AMA 16th National Conference 2004 - AMA Woman in Medicine and Women's Health Awards

The Woman in Medicine Award is presented to a woman who has made a major contribution to the medical profession.

"Dr Casper has dedicated her 25 year career to the development of education and training of Australian doctors at a national and international level, with an interest in medical issues affecting women's health," Dr Glasson said.

"Her advocacy for a woman's right to live without violence and to access medical care has resulted in an invaluable contribution to the development, maintenance and improvement of standards for women disadvantaged by diverse problems.

"Dr Casper is Chairman of the Australian Women's Coalition - an entity comprising 10 National Women's non-government organisations sponsored by the Commonwealth Office for the Status of Women. It was formed in 1992 to enhance networking between women's organisations and develop policies of benefit to women, which in turn will enable a stronger voice for women's health issues in the community," Dr Glasson said.

The Women's Health Award is presented to a person who has made a major contribution to women's health in Australia.

Dr Casper strongly advocates for the right of patients to information. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) funded Dr Casper to run workshops on Women's Health and Human Rights and she is currently working with colleagues to produce this information in a format for use in medical courses in Australia.

This year Dr Casper is principal investigator, undertaking a project called "Women Talk Cancer". This project, funded by the Commonwealth Office for the Status of Women, aims to develop a communication skills training workshop with appropriate resources for health professionals who treat female cancer patients from multicultural, indigenous and geographically isolated backgrounds.

Dr Glasson said winning both these prestigious awards is testimony to Dr Casper's outstanding contribution to women's health.

• 2004, President-elect, Medical Women's International Association
• 2003, Vice-President, NSW State Committee of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
• 2001, President, Australian Federation of Medical Women
• 2001, Conjoint Senior Lecturer, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales
• 1987, Member, Australian Medical Association

CONTACT: Dr Gabrielle Casper (02) 9966 9971 (bh)
Judith Tokley, AMA Public Affairs (02) 6270 5471; (0408) 824 306