QMWS is proud of all of our members, students, DITs, consultants and retired members alike!
Two of our QMWS members have recently had significant achievements which are representative of their hard work, commitment and passion.
Dr Jennifer Schaefer
Dr Schaefer is the 2023 AMA Queensland Excellence in Health Care Medal winner, GP of 35 years and a fierce advocate for doctors’ mental health and Doctors’ Health in Queensland.
For anyone who knows Dr Schaefer – this award would come as no surprise. Dr Schaefer is a fierce advocate for the mental health and wellbeing of all medical professionals, student to retirees. Dr Schaefer has been the medical director of Doctors Health in Queensland since 2021 but has had long-standing involvement in the organisation prior to this.
Dr Schaefer’s medical career spans more than 35 years in primary care as a general practitioner, as well as roles in medical education (UQ Faculty of Medicine), clinical research, and medical reporting. She continues to serve as Patron of The University of Queensland Medical Society.
Dr Schaefer has a special interest in leadership and management, arising from post-graduate study at UQ and QUT Business Schools, and experience working as the Academic Lead for the UQ Medical Leadership Program. She has also served on the Board of Arthritis Queensland since 2016.
To hear more from Dr Schaefer please check out the upcoming Australian Federation of Medical Women Women on Boards Event
Dr Helena Franco
Dr Helena Franco, the 2021 R. G. Menzies Scholar to Harvard for a Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery, has won the Grand Prize at the Harvard President’s Innovation Challenge! Dr Franco and her team members Nicky Agahari and Mihir Shanker have become the first Australians to ever receive this prestigious prize.
Helena’s venture, InConfidence, originating from Harvard Medical School, focuses on utilising smart patch technology to treat urinary incontinence and overactive bladder. This innovative solution has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of many individuals.
Dr Franco has been a significant contributor to both the Queensland Medical Women’s Society & the Australian Federation of Medical Women, Helena has demonstrated continued support of her colleagues, both from a wellbeing and academic perspective. While early in her career, Dr Franco is a phenomenal leader with infinite potential.
