peers. She is the only pelvic physiotherapist recognized in Brazil, France, and The Netherlands. Maura works as the coordinator of pelvic physiotherapy for Faculdade Inspirar, a leading educational institute in 42 Brazilian cities. She is also the general director of abafi-Brasil and abafi-Holland, the creator and project leader of iPelvis Evo (an innovative pelvic floor training app), and has served as chair of the Special Interest Group Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation at IUGA.
Dr. Abdallahi N'Dongo
Dr. N'Dongo studied medicine in China and became a gynecologist and obstetrician in France. He has a special interest in urogynaecology and functional pelvic floor disorders. In addition to his clinical work, he is an expert in electrical stimulation and biofeedback, and has given lectures in multiple countries focusing on the clinical practice of physiotherapy for urogynaecological health issues. He has developed numerous protocols for electrical stimulation and biofeedback, covering both assessment and treatment.
Ir. Georges Billard
Georges Billard is a French engineer and entrepreneur specializing in rehabilitation equipment for physiotherapists and pelvic floor specialists. He founded VIVALTIS, a company that develops innovative biofeedback and electrical stimulation devices for pelvic floor care. His products support therapists in training and rehabilitating patients with pelvic floor disorders. Billard is regularly invited as a speaker at workshops on pelvic floor rehabilitation. By combining engineering expertise with market knowledge, he creates practical, clinically applicable tools. In this way, he contributes to improving therapy and care for patients with pelvic floor problems.
Dr. Marcela Bardin
Dr. Marcela Bardin is a Brazilian specialist in pelvic floor health and gynaecological rehabilitation with a PhD from the Universidade Estadual de Campinas. She researches pelvic floor disorders such as vulvodynia and urinary incontinence and develops effective physiotherapeutic interventions. Her studies focus on both clinical outcomes and biomechanical changes in the pelvic floor. Bardin publishes internationally and provides training for healthcare professionals in pelvic floor therapy. Her work contributes to a better understanding of both the functional and sexual aspects of pelvic floor disorders in women.
Dr. Guilherme Pertinni
Dr. Guilherme Pertinni de Morais Gouveia is a Brazilian physiotherapist and researcher specializing in pelvic floor care, functional physiotherapy, and sexology. He is a lecturer at the Federal University of Delta do Parnaíba and coordinates a research group focused on evaluation and therapeutic interventions for the functional pelvis. Pertinni conducts research on pelvic floor training, urinary incontinence, sexual function, and combined interventions such as breathing and muscle exercises. He publishes internationally and shares his expertise as a speaker at conferences on pelvic floor rehabilitation. His work contributes to evidence-based approaches for patients with pelvic floor disorders.
Prof. dr. Kari Bø
Kari is a well-known (pelvic) physiotherapist and movement scientist. She obtained her doctorate in 1990 as a doctor of science and in 1997 was appointed professor of human movement sciences. She was elected Pro-Rector of NIH (a specialized university) from 1998-2001 and Rector of NIH from 2013-2017. She was the first Vice President of the International Organization of Physical Therapists of Women's Health, WCPT 1999-2007, and has been the Vice President of the Norwegian Physical Therapist Council for 8 years, which provides direct advice to the Norwegian Minister of Health on physical activity, fitness and health.
Dr. Magdalena Grzybowska
Dr. Grzybowska is an associate professor in the Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics, and Neonatology at the Medical University of Gdańsk and deputy head of the Obstetrics Unit at the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk. She has been active in urogynecology for over 20 years, with a special focus on sexual function in women with pelvic floor disorders. A graduate of the same university, she is specialized in obstetrics, gynaecology, and gynaecological oncology. She is the author of numerous scientific publications and serves as a reviewer for several journals. She is a member of the board of the Urogynaecology Section of the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians and a co-author of the Polish guidelines for pelvic floor disorders. Additionally, she is active in international organizations such as the IUGA and the International Continence Society, where she is involved in standardization and terminology.
Prof. Dr. Melanie Morin
Dr. Melanie Morin is a physiotherapist, professor at the University of Sherbrooke, and researcher at the CHUS. She specializes in pelvic floor dysfunctions and leads a urogynecology research lab. Her research focuses on urinary incontinence, gynecological pain, and sexual dysfunction, including studies on treatments such as physiotherapy and lidocaine. She also contributes to international guidelines on terminology related to pelvic floor function and female sexual health. Her PhD research specifically examined the role of pelvic floor muscles in urinary incontinence after pregnancy and menopause.
Prof. dr. Paulo Palma
Paulo Palma is a renowned urologist with expertise in pelvic floor disorders, such as incontinence and prolapse. He is affiliated with the Universidade Estadual de Campinas, where he contributes as a professor to education, research, and innovative treatment techniques in urology. In addition, he is active in international networks such as the International Continence Society, the Confederación Americana de Urología (CAU), the Academia Latinoamericana de Urología (ALU), and the Asociación Latinoamericana de Piso Pélvico (ALAPP). His work focuses on the development of new treatment methods for pelvic floor disorders and contributes to improving patient care worldwide.
Prof. dr. Gommert van Koeveringe
Gommert van Koeveringe is a professor of urology specializing in functional urology and pelvic floor disorders, including incontinence and bladder dysfunction. He is affiliated with Maastricht University and Maastricht UMC+, where he focuses on patient care, education, and research. Within the Pelvic Care Centre, he plays a key role in developing integrated, multidisciplinary care for patients with pelvic floor disorders. He is also active in international scientific networks such as the International Continence Society. His work contributes to innovative treatment strategies and the improvement of patients’ quality of life.
Prof. dr. Philip Van Kerrebroeck
Philip Van Kerrebroeck is a leading urologist specializing in functional urology, pelvic floor disorders, and neuro-urology. He is currently affiliated with the Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen and the Universiteit Antwerpen, where he plays a leading role in patient care, education, and scientific research. His work focuses on innovative treatments for conditions such as incontinence and complex bladder disorders. In addition, he is active in international networks such as the International Continence Society and other leading urological associations. With his extensive experience, he makes an important contribution to the further development of functional urology and the improvement of patient care.
Dr. Tadeu Tamanini
Tadeu Tamanini is an associate professor at the medical faculty of the Universidade Federal de São Carlos and a senior lecturer in the Department of Medicine at the same institution. He obtained his medical degree from the Universidade Estadual Paulista (1983) and completed his Master’s (2002) and PhD (2005) at the Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Tamanini has expertise in general and functional urology, urogeriatrics, urodynamics, and urogynecology. His research and clinical work focus on urinary incontinence, voiding dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, quality of life, and epidemiological studies in urogeriatrics and urogynecology.
Prof. dr. Carlos Dancona
Prof. Dr. Dancona obtained his medical degree from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo Medical School. He completed his Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral training in surgery and urology at the Universidade Estadual de Campinas, where he currently serves as a professor. His expertise lies in urology, with a focus on urinary incontinence, urodynamics, and lower urinary tract dysfunction. He is a member of the Sociedade Brasileira de Urologia, the American Urological Association, and the International Continence Society (ICS). He has also served as a board member of the ICS and as Chair of the Institute of Male LUTS. Currently, he contributes to an ICS report on terminology related to male LUTS and pelvic floor dysfunction.
