Medical Women’s Society of the ACT and Region recently had an education night on healthcare delivery in low-resource settings on 5th Aug 2025 which was very well received within the local medical women community.
Report: Medical Women’s Education Night – ACT Region
Topic: Healthcare Delivery in Low-Resource Settings
Date: 5th Aug 2025
Location: F2F event at Capital Pathology Equinox, Kent Street Deakin
The Medical Women’s Education Night was convened to foster dialogue, share expertise, and build capacity among female medical professionals in the ACT region on the critical topic of healthcare delivery in low-resource settings. The evening aimed to highlight innovative approaches, ethical considerations, and practical strategies for improving patient outcomes in underserved environments—both domestically and globally.
1. Dr Elizabeth Gallagher – Obstetrics & Gynaecology in the Solomon Islands
Dr Gallagher, an OBGY specialist, shared her experiences supporting advanced gynaecological surgical procedures in the Solomon Islands. Her presentation offered a compelling look into the realities of working in a low-resource hospital setting, where both medical staff and patients face significant challenges. Key insights included:
- Limited access to surgical equipment and anaesthetic support
- The need for ongoing training and mentorship for local medical officers
- Cultural and logistical barriers to timely care for women’s health
- The importance of sustainable partnerships and capacity-building in global health
2. Dr Karima Hamed Faryabi – Leadership and Resilience in Politically Fragile Settings
Dr Faryabi, a medical pioneer and former Minister of Economy of Afghanistan, delivered a deeply moving and inspiring presentation on her leadership in public health, women’s empowerment, and medical service delivery in politically fragile environments. Drawing from her work with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and her personal journey, she emphasized:
- The importance of empowering local communities to take ownership of healthcare delivery
- Strategies for building resilient health systems amid political instability
- Her advocacy for women’s leadership in medicine and governance
- Her survival of three assassination attempts, underscoring the personal risks faced by those who challenge systemic injustice Her story resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the intersection of courage, compassion, and clinical excellence.
3. Dr David O’Rourke – Building Hope in West Timor
Dr O’Rourke, an OBGY specialist, shared a deeply personal and emotional account of his journey to establish a maternity hospital from the ground up in West Timor. His presentation highlighted the profound challenges and triumphs of delivering healthcare in a post-conflict, low-resource setting. Key reflections included:
- The logistical and emotional demands of building infrastructure in a low-resource environment
- The importance of community trust and local leadership and collaboration in sustaining healthcare services
- A heartfelt tribute to his late colleague, Dr Peter Scott, an OBGY specialist whose dedication and compassion left a lasting legacy in the region, Dr O’Rourke’s story served as a powerful reminder of the human spirit behind medical service and the enduring impact of collaborative care.
The evening also served as a platform for mentorship and collaboration. Junior doctors connected with senior clinicians who have worked in low-resource settings, fostering future opportunities for volunteering, research, and advocacy.
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.
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