Victorian Medical Women's Society
The Victorian Medical Women's Society (VMWS) is the longest-running association of women medical practitioners and medical students. It was established in Melbourne, Australia in 1896 and is one of the oldest active medical organisations in the world. The aim of the society was to set a benchmark in women's health around Victoria, and to advance the professional development of medical women, through education, research, and the improvement of professional opportunities. The state-run society became affiliated with the national body, Australian Federation of Medical Women, and thereby the Medical Women's International Association.
Medical students at the University of Melbourne: Seated (L-R) Clara Stone, Margaret Whyte, Grace Vale, Elizabeth O'Hara. Standing (L-R) Helen Sexton, Lilian Alexander, Annie O'Hara.
Emma Constance Stone was the first woman to practice medicine in Australia. She played an important role in founding both the Queen Victoria Hospital, and the Victorian Medical Women's Society in Melbourne.
Constance Stone