The International PMOS Name Change Initiative, led by Monash University, was Highly Commended for Excellence in International Engagement at last night’s Engagement Australia 2026 Awards in Brisbane
Monash University’s Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), together with Androgen Excess PMOS and UK patient group Verity, led an unprecedented global collaboration of 56 professional and patient organisations across all world regions to rename polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).
It’s the first comprehensive, internationally consensus-driven renaming of a major medical condition and spanned 14 years, engaging over 22,000 patients and health professionals worldwide, improving diagnosis and care for hundreds of million affected women worldwide.
“Throughout this worldwide process we are changing policy through education, new curricula, new text books, health services and systems. The initiative recognises that women’s experiences of delayed diagnosis and poor care are the evidence needed to drive this change. This is for them, with them, and about them,” said Prof Helena Teede.
Published in The Lancet, this is driving the name change and formal reclassification from an ovarian condition to an endocrine condition through the World Health Organisation.
“Worked closely with the 56 patient and professional societies through workshops, surveys and a final vote, we ensured all voices were heard. The authorship of the Lancet paper represented diverse disciplines, patient communities and world regions,” said Lead Academic, Dr Mahnaz Bahri- Khomami.
The awards identify and celebrate the most exciting engagement activities undertaken by universities that demonstrate far-reaching impact and innovation in the economy and community in Australia and New Zealand.
The awards judging panel commented on the exceptional quality of the submissions received this year.
Watch the submission video.
Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI)
T: +613 8572 2667, info.mchri@monash.edu
