San Celebrates International Women’s Day
Sydney Adventist Hospital proudly hosted our annual International Women’s Day event, bringing together female specialists, GPs, medical students and healthcare leaders to connect, share experiences and celebrate the contributions of women in medicine.
This year’s theme, “Balance the Scales,” set the tone for an engaging and thoughtful discussion about progress, challenges and the future of women in medicine.
In a discussion expertly chaired by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nicole Phillips, the panel featured three remarkable clinicians at different stages of their careers:
- Dr Jingyi Cao, Head and Neck Surgeon, Surgical Oncologist and General Surgeon
- Dr Catherine MacManus FACEM, Co-Director of Medical Education and Training in the Emergency Department
- Dr Jennifer Posen, Haematologist

Each speaker shared insights from her own career journey, offering perspectives on how healthcare has evolved in recent years. The panel reflected on improvements in patient care and the increasing presence of women across traditionally male-dominated specialties.
The conversation also highlighted the growing awareness of women’s health considerations in medicine, including the impact of hormonal health, menopause and iron deficiency, as well as broader issues such as parental leave and the importance of inclusive medical research.
Looking to the future, the panel reflected on what progress they still hope to see in the future and offered thoughtful advice to their younger selves, emphasising resilience, confidence and the importance of supporting the next generation of women in medicine.
The event provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in healthcare while fostering connection and mentorship.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such a meaningful conversation.
