Lady Estelle Wolfson Conference Bursary – post-conference report
By Alice Letherby
I really enjoyed attending the MWF Spring Conference, I have gained knowledge, contacts and insight into being a female doctor and women’s health. I will definitely try to attend another MWF conference and would recommend the MWF to all my colleagues interested in improving the healthcare system and women’s health.
Interesting sessions
The session I found most thought provoking was the Panel discussion from the variety of Medical Women’s Groups. Firstly, it was incredible to have a room full of high-achieving inspirational women working to improve the healthcare system. I found the points relating to pregnancy support and career progression extremely interesting, I hadn’t realised that there were so many gaps in support, but I found having this shared understanding and plans to improve the system with other female doctors encouraging. I believe in order for the system to change, we need to talk and talk loudly about the issues female doctors are facing.
I also enjoyed the podium presentation on The Role of Women Doctors in Developing Clinical Practice Guidelines. This talk followed on from my own presentation relating to gender specific guidelines for angina assessment. This furthered my understanding of the gaps in sex specific research and guidelines and has provoked me to try to pursue further research into this area.
Influence to current practice
In regard to how the conference will influence my current practice, I found hearing the talks from many successful female doctors inspiring. I particularly think about the presentation ‘The 51% - why women matter’ by Ms Stella Vig, this talk made me question why women aren’t often recognised for their achievements throughout history. Hearing Ms Vig’s story about pursuing a career in a male dominated field was inspiring. I aspire to ensure that I am more confident when presenting myself and when asking for opportunities relating to career progression.
Benefit at present and future career aspirations
I was grateful for the opportunity to present my audit on gender variation in the use of functional imaging in the assessment and treatment of angina at the MWF conference, this was my first time presenting at a national conference. This experience has improved my confidence and skills in public speaking and communication. Presenting at the MWF conference will also benefit me in regard to portfolio points and my CV as presenting at a national conference will positively impact my applications relating to career progression. I was very appreciative to have won the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Oral Abstract Prize for my presentation; winning this prize has improved my confidence in my abilities in public speaking and I can also use this prize to improve my portfolio for job applications.
I was also able to network at the conference and gained contacts to get involved with further research opportunities. This will allow me to explore my interests in improving women’s health further, and improve my research skills and portfolio, all of which will benefit me in regard to my career progression.
