International Women’s Day 2025

YourED spoke to six emergency physicians about their motivations, perspectives, role models and hopes for the future of women in emergency medicine.

What motivated you to work in emergency medicine?

FACEM Dr Fiona Bowles is the Director of Emergency Medicine in Northland New Zealand (Te Tai Tokerau): I really loved the common sense and the practicality of the emergency department (ED) – the immediate ability to help people, treat pain, fix fractures or wounds and reassure worries.

FACEM Dr Erica Kreismann is the Executive Medical Director at Ambulance Tasmania: Back in the United States, where I did my medical school and training, I loved that, while illness was the great equaliser, emergency medicine was the safety net. It didn’t matter who you were, where you were from or what your financial situation was – we cared first for the person in front of us and that aligned (and continues to align) with my values and core philosophy.

FACEM Dr Tahnee Dunlop is an emergency physician at South West Healthcare Warrnambool and the Deputy Director of the Centre for Rural Emergency Medicine at Deakin University: I always enjoyed being a part of a team and working at the hospital. I wanted to speak to people, do something somewhat procedural and have a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. I never had a desire to be in a consulting suite, so after a brief flirtation with obstetrics and gynaecology, emergency medicine was it. A bit of mentoring from some female colleagues helped, too.

FACEM Dr Shantha Raghwan works at Logan Hospital in southeast Queensland, on the lands of the Turrbul and Jaggera peoples, and is ACEM’s Queensland Faculty Chair: I moved from the UK intent on pursuing a career in obstetrics. But on my first day working at Maroondah Emergency Department, I was blown away by the awesome team culture and supportive bosses – a commonality to almost every ED I’ve worked in since. That, and the privilege of helping people on often the worst day of their lives, cemented emergency medicine as the career for me.

Dr Krupa Mehta is a FACEM in Sydney: Like every 10-year-old, I’d made up my mind. I was going to be a surgeon and firmly believed this right up until I did an ED rotation as a student when I realised that these are my people. The energy, the chaos, the ‘we handle anything’ attitude – this was my jam. Plus, no two days (or even two hours) are the same. One moment, I’m dealing with a trauma, the next, someone’s got a fork stuck in their thigh. It’s a front-row seat to the full spectrum of the human condition – triumph, tragedy and everything in between.

Why is it important to have female role models in EM to look up to and learn from? What difference has this made to you?

Dr Haddy Hughes is a FACEM at Sydney and Mid North Coast Local Health Districts: I was raised by an emergency nurse, and having my mum as my confidant is the best. For emergency medicine, it has been essential for me to be surrounded by strong women. Their perceptive medical lens, empathetic bedside manner, and ability to navigate their careers while balancing multiple family commitments have been admirable. I have a close circle of FACEM girlfriends who are each uniquely so impressive and dear to me; they’ve shown me what’s possible as a woman in EM.

Dr Bowles: My first ED job had 100 per cent female consultants, so I had great role models from the beginning. I knew it was a job that I could do well and would feel welcome in as a woman. Women in medicine still face greater challenges than males (such as being perceived as less capable leaders in resuscitations or taking on unpaid “emotional labour”, male anatomy still represented as the baseline in ultrasound text books and women’s health still under-researched and under-taught). It’s important we talk about and challenge these views and stand up for each other to change the subtle sexism that continues to weave its way through our existence.

Dr Kreismann: It is important to have female role models in EM for the same reasons that representation matters across the board. It sounds trite to say, ‘If you can’t see it, you can’t be it’, but there is truth to it. Knowing that the challenges that I faced had been navigated by others served to remind me that while it was difficult, it was still possible; women have always inspired and encouraged me along the journey.

Dr Dunlop: It is difficult to be what you can't see. Diversity in our workplace in all forms better represents our communities and makes it a more welcoming space for everyone.

Dr Raghwan: Quite simple: you can’t be what you can’t see. On top of this, female role models offer both insight into more senior roles and sponsorship into them. I wouldn’t be where I am without the guidance, support and encouragement of incredible female FACEMs like Dr Kim Hansen and Dr Clare Skinner.

Dr Mehta: Seeing is believing. Watching female consultants, Directors of Emergency Medicine Training (DEMTs), directors, and college presidents absolutely owning it makes it clear that yes, women belong in these roles, can lead, change the game and make things happen. Seeing strong women in these positions has reminded me that I’ve got what it takes to reach my own goals.

What do you look forward to most about your work?

