Marie Bashir Address
The annual Marie Bashir Address is one of the Sydney University Medical Society’s (SUMS) premier academic and social events with a focus on celebrating the achievements of women in medicine. The inaugural event held in 2005 was originally a “Women in Medicine Mentor Dinner”, organised by Gemma Winlo, a Women’s College resident and active SUMS member. In 2014, Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO, became our patron. Today, the Address continues to both honour Professor Bashir’s contributions to medicine and society, and serve as an opportunity to highlight the achievements of women in the health community. A keynote speaker who has made significant contributions to her medical field is invited to share her experiences.
The Marie Bashir Address provides a unique opportunity for staff, students, alumni and other guests to meet, share stories and engage with contemporary issues. In the spirit of the original event, the Marie Bashir Address is an evening where mentorship is fostered between students and members of the medical community.
Whilst this event aims to highlight the accomplishments of Women in Medicine, all medical students, staff and guests are encouraged to attend, regardless of gender.
This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Marie Bashir Address invites you to a Zoom webinar featuring our keynote speaker, Professor Kerryn Phelps AM, followed by a Q&A discussion.
16th Annual Marie Bashir Address (2020)
Watch the 2020 Address here
Keynote Speaker
Professor Kerryn Phelps AM
General Practitioner, Public Health and Civil Rights Advocate, Independent Politician
Professor Kerryn Phelps AM is one of Australia’s best-known doctors and public health advocates. In addition to over 30 years working as a general practitioner, Prof Phelps was the first female and first LGBTQI+ President of the Australian Medical Association, and has held roles as Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney and as an independent federal MP for Wentworth.
In her roles within both the medical and political spheres, Prof Phelps is a vocal health and civil rights advocate. Under her presidency, the AMA developed its first position statements on complementary medicine, sexuality and gender diversity, the medical response to bioterrorism, and the association between climate change and human health. During her time in federal parliament, Prof Phelps played a crucial role in introducing the Medevac Bill, and championed health equality for refugees and asylum seekers, Indigenous Australians, vulnerable children and the LGBTQI+ community.
Professor Phelps is also a pioneer in the field of health communication. She has been a prominent Australian public health figure over the last 25 years, presenting a variety of health and fitness programs on television and radio, and authoring a number of newspaper and magazine columns. She has also written 5 health and wellbeing books for the general population.
Professor Phelps is currently an advisory board member and conjoint professor at the NICM Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University, and a Councillor on the City of Sydney Council. Her latest book was published in April this year.
When: Wednesday 19th August, 2020
Time: 7pm
Where: Zoom
Topic: “Doctors as Activists and Advocates”