On Friday October 17, 2008 months of planning and preparation came together at the leadership skills workshop at the Medical Women’s International Association Western Pacific Regional Congress. The afternoon sessions were attended by medical women from around the world, including 22 Australian medical women who received $15,000 in AFMW Leadership Scholarships to assist them to attend the Congress. The workshop was part of the 2008-09 AFMW Bridging Leadership Barriers Project funded by the Australian Government through the Women's Leadership and Development Programme.

The afternoon began with a lively presentation by Dr Gabrielle Casper, Immediate Past President of the MWIA on “Lessons Learned During MWIA Leadership Training”.

The excellent negotiation and difficult conversations workshop was facilitated by NSW-based lawyer and professional mediator Ms Shirli Kirschner and Victorian-based conflict management coach Mr David Bryson, who developed the sessions specifically for medical women attending the Congress.

Participants were provided with conflict management tools and skills that could be readily applied in their day to day practice.

Points discussed included:
- understand alternatives to gain perspectives
- keep the relationship in mind
- the importance of communication
- know that crucial conversations are characterized by emotion
- work with interests not positions
- expand options
- commit clearly
- centre yourself

At the end of the afternoon Dr Jillian Tomlinson presented details of the AFMW Bridging Leadership Barriers Project objectives and achievements. The session was officially closed by Dr Atsuko Heshiki, MWIA President, before Congress attendees proceeded to the Welcome Reception in the Sofitel Promenade.