OUR INITIATIVES AND PROJECTS
YOU CAN DO IT! WOMEN IN SURGERY SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN
We created a social media campaign to showcase stories of the incredible women in traditionally male-dominated specialties. These trailblazers share about times in their training when they felt supported and knew they had made the right decision to pursue their passions. The aim of this initiative is to inspire young trainees to follow their true passions and make stories of support and encouragement visible for women in surgery and other male-dominated specialties. If it helps even one female trainee pursue their dream, it's worth it! Follow along on our Instagram to see the latest posts!
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Our mentorship program connects physician mentors to medical students who are looking for wisdom and advice regarding everything from navigating medical school and residency to career choices and experiences as a woman in medicine.
This year, we will be expanding our program and connecting current medical students to young women and girls. The goal of this program is to inspire youth and provide female representation to those who may not have previously considered a career in medicine.Â
We typically have 1-2 formal mentorship events per semester. Keep an eye out for the next one!
WOMEN IN MEDICINE & WORK LIFE BALANCEÂ PANEL
We organize an annual panel intended for medical students, which features inspirational female physicians and residents from a diverse array of medical specialties. These physicians candidly speak about their experiences as women in medicine and balancing their careers with personal lives. Look out for this year's event (typically in first semester)!
CLERKSHIP 101 PANEL
We host a panel annually for first- and second-year medical students on tips and tricks for success in upcoming clinical rotations. Typically these occur in second semester, so see you there!
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE - PROVIDING TRAUMA INFORMED CARE WORKSHOP
We are developing a workshop for medical students based on WHO guidelines and recommendations for practicing trauma informed care.
NATIONAL HPV AWARENESS COMMITTEE
In partnership with FMWC Canada, we organize an annual awareness campaign on HPV, cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine. Join us this year (in person and on social media) October 1-7 in our rally against cervical cancer and HPV!
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH IN WOMEN
Women can have different presentations, symptoms, and recommended treatment compared to men when it comes to cardiovascular events. We are actively involved in raising awareness on gender disparities that exist within cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. We organize an annual talk on this topic, given by a local internist and intended for medical students and residents, particularly those in primary care (soon to be family physicians, emergency physicians, and internists).
ISLAND MEDICAL PROGRAM (VICTORIA, BC)
FMWC in Victoria has been actively involved in National HPV Awareness Week on campus at UVic and in the Pap Smear Campaign (in conjunction with Island Sexual Health) that has been coordinating appointments and shadowing for students. The island branch also held an event called Soup Sisters, an evening for women physicians and students to come together and cook soup at a local community center. Juggling Act is also a popular event on the island, where women physicians, residents and students share honest stories of their experiences as women in medicine, fostering connection and inspiration between attendees.Â
This year, in addition to these events and initiatives, look out for educational nights hosted by residents for medical students, the Period Products Challenge, and community educational workshops for the Women in Need Community Cooperative, AVI, SOLID, and Cool Aid Society!
