About the MWS of the ACT and Region

We support and further the professional development of our female colleague in the ACT and Region.

About Us

The Medical Women’s Society of the ACT and Region aims to foster communication between medical women, both in the ACT and in the surrounding NSW towns. Our members live and work as far away as Crookwell and the Sapphire coast and we cater for all ages. We have a strong link to the Medical Schools of Sydney University and the ANU, with student representatives from each of these schools on our committee.

Our Membership

The student membership is free, while we ask $102.00 as an annual membership for the qualified members, to pay for costs and for the affiliation fees for the Australian Federation of Medical Women (AFMW). There is a $20 discount for Retired Members. As a member of NSW ACT & Region, you can also secure affiliate access to AFMW. We welcome new members

Our Role & What We Do

Networking

We are a networking group. Our members have a variety of different needs and we create networking opportunities for those in the region.

Events

We meet five times a year. Usually associated with dinner or cocktails often with an educational or inspirational component.

Student Mentoring

Through our student committee members we have been made aware of certain problems and have been able to support morally and practically.

Our Aims

To support, and further the professional development of, our female colleagues, including medical students
Practical concern for women and children on a global scale

Our Affiliations

We are affiliated with the Australian Federation of Medical Women which is in turn affiliated with Medical Women’s International Association. We have members on multiple national Women’s lobby groups, particularly in relationship to women’s health.

Our Executive on Committee
2024

Dr Anita Hutchison

President

Dr Brenda Masters

Vice President

Dr Kristi Bateman

Treasurer

Dr Linda Welberry

Secretary

Our History

In 1896 Australia’s first medical women’s society was formed by an inspiring group of ten Victorian female doctors, including Constance Stone.

The AFMW was formed in 1927 and today the AFMW offers an important network for female doctors Australia wide.

After 1950, other states, including MWS ACT and Region, were formed.

The History of the Medical Women’s Societies

1895

Victorian Medical Women’s Society (VMWS)

1919

Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA)

1921

Medical Women’s Society of New South Wales (MWSNSW)

1927

Australian Federation of Medical Women (AFMW)

1929

Queensland Medical Women’s Society (QMWS)

1950+

SA, WA, ACT, Tasmanian Medical Women’s Societies

1995

Supporting Women In Medicine (SWIM) – student organisation, University of Queensland

National & International Affiliates

Interested in being involved?

We welcome new members and participation in MWS ACT And Region activities.

Our Constitution

Our Constitution has been written to optimise inclusive and effective management of our aims, and can be accessed here.

Most recently updated November 2023.