OUR HISTORY
PMWA Through
the Looking Glass
Life began for the Philippine Medical Women’s Association in March 27, 1949 when the country was just starting to go back on its feet, reeling from the havoc and devastation of the 2nd World War. It was then when 39 visionaries and valiant medical women led by Dr. Fe del Mundo bonded together at the University of Santo Tomas to breathe life into an association now called the PHILIPPINE MEDICAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION. The primary objectives of the association have been to foster closer relationship and fellowship among women doctors practicing and non-practicing, to make them a part of this organization which has envisioned to actively contribute to the betterment of the Filipino lives within its reach through health and civic services delivered by its members.
To describe the role of the PMWA and its notable contributions to Philippine history would mean going through the decades of sustained soaring achievements from our founding officers and members to the latest incumbent officers and members of our association. The first decade of the PMWA is significant in the Philippine History of Medicine for it has established a milestone on the Birth of Women Empowerment.
The 39 women doctors led by our highly esteemed Founding President Dr. Fe del Mundo lost no time in organizing the PMWA and finally had it incorporated in 1951. Blood, sweat and tears flowed as the officers and members worked to establish to introduce and to have the association be recognized by other medical associations in the country. They had to prove their mettle and boost their credibility through worthy projects like initiating charity clinics and mass health education in Matrology, at the same time launching a PMWA Journal. PMWA expanded base by creating provincial chapters, as membership grew countrywide so that more women doctors were mobilized to achieve the promised objectives of the association.
In no time at all, their efforts were rewarded. Recognition by other medical associations was achieved not only locally but also internationally as Dr. Fe del Mundo succeeded in making the PMWA an affiliate of the Medical Women’s International Association where she was to become the 1st Filipino president in 1963 to 1967.
OUR Vision
A National Association of women physicians dedicated in developing the members through the examples of its leadership, spearheading ways and means toward the upliftment of service to the profession, members and the community.
OUR MISSION
To promote professional and social advancement of its members.
To attain excellence in national and international leadership in the advocacy of providing high quality family oriented medical services.
To promote research, patient advocacy and community empowerment.
To promote the care and preservation of Mother Earth.