[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 132 (Friday, August 2, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1030]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               MEDICAL WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KIM SCHRIER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2019

  Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Medical Women's International 
Association (MWIA), one of the oldest international professional 
organizations, representing women doctors worldwide.
  In 1919 New York City, American physician, Dr. Esther Pohl Lovejoy, 
along with international colleagues from 16 nations, founded MWIA and 
became its first President. Over the century, MWIA has grown to 
encompass over 80 countries as either national associations, like the 
American Medical Women's Association, or as individual members.
  One hundred years ago, there were very few women in the medical 
field. Organizations like MWIA provided support for women in medicine 
and more importantly provided a community for them to share medical 
knowledge as well as promote collegiality around the world. At the time 
of MWIA's founding, a major challenge for women was the accessibility 
of medical education. Fortunately, this obstacle has been overcome in 
many nations. The sacrifice of these earlier trailblazing doctors 
helped pave the way for future ones like me.
  Yet the number of women in senior leadership positions shows that the 
work of MWIA is far from over. By investing in women physicians, MWIA 
provides the network and support system to mentor and advocate for 
future leaders in the medical field. In addition, MWIA works to improve 
the health of women worldwide, advocating for gender specific 
healthcare, promoting equity, and addressing social determinants of 
health.
  Congratulations again to the MWIA for their 100 years of important 
work. Their tireless work to open doors for women in medicine has 
improved the health of generations of women, men and children around 
the world, and for that, we all are grateful.

                          ____________________