Medical Women's Society of New South Wales (1921 - )

The Medical Women's Society of NSW was founded in 1921 to advance the interests of medically qualified women in professional practice. It was active in establishing the Australian Federation of Medical Women and continues to work for medical women in New South Wales.

After its foundation, the Society's first action was the establishment of a hospital staffed entirely by medical women. The New Hospital for Women and Children was opened on 2 January, 1922, at 11 Lansdowne Street Surry Hills. In 1925 it was moved to George Street, Redfern, and became known as the Rachel Forster Hospital for Women and Children.

It also became involved in forming the Australian Federation of Medical Women and became affiliated with the Medical Women's International Association, formed in the USA. in 1919. Currently, it also has representatives on the National Council of Women of New South Wales and on the New South Wales Medical Defence Union.

Historically, the Society was involved in achieving significant outcomes for medical women, including, obtaining equal rights on hospital residencies and pay. It has also financially supported medical students and makes recommendations to State Government inquiries on health related matters.

As of 2004, the Society was involved in the following activities:
Mentorship program for young medical women.
Joint seminars with the Women's Lawyer's Association and the Women's Dentist's Association.
Bi-annual weekend seminars for members and their families.
Awarding an annual prize for the top female medical graduate at each university.
Coordinating two general meetings each year with guest speaker(s).
Responding to enquiries from overseas medical women graduates.

Affiliated

• Australian Federation of Medical Women (1927 - )

  [1927 - ]