Doctors invited to help fill a knowledge gap

Monday 2 November 2009

University of Newcastle researchers are investigating the impact of the two world wars on the careers of Australia's female medical practitioners.

PhD student in history, Ms Lis Gerrard said the wars had a profound impact on women building their careers as doctors, but their stories were yet to be told.

"Women doctors enlisted in the armed forces or served overseas in the allied forces however the majority of women doctors remained in Australia, often taking over the work of male colleagues who were away at war," Ms Gerrard said.

"This project aims to properly acknowledge the contribution of women doctors as they helped build Australia's identity in the 20th Century."

Researchers are inviting doctors of both genders, and former colleagues and relatives of doctors who practised medicine prior to 1955, to participate in the project by sharing their experiences.

People can register their interest by contacting Dr Lisa Featherstone by Sunday 15 November.