AMWA Centennial Meeting a Resounding Success

With over 500 attendees, AMWA’s Centennial Meeting drew physicians, residents, and students from all over the world from destinations as far as South Korea and Nigeria. The meeting began with a visit to the home of AMWA founder, Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen in Michigan where visitors learned more about the history of this fascinating pioneer woman physician and her family. In Chicago, a Career Development Pre-course provided practical strategies and hands-on advice for women at all stages of their careers.

Meeting highlights included inspiring keynotes by Dr. Nancy Snyderman, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, Dr. Mae Jemison, and a host of distinguished speakers including best-selling author Nicholas Kristof, past or current presidents of Planned Parenthood (Cecile Richards), American College of Physicians (Dr. Molly Cooke), American College of Surgeons, (Dr. Patricia Numann), and American Bar Association (Laura Bellows), Dr. Janine Clayton (Director of the NIH Office of Women’s Health Research), breast surgeon advocate Dr. Susan Love, and three time Olympic medalist Katie Hoff. Leaders in academia included 4 women medical school deans — Dr. Deborah C. German, Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, Dr. Cynda Ann Johnson, and Dr. Linda Brubaker and a host of senior ranking medical professionals. Overarching themes of women’s empowerment, leadership, innovation, and health were woven throughout the weekend along with a call to action to aid victims of human trafficking. There was something for everyone – from the pre-medical student to the retired physician and a blending of the different specialties, backgrounds, and ages that make up the fabric of AMWA. Networking and mentoring sessions provided opportunities for collaboration; old friends reunited and new friendships were made. The sense of fellowship among those present was palpable as was the energy and vitality to launch AMWA’s next 100 years of history.

Please view AMWA’s Centennial Book here

Photos courtesy of Mary Ellen Morrow