The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) has been actively engaged in various initiatives, demonstrating a deep commitment to healthcare improvement and advocacy. Here are some recent highlights:
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Obesity Management: AMWA held a Congressional Briefing in December (The Heart of It All: Impact of Obesity on Cardiometabolic Health) with legislative representatives to advocate for treating obesity as a chronic disease. We are gearing up for a Summit on Cardiometabolic Health, Obesity, and Women in February 2024.
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Women Physicians on Boards: Emphasizing the importance of diverse leadership, AMWA encourages women physicians to participate in board leadership. To facilitate this, we are collaborating with Women Who Lead and Korn Ferry to offer programs focusing on preparation for board membership.
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Gun Violence Prevention Advocacy: AMWA’s Gun Violence Solutions Task Force is working to address the ongoing crisis of gun violence and the sobering fact that firearms are now the #1 cause of death of children in the U.S. Dr. Eliza Chin, AMWA Executive Director, participated in the 11th Annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence, a solemn event that united a community of survivors, advocates, and leaders, including former Representative Gabby Giffords and First Gentleman Douglas Emhoff.
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September Women in Medicine Month Celebration: AMWA celebrated women physicians in September, acknowledging past trailblazers and current leaders. They also welcomed new participants to their signature Leadership Programs, ELEVATE (physicians) and EVOLVE (trainees). These programs are open to those in MWIA at the member rate.
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Violence Against Women: AMWA’s Domestic Violence Committee hosted a ½ day Summit in October and is working on a toolkit for healthcare practitioners. Physicians Against the Trafficking of Humans (AMWA-PATH) committee has been notably active in providing training sessions on recognizing signs of human trafficking.
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November Caregiving Month featured a screening and filmmaker discussion with “Wine, Women, & Dementia.” This poignant film by Kitty Norton delves into the human aspects of dementia caregiving, emphasizing community support as an essential element in the absence of a cure.
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White House Holiday Receptions: AMWA President Dr. Elizabeth Garner and Executive Director Dr. Eliza Chin attended a special White House reception with the President. AMWA leaders were also delighted to participate in special holiday tours of the White House facilitated by the Office of Public Engagement.
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AMWA at the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates Meeting: AMWA had a significant presence at the AMA House of Delegates Interim Meeting, contributing insights and support on various healthcare resolutions. Dr. Neelum T. Aggarwal serves as our delegate, Dr. Roberta Gebhard is our Alternate Delegate, Dr. Tiffani Bell Washington is our Women Physicians Section Governing Council representative, and many other leaders hold various representative roles on councils/ committees.
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Advocacy Efforts: AMWA continues to advocate for women’s health research, reproductive health access, sex and gender-specific healthcare, and pay equity.
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Annual Meeting Announcement: AMWA invites MWIA members to participate in our virtual Annual Meeting from March 22-24, 2023. Themed “Thriving, Leading, Transforming: Securing Your Future in the Changing Landscape of Medicine,” the meeting promises to be enlightening and inspiring. Our Keynote speakers include Congresswoman Kim Schrier, MD, Carrie Cunningham, MD, & Hanna Riley Bowles, DPA, MPP.
AMWA’s endeavors in these areas testify to our dedication to shaping healthcare and advocating for critical issues. We welcome MWIA to follow our ongoing and future projects to find ways to participate and contribute.
Karen Y. Poirier-Brode
National Coordinator