2023 alumni stories - FBW Gynaecology Plus - Telstra Best of Business Awards

Championing women's health with compassionate care

Having lived in multiple continents before calling Australia home, Dr. Fariba Behnia-Willison found that no matter where she was, women’s health issues were a taboo subject. She’s on a mission to remove that taboo and reframe the way we talk about and treat women’s health issues.

Born in Iran, Dr. Behnia-Willison studied in Germany before moving to Australia and calling Adelaide home. Now a fully accredited endo-gynaecologist, pelvic floor medicine and reconstructive specialist, Dr. Behnia-Willison established FBW Gynaecology Plus in 2009.

Created for women, by women, FBW Gynaecology Plus offers expert knowledge and treatment in women's health, fertility, and wellness. The team is passionate about treating women – approaching care holistically, rather than by focusing on conditions. Importantly, they take the relationships and social circumstances of each woman into consideration. This individualised approach ensures each woman is well supported, enabling her to experience a better quality of life.

Addressing common gynaecological conditions

Backed by research, the team is working to address many common conditions – including prolapse, incontinence, endometriosis, pelvic-floor disorders, incontinence, vaginal and birth trauma, menstrual difficulties, menopause, fertility and painful intercourse.

Dr. Behnia-Willison has a special interest in pelvic floor dysfunction. She works with non-surgical regenerative treatments and minimally invasive reconstructive surgery, as well as single incision/advanced laparoscopy. Uniquely, Dr. Behnia-Willison has developed a device to take to market to help women with prolapse and position Australia at the forefront of innovation in women’s health.

Passionate about helping others, Dr. Behnia-Willison also founded Desert Flower South Australia in 2018, which supports survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM) and gender-transitioning women. The organisation offers free FGM reversal surgery, supported by Adelaide’s Ashford Hospital, and psychological support through PsychMed, as well as educational resources for wider society.

In recognition of its phenomenal work, FBW Gynaecology Plus was named the 2023 Telstra Best of Business Awards National Accelerating Women and Championing Health Winner.

Reflecting on the Awards, Dr. Behnia-Willison said, “Winning these awards means we can continue to shed light on women’s health issues and spark important conversations, especially to help empower marginalised women.”

FBW Gynaecology's legacy for women and girls across the world makes the business a deserving winner.

I have written a PhD thesis and I think I almost wrote another one for the Telstra Awards application, but it is so worthwhile as it helps you look at every aspect of your business. The opportunities and connections as part of the Awards process are also incredibly invaluable.