The Australian Federation of Medical Women (AFMW) is a not for profit, politically neutral, non sectarian, non government organisation that seeks to improve the health of all Australians, especially the health of women and children.
AFMW is a member of the Australian Women’s Coalition, partners with Doctors for the Environment Australia and is affiliated with Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA) and Climate and Health Alliance in Australia (CAHA).
We have a network of affiliated Australian state and territory societies:
An opinion piece worth sharing. As Victoria reports 2297 new locally-acquired COVID-19 cases yesterday. It’s the highest number ever recorded in a day. Another 11 people in Victoria have died after contracting COVID-19. Australia had the opportunity to do something truly remarkable in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead, we’re stuffing it up.
EVENT RECAP: To mark both National Work Health and Safety Month and National Mental Health Month in October, a special complimentary workshop was held 5 October looking at the health, safety and well-being concerns of people working in the healthcare sector – ‘Caring for the Carers‘. AFMW President Magdalena Simonis presented at the OSHM / Occupational Health & Safety / Work Safe. Watch the recording.
EVENT RECAP: Let’s get ‘cliterate’. Professor Helen O’Connell AO presented at our AFMW Open forum on September 22nd, and educated us around the complex anatomy of the female genital tract focussing on the clitoris. Her research is a world first and has instigated the ‘cliteracy movement‘ bringing the arts and science together. Watch the recording.
EVENT RECAP: Professor Caroline De Costa AM presented at our AFMW Open forum on August 25th in a Q&A style conversation between the two of us which was then opened up to the audience. Professor Caroline De Costa AM is Australia’s first female Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, sexual and reproductive health trailblazer, mother of seven, author of 15 books and numerous research publications. Watch the recording.
As part of the Strategic Plan in November 2020, I instigated a Medical Women in Technology and Health ( MedWiTH) group. The Technology Health (Digital Health) industry is THE FASTEST GROWING industry in medicine and intersects with many sectors and industries. In this “Taking Health” podcast I discuss the career opportunities and challenges that exist for women within the healthcare and technology space.
EVENT RECAP: AFMW state affiliate Victorian Medical Women’s Society (VMWS) recently presented a webinar on Intersectionality, Feminism and Health Equity. The following is a recap of this inspiring event.
Herstory this month features our own Dr Desiree AM, specialist gynaecologist in cervical dysplasia, esteemed AFMW member, current Vice President of Western Pacific MWIA, past President of AFMW and VMWS. Many years ago, Desiree called me at my practice and invited me to attend the WP MWIA regional conference that was taking place at the Sofitel Hotel in Melbourne. That was my first introduction to VMWS, AFMW, MWIA and the beginning of many wonderful experiences. Hopefully by reading these vignettes, you enjoy learning something new about career development and aspects of mentoring.
AFMW is exploring alternative banking institutions, as part of our commitment to climate change advocacy towards zero emissions.
Good news, but it comes with a twist. In this article, originally published in the RACGP’s newsGP, I talk about the gender equity implications of this decision and how this still discriminates against women.
15-17 OCTOBER. The annual Doctors for the Environment Australia’s conference is taking place Fri 15th Oct 2021, 2:00 pm – Sun 17th Oct 2021, 4:00 pm ACDT. The theme for iDEA21 is “Planet, Health and Hope”, an inspiring and important conference on climate and health run by Doctors For The Environment.
6 NOV: Dear AFMW Members, you are warmly invited to the first AFMW Annual General Meeting for the triennium which will be held via Zoom. Our AGM will be held Saturday 6th November, 10am-12:00pm (Melbourne/Canberra/Sydney); 11am-1pm (Brisbane). Please RSVP if you can attend or not. We welcome the submission of items for discussion.
14 OCT: Join us for the AFMW Open Forum “Medical Women in Technology and Health – MedWiTH ” as we host Dr Louise Schaper, CEO of Australasian Institute of Digital Health AIDH and Dr Amandeep Hansra of Creative Careers. Be inspired and learn how you can get involved in the biggest industry.
Join a passionate and dedicated group of women working towards equitable personal and professional opportunities for medical women and equal health care for all, especially women and children.
Support and further professional development of ACT and Region female colleagues, including medical students.
For 99 years, MWS NSW has been the peak representative body for medical women (including students!) in New South Wales.
No matter where you are in your medical career, VIC MWS is here to support you.
Supporting QLD medical women and advocating for equitable health for all, especially women and children.
The Australian Federation of Medical Women (AFMW) is operated by a volunteer team of medical women. Please contact us via our Facebook page or send an Email. Or use our contact form available here.
We welcome new members and participation in AMFW activities.
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