AFMW congratulates former President Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis on her induction into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women
The Australian Federation of Medical Women is calling on AHPRA and the Australian Medical Association to urgently clarify how doctors’ lawful advocacy and professional speech will be protected following AHPRA’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism as a regulatory reference tool.
In the spirit of NAIDOC Week, the Australian Federation of Medical Women celebrates the 6th year of the Purple Bush Medicine Leaves Bursary Program by announcing nine (9) recipients of the 2026 Purple Bush Medicine Leaves Bursaries.
This is a summary extract from an article published in The Guardian by Josh Taylor, 5 July 2026.
“I would encourage our members to consider this appeal from DEA who urgently need donations to support a public awareness campaign focusing on the dangers of ongoing investment in fossil fuels, particularly gas projects.” Dr Brenda Masters, AFMW President
Meet Ms Ellen MacDonald, of Kamiliaroi heritage. Ellen has commenced a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 2025, at University of Queensland after successfully completing her Bachelor of Biomedical Science at UQ.
Meet Ms Eden Siemsen, a Gubbi Gubbi woman and qualified Paramedic, who grew up in Toowoomba (Giabal and Jarowair country) and now studying for a Doctor of Medicine at University of Queensland.
**APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED** – Now in its sixth year, the 2026 Purple Bush Medicine Leaves Bursary Program was launched Tuesday 26 May 2026, to coincide with National Sorry Day.
Dr Loyola Wills, is a medical woman of the Wagadagam Tribe, from Mabuiag and Badu Lag in Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait Islands). Loyola achieved a Bachelor of Arts (International Studies, Sociology, Legal Studies & ‘Indigenous’ studies, before completing a Doctor of Medicine MD at Flinders University, in 2023.
We are delighted to share this important announcement – the condition has not changed, but a new name feels so much more inclusive and is a welcome focus on a significant issue in women’s health
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