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About SWIM

An Overview of SWIM

SWIM, or Supporting Women in Medicine as it is officially known, is a non-profit organisation run by medical students of the University of Queensland’s School of Medicine. We were founded in 1995 and now boast over 200 members, most of whom are female medical students. As a non-profitorganization, SWIM aims to provide an academic and social forum to addressissues of women in medicine and the community in general. Some of the areas we focus upon include equality of access to leadership and academic positions for female doctors, career management and women’s access to health care, both locally and internationally. Some of the ways that we achieve this are through:

• An academic and social calendar that aims to provide a less male-dominated perspective of medicine, and provide role models for female medical students
• .Providing opportunities for students to learn about how to manage their career, particularly in the context of creating a work-life balance.
• Act as a contact and referral point for services available to women in the medical field.
• Fundraise for charities that support women’s advocacy and access to health care.

We actively encourage women to strive for their own personal career goals and provide information and role models to medical students and young training doctors to increase awareness of the career choices available to them as medical professionals.

Charity Support

SWIM is aiming to take on a much more active role in charity fundraising. Our philanthropic actions are driven by one of our aims of raising the profile of women’s health issues and increasing access to health care. It is through the generous support of our sponsors, in assisting with organisational costs, that we are able to expand this program.

Cystic Fibrosis

On the 14th of February 2006, we raised approximately $300 for Cystic Fibrosis (and are currently selling badges) in conjunction with the UQ Medical Student Society through the inaugural UQMS/SWIM Valentine’s Day Rose Fundraiser. Roses were ordered and then delivered to the medical student’s “sweetheart” by SWIM and UQMS staff on Tuesday the 14th. Each beautiful rose was accompanied by a personalised message in a handmade card. Surf Lifesaving Australia, National Breast Cancer Foundation SWIM will be supporting these charities through our participation in theannual Adidas International Women’s Day fun run/walk and Women in Super Mother’s Day fun run.

DV Connect

DV Connect is a Queensland-based domestic violence support agency, operating both womensline and mensline. They provide a variety of crisis services for those involved in domestic violence situations, including counselling, crisis intervention and coordination of emergency refuge and shelter placements throughout Queensland. The prevalence of domestic violence within our society is often overlooked, and the majority of victims are women and children. Doctors and other health care professionals can play a vital role in prevention and harm minimisation, if they are aware and equipped with strategies to intervene. DV Connect will be the recipient of funds raised through our IWD Cocktail Night, and will be an opportunity to support an important service provider and at the same time raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence among medical students. We feel that supporting this charity exemplifies the 2006 IWD theme – Women – striving for a peaceful society. $5 from every cocktail party ticket will go towards DV Connect.

International Women’s Development Agency

International Women's Development Agency is an Australian based non-government organisation which undertakes projects in partnership with women from around the world, giving priority to working with women who suffer poverty and oppression. The development which IWDA promotes is the equitable growth of people and communities, and the just distribution of basic resources and respect for human rights. IWDA projects aim to improve the health of women and girls with a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health, including the reduction of maternal mortality. Projects are currently underway in Thailand and Vanuatu focus on sexual health, HIV/AIDS prevention, reproductive health and addressing violence in relationships. SWIM will be supporting the IWDA in conjunction with TIME (Towards International Medical Equality), another medical student group. Both groups share in interest in promoting access of women’s health care internationally, and this charity has been selected as an Australia-based organisation that is working towards this goal.