20 April 2001
Australian gynaecologist, Dr Gabrielle Casper, is the new President elect of the prestigious Medical Women’s International Association.
Dr Casper, who practises in Sydney, was elected to the position by delegates to the 25th MWIA Congress being held at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney this week.
Currently the Chair of the MWIA Scientific and Ethics Committee, Dr Casper has extensive experience in the international arena, including representing MWIA to the World Health Organisation and United Nations.
Outgoing President Dr Lila Stein Kroser, from the United States, congratulated Dr Casper and said it was fitting that she be elected President.
“Australia has been a world leader in the participation of women in medical practice. Drs Lorna Lloyd-Green and Joan Redshaw (deceased) are the only other Australians to have been President of MWIA. Dr Lloyd-Green, a retired gynaecologist, is attending the conference and is the oldest delegate present.”
“The MWIA is the oldest international medical organisation in the world, established in 1919 when the British blokes wouldn’t let us in,” Dr Kroser said.
“Since that time we have been active in the areas of human rights and all medical practice that involves women.”
“My Australian colleagues tell me that Dr Casper’s involvement at international level has been invaluable to the organising committee for the congress taking place in Sydney.”
“Her knowledge of the serious health problems women experience throughout the world has influenced the choice of workshops on indigenous health, human rights, the influence of gender on women as patients and clinicians, violence and ageing.“
Dr Casper commences her term as President in 2004, from Canada’s Dr Shelley Ross who will take over from Dr Stein at this Congress.
Contact Claire Braund on 02 9420 4001 or 0409 981781 for interviews.
