2023 Women Clinicians in Academic Leadership (WCAL) Symposium

On 31 March 2023 the Women Clinicians in Academic Leadership (WCAL) working group, with the support of the Melbourne Medical School (MMS), organised the second MMS WCAL symposium: Changing the system and culture of medicine to ensure women clinician scientists thrive.

Professor Natalie Hannan, Associate Dean Diversity and Inclusion, Professor Jane Gunn, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Professor Alicia Spittle, Associate Dean Research, Professor Margie Danchin, Director of Clinician-Scientist Pathways, Professor Nicola Lautenschlager, Head, Melbourne Medical School, at the Women Clinicians in Academic Leadership Symposium event.

(L-R): Professor Natalie Hannan, Associate Dean Diversity and Inclusion, Professor Jane Gunn, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Professor Alicia Spittle, Associate Dean Research, Professor Margie Danchin,Director of Clinician-Scientist Pathways, Professor Nicola Lautenschlager, Head, Melbourne Medical School.

Around 140 (75 in person and 65 online) current and aspiring women in academic leadership at all stages of their careers attended the event to share their own experiences and challenges and to gain valuable insights on developing intentional leadership, diversity, and life management skills.

The event was opened by Professor Margie Danchin, founder of WCAL and Director of Clinician-Scientist Pathways, along with a welcome from Professor Jane Gunn, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, and Professor Nicola Lautenschlager, Head of the Melbourne Medical School.

Keynote talks from Associate Professor Michelle Telfer, Paediatrician and Director of Adolescent Medicine and the RCH Gender Service and Christine Nixon AO, former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police inspired attendees to be courageous and embrace breaking down walls and taking risks in their careers.

Attendees were encouraged to share their personal stories and experiences during three engaging small group discussions led by the WCAL working group members. These discussions were specifically designed to foster the development of practical skills for the clinician researcher and facilitate meaningful connections among participants.

Christine Nixon AO, Former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Professor Margie Danchin, Director Clinician-Scientists Pathways, Associate Professor Michelle Telfer, Paediatrician and Director of Adolescent Medicine and the Royal Children's Hospital Gender Service, and Professor Nicola Lautenschlager, Head, Melbourne Medical School at the Women Clinicians in Academic Leadership Symposium

Christine Nixon AO, Former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Professor Margie Danchin, Director Clinician-Scientists Pathways, Associate Professor Michelle Telfer, Paediatrician and Director of Adolescent Medicine and the Royal Children's Hospital Gender Service, and Professor Nicola Lautenschlager, Head, Melbourne Medical School.

The day long symposium finished with a panel session led by Professor Marie Bismark, Law and Public Health Unit in MSPGH, exploring diverse viewpoints on overcoming speed bumps during our careers, both personal and professional. The panel session was followed by an insightful keynote talk from Dr Neela Janakiramanan, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon from Eastern Health, on what gender equity, diversity and inclusion really looks like in our workplaces and social spaces, and how can we effect change.

Recordings of the event can be found on the Women Clinicians in Academic Leadership (WCAL) webpage.

Attendee comments:

“This was a soul nurturing event with like-minded women, doing similar roles to me.  It was lovely to see how mindful and value led their actions are, and what can be achieved by living intentionally by your values.”

“Loved the format and content of today, thank you!”