This is my report about the activities of our organization in 2023-24.

As well as the very successful, vibrant and multifaceted DACH (Deutschland, Austria, CH Switzerland) Congress in Vienna on 23rd November entitled “Fair medicine tomorrow”, we held our annual conference in Zurich on 23rd September, with presentations on the recurring issue of “being a woman and mother in the medical profession”, digitalization in medicine, stress and burnout among female medical students, careers as a female physician as well as “gender discrimination and sexual harassment among medical students and physicians”. In a workshop, we discussed what an inspiring workplace should look like for a female doctor. In addition, networking events were organized. Firstly, for young women: Chief physicians from various fields presented their work and answered questions, with the aim of promoting their work. More practice-oriented and very popular were suturing courses. Further networking meetings were dedicated to postpartum depression, retirement planning for female physicians and gender medicine. And there was also a visit to the Zoo in Zürich to learn about sexual diversity in the animal world.

In May 2024, a new section of the MWS was formed: the Association of Chief Medical Women Switzerland (CMWS). We are looking forward to its activities.

Dr Adelheid Schneider-Gilg
Swiss National co-ordinator and past-president
Swiss representative on MWIA Executive Committee