FMWC Centennial Scarf “From Seed to Flower.” 6 poppies represent the 6
founders of the Federation. Note the insignia and the number 100 in the flower center.
From L-R: Dr Scarlett McNally, President, Medical Women’s
Federation of the UK, Dr. Connie Newman, Dr. Eleanor Nwadinobi, Dr. Shelley Ross, Dr. Julie Rutter (UK)
AMWA congratulates the Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC) on the Ooccasion of their Centennial Conference, marking a century of women physicians in Canada as “catalysts for change.” The meeting was held September 28-29, 2024 at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel in Ottawa, Canada.
Dr. Connie Newman, MWIA Vice President of North America and AMWA Past President, represented AMWA at the Conference. Welcome remarks were delivered by Dr. Eleanor Nwadinobi, MWIA President, and the landmark event was chaired by Dr. Shelley Ross and Dr. Mamta Gautam. In advance of the meeting, AMWA President Dr. Susan Hingle and AMWA Executive Director sent a letter to the FMWC leadership in support of the Centennial Conference.
“The FMWC Centennial was an outstanding meeting,” stated Dr. Connie Newman. “Of the many excellent lectures were Recognizing and Responding to Family Violence by Dr Anne Niec and Passion, Patience Persistence: Three Decades of Advocacy for Physician Wellbeing by Dr Mamta Gautam.” Dr. Ojistoh Horn received a standing ovation for her lecture describing the adversities facing indigenous women in Canada. Dr. Kimberly Williams, the 2023-2024 FMWC President, spoke on climate change and mental health as emerging issues for healthcare providers. Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh, the new 2024-2025 President of FMWC, moderated the meeting.
FMWC Centennial Book featuring past presidents, a list of firsts by Canadian women doctors,
and books written by Canadian women doctors.
A major theme was advocacy – for society, patients and physicians. Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, spoke about leading the country during the Covid-19 epidemic. The opening reception included governmental leaders reflections on the role of FMWC role as the voice for women’s healthcare. A highlight was the Gala which featured a performance by Voices Rock, the Canadian women physician choir and during which 49 members of FMWC were honored with a King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Established in 1924, the FMWC has been instrumental in advocating for gender equity in healthcare, fostering leadership among women physicians, and addressing critical issues affecting women’s health. This milestone anniversary highlights the organization’s enduring commitment to supporting female medical professionals and promoting excellence in healthcare, while reflecting on a rich legacy of advocacy, mentorship, and innovation over the past century.