Welcome to the Victorian Medical Women’s Society (VMWS), founded in 1896 to forge a closer relationship between female doctors and medical students, promote the interests of medical women and further their professional development.

In 1927 VMWS became part of the AFMW with its charter to promote the health and welfare of all Australians, particularly women and children.

Both aspects remain relevant today and central to our activities.

Our meetings reflect the diverse interests in the group. This year’s calendar includes a “How we do what we do” meeting; a practical workshop, “Talk the Talk” preparing for hospital interviews; a Lyceum lunch, with an Arts-Medicine focus, a Doctors- Lawyers meeting and the AGM with Dr Gytha Betheras as this year’s Constance Stone speaker and honoured award recipient. Prior to the AGM we will have a “Let’s talk about sex” afternoon on treating sexual difficulties in honour of the late Dr Elsie Koadlow OAM, a pioneer in the area.  

Beyond our meetings, VMWS, as part of AFMW is active in broader areas of women’s health, participating in national meetings on advocacy, climate change, women’s leadership programs and equal opportunity in the workforce as well as international meetings on ending gender-based violence. Those who wish to become more involved in areas of social justice related to medical practice have the opportunity to do so via VMWS.

Via our “Happy Healthy Women Not Just Survivors” project, we are committed to improving the longterm physical and psychological health of the one in three women with a history of sexual violence. In a country that recognises the importance of prevention of violence against women, we are advocating for gold-standard, integrated treatment from a medical workforce that understands the complex health problems over time of women with a history of sexual violence. We are joining colleagues in disciplines like law and social justice to further these aims.

I look forward to meeting you at our functions, hearing your ideas and enjoying our mutual contributions.

Best wishes

Raie Goodwach MBBS, MPS
President VMWS 2011

History of Victorian Medical Women's Society

The Victorian Medical Women’s Society (VMWS) was founded in September 1896 with the aim to further the professional development of medical women by education, research and improvement of professional opportunities. It promotes the health and welfare of all Australians, particularly women and children.

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