Recap – September Meeting
The QMWS100 centennial working group continues to make great progress as we gather monthly to plan and brainstorm for the upcoming 2029 centennial celebration. This month, Dr. Lydia Pitcher, Dr. Kathryn Mainstone and Dr. Chloe Hang were delighted to welcome two special guests: Dr. Zelle Hodge and Jane Connolly.
Dr. Zelle Hodge has had an outstanding career in medicine, particularly in leadership and advocacy for women in healthcare. She was honoured with the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her contributions to the profession and her commitment to supporting women in leadership roles. Dr. Hodge has also served on the University of Queensland Senate and held key leadership roles, including past president of both QMWS and AMAQ.
Jane Connolly is an experienced educator, teacher librarian, school library consultant and corporate communications specialist. As a lover of stories, Jane worked with fellow QMWS member, Dr. Johanna Skinner, in compiling an anthology of COVID stories and producing a social history of the 75 years of Camp Hill Healthcare GP clinic. Together with Dr. Skinner, Jane is a founding member of Brisbane Scribes, a group supporting and challenging other aspiring writers in their literary pursuits.
During the meeting, we explored the idea of creating a QMWS Centennial Book and an accompanying unique quilt featuring 100 tiles with 100 stories. Each tile can commemorate significant milestones achieved by medical women, to celebrate the accomplishments of prominent figures from the past and highlight current medical women who are shaping the future of medicine.
Jane’s expertise as a literary scribe, along with Dr. Hodge’s invaluable historical insights and deep knowledge of QMWS’s legacy as a past president, will be instrumental in bringing these ideas to life.
Alongside the book and quilt project, we have a variety of exciting events and initiatives in the works to build momentum as we approach the centennial celebration. Stay tuned for more updates!
We extend heartfelt thanks to Melissa Kerr and Jo Cherriman for hosting us in the beautiful Emeritus Professor Mary Mahoney Boardroom at Herston UQ Medical School, and for arranging convenient parking during Ms. Lucy Reid’s absence.
Next Meeting
Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 1 October 2024, at 1 pm in the Emeritus Professor Mary Mahoney Boardroom, Herston Mayne Medical School. We invite all interested members to join us in preparing for the centennial celebration. To participate, please contact Dr. Lydia Pitcher, Sponsorship/Bursary Team Lead, at [email protected]. Parking is available on-site with prior arrangement. We look forward to your involvement!
