Abstract
This year, as we celebrate the 95th Anniversary of the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA), we can reflect on the many achievements we have attained as women in medicine. Back in 1915 when AMWA was first founded, women physicians were a distinct minority in America, comprising around 5%–6 % of all physicians.
Today, these numbers are vastly different. Women medical students now represent nearly 48% of entering medical students. These achievements have been significant, but not without challenge and sacrifice. For nearly a century, AMWA has been at the forefront, a tireless advocate in promoting women in medicine and women's health. Here are some of our most recent accomplishments and current initiatives.
Accomplishments
A highly successful 95th Anniversary Meeting in conjunction with the 18th Annual Women's Health Congress, which drew over 1000 joint attendees.
AMWA's Day on the Hill cohosted with Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health (PRCH), which connected physicians and legislators on a pivotal day when the nation witnessed Health Care Reform become the law of the land.
Recognition of AMWA's 95th Anniversary by Senator Barbara Boxer (CA) in the U.S. Congressional Record, Proceedings and Debates of the 111th Congress.
Established and hosted the first annual Networking Alliance meeting with over 15 allied organizations, including the American Medical Association-Women Physicians Congress, Association of American Medical Colleges, Doctors for America, National Physicians Alliance, and the Association of Women Psychiatrists, to align initiatives and collaboration efforts.
Developed Advancing Women's Health, an Interactive Virtual Library for Sex and Gender-Specific Women's Health Education Resources.
Continued charitable support of clinics worldwide through the American Women's Hospital Service (AWHS), most recently supporting Haiti after the devastating earthquake.
Established a new Residency Division to bridge the gap between medical students and physicians and meet the specific needs of women in training.
Initiatives
Faces of AMWA, an online exhibition of women in medicine.
A webinar series to address such issues as gender equity, contract negotiation, mentorship, and career-life balance.
Health education programs in line with the First Lady's Initiative to eradicate childhood obesity.
Reorganizing and growing Physician Branches to create more of an impact at the state level for members, their constituents, and women in medicine nationwide.
Cervical cancer prevention in partnership with the Pearl of Wisdom Campaign.
Partnerships in national coalitions: Stop Obesity Initiative, U.S. Bone and Joint Decade, and Vision 2020: An American Conversation about Women and Leadership.
Opening of the AMWA Legacy Exhibit at Drexel University's Archives and Special Collections.
Underage drinking prevention, particularly in young women.
We are working hard every day to fulfill our mission: to be an organization that functions at the local, national, and international levels to advance women in medicine and improve women's health. We achieve this by providing and developing leadership, advocacy, education, expertise, and mentoring and through building strategic alliances.
For 95 years, AMWA has been the vision and voice of women in medicine. As we begin our Countdown to a Century, we hope that you, too, will be part of this wonderful legacy.
Footnotes
Disclosure Statement
The author has no conflicts of interest to report.