Padmini (Mini) Murthy, MD, MPH, MS is a physician and an activist who did her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has practiced medicine in various countries.  She has a Master's in Public Health and a Masters in Management from New York University (NYU).  She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist. Murthy has been the recipient of several awards and has presented at numerous national and international conferences.  Currently she is Assistant Professor, Department of Health Policy and Management and Global Health Program Director at New York Medical College School of Public Health. She is also Asst Professor in the Department of Family Community and Family Medicine. Murthy is the NGO Co-Representative of Medical Women's International Association to the United Nations.

The 63rd Annual United Nations DPI/NGO Conference (to be held in Melbourne from 30 August to 1 September 2010) is fast approaching. The theme for this year is "Advance Global Health: Achieve the MDGs". Specifically, the conference aims to examine critical issues such as bridging the health gaps that still exist and encouraging equity of treatment and access, addressing failed maternal and child health strategies, promoting civic activism around health and wellness and strengthening an integrated approach to achieving health for all.

A draft communiqué for participants has been released. Click here to read it in full.

Save the date: The 2010 AFMW Annual General Meeting will be held in late October in the ACT.  More details will follow shortly.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched a national campaign aimed at helping women avoid pregnancy discrimination at work. About 100,000 information packs are being sent to hospitals, GPs and other health service providers in metropolitan and regional areas throughout Australia. Pregnant women will receive the packs when they register with their preferred health professional after becoming pregnant. 

The Fair Work Ombudsman has had the power to investigate discrimination in the workplace since July 1, 2009. Fair Work inspectors can also investigate allegations of discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, sex, sexual preference, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, family or carer responsibilities, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin. For more information visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website. 

Accommodation of pregnant physicians is a key issue in human resources planning. The extent to which the needs of pregnant physicians are accommodated - or not - is recognised as a significant influence on maternal and foetal health, the well-being of the mother and child during pregnancy and postpartum, and female physicians' career progression, career choices and practice patterns.

Medicine and Motherhood: Can we talk? is a consensus statement developed by the Taskforce on the Accommodation of the Pregnant Physician and published by the Physician Health Program of British Columbia that aims to inform and promote discussion around the important issues of combining medicine and motherhood. Click here to download