On September 27, 2024, the Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC) celebrated a historic milestone: 100 years of advancing women’s voices in Canadian medicine. The event also introduced Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass as the incoming president-elect, who will bring fresh leadership to an organization that has championed gender equality and healthcare reform for a century.
The FMWC was founded in 1924 by six pioneering female physicians who, at the time, faced significant barriers to entering and practicing in medical school. Their determination reshaped the field, creating opportunities for the generations of women physicians in Canada today. From its inception, the FMWC has led initiatives to support women in medicine and promote healthcare policies prioritizing women’s health and human rights.
The anniversary celebration included remarks from Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, who shared her experiences leading the nation through the COVID-19 pandemic. Government officials also reflected on FMWC’s vital role as a voice for women’s healthcare needs in Canada. The gala evening featured a performance by Voices Rock, a choir of Canadian women physicians, and the presentation of the King Charles III Coronation Medal to 49 distinguished FMWC members in recognition of their contributions to the profession. The 100th-anniversary event was meticulously organized by the planning committee comprising Dr. Mamta Gautam and Dr. Shelley Ross, who also put together a Centennial book on past presidents of the FMWC.
“It's a great honor and privilege to be the president-elect of the FMWC. I look forward to working with others to advance the vision of the organization,” Dr. Tunde-Byass shared in a statement, underscoring her commitment to the organization’s values and her dedication to tackling challenges in healthcare, including early pregnancy complications, maternal mortality, and the unique birthing experiences of Black women in Canada. Dr. Tunde-Byass is a prominent advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion and has been a vocal opponent of anti-Black racism in healthcare.
Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh, FMWC’s current president, also expressed optimism about the future under Dr. Tunde-Byass’s leadership. “We look forward to Dr. Tunde-Byass's leadership and voice on the FMWC executive,” she said. “She is a critical voice to help move us toward our vision that Canadian medical women are upheld and empowered professionally and personally and are viewed as strong advocates for women's evolving health and well-being.” Dr. Dosanjh herself received the Arnhem Medal, which has been used as the Presidential Insignia of the FMWC since 1947 and is presented annually, along with King Charles III's Coronation Medal, in honor of her contributions to medicine and healthcare.
With a century of advocacy behind it, the FMWC remains a key institution in Canada, dedicated to fostering leadership and mentorship among women physicians. As the organization looks toward the future, it continues its mission to address emerging healthcare challenges, champion women’s health, and support Canadian women in medicine in their pursuit of professional and personal growth. This milestone event not only celebrated the past but reaffirmed FMWC’s enduring commitment to shaping a more equitable healthcare landscape for the next generation.