Dr Kreismann: Being able to connect with people in their most vulnerable moments. Initially it was my patients, and as I have become more administrative it is my teams and people. To support, encourage, teach and inspire others as they have done for me over the years is a gift – and one that I am incredibly grateful for.

Dr Bowles: The teamwork! I love the fact that we are a family. Also, when a worried parent knows their child is going to be okay – that relief on their face. Giving people choice and comfort at the end of life is another area that brings me great satisfaction.

Dr Raghwan: Connecting with trainees, colleagues and patients. And that I’m teaching and learning something new every day!

Dr Mehta: Clichéd, but saving lives and making a real impact never gets old. Like most EM docs, I live for the adrenaline rush of the resuscitation room and the satisfaction of problem-solving under pressure. It’s equal parts science, strategy and sheer willpower – and I love every second of it (most of the time).

Dr Hughes: I work between Gadigal and Birpai lands, and it’s a great mix. I love walking into the department and not knowing what the day will bring. I really enjoy being able to work with some of my closest friends. And I always appreciate it when we sneak in an afternoon bubble tea order!

What would you say to younger women considering a career in emergency medicine?

Dr Raghwan: Picking a speciality is a big decision, and there’s no reason to rush it – take your time! Look to the female FACEMs in your department, then you’ll get a good idea of what your career can look like. Once you’ve decided on emergency medicine, start networking and getting involved! Join the Advancing Women in Emergency (AWE) Network and come along to local NoWEM (Network of Women in Emergency Medicine) events, as well the ASM and symposiums. Reach out to the awesome women FACEMs out there. It’s a very special community to be part of, you’ll love it!

Dr Kreismann: EM offers amazing opportunities. When you step outside of the traditional expectations and pathways, a career in emergency medicine can be as tailored or freeform as you might want it to be. Don’t be defined by the rules of others, don’t limit yourself to the traditional or obvious. Get clear on what lights you up and go find a way to make it happen.

Dr Dunlop: Go for it. Get in touch. Consider the Victorian Accredited Training Network Pilot in southwestern Victoria!

Dr Hughes: EM is a dynamic and challenging career with lots of flexibility and excellent job satisfaction. You may feel like you’re not the loudest or the most commanding in a resus situation, and hell yeah, imposter syndrome is real, but you will get there. And you will flourish! Your AWE network continues to make noise and strive for gender equity within the speciality and to keep it a safe and inclusive profession. I can’t wait to meet you!

Dr Mehta: DO IT. Seriously. If you’re even thinking about it, just take the leap.

🚀 You can have your cake and eat it – but you might have to take a few bites at a time.
💪 Apply for the job before you think you’re ready. Spoiler alert: you’re probably already more qualified than you realise.
🔥 And most importantly, show up as your unapologetic, authentic self – because that’s exactly what this field needs.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Dr Dunlop: With emergency medicine, there are so many possibilities. I embrace the opportunities. I am still thoroughly loving the coastal life. Living in Warrnambool on the lands of the Peek Whurrong people of the Maar Nations has made it hard to imagine not living next to the ocean.

Dr Bowles: I will still be Director of Emergency Medicine in Northland NZ (Te Tai Tokerau), as that is where my heart is. I’ll be fighting to eliminate inequities, building strategies that embody Pae Ora, providing excellent, culturally safe care to Māori, in an environment where Māori patients, whānau and staff feel valued and working as part of the Rainbow Employee network to make our hospital a safe space for LGBTQIA+ staff and patients. And, of course, mentoring and supporting women in EM.

Dr Raghwan: Still thriving in my clinical work! And getting more involved in governance and strategy both at ACEM and in community. I currently sit on CAPP (Council of Advocacy, Practice and Partnerships) and the Inclusion Committee and have loved every minute of it.

Dr Mehta: Hopefully in a leadership or mentoring role; co-director, DEMT, an examiner – anything is possible. I’d like to still be living at full speed, squeezing in career development, travel and my ever-growing list of hobbies. Basically, aggressively multitasking my way through life and loving it.

Dr Hughes: I hope to make a meaningful contribution to the progression of emergency medicine in The Gambia, and I’m hoping my groodle, Peggy, will be allowed to fly in the cabin by this time so we can go together! I would enjoy having more writing opportunities and to create a literary side-hustle. I’d love it if we were putting the finishing touches on our proposed clinic in Sydney for survivors of female genital mutilation/cutting.

What has been one of your proudest moments in the ED?

Dr Mehta: Getting the return of spontaneous circulation on a patient who had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. That almost never happens, so witnessing it firsthand was nothing short of incredible. It was one of those moments where you think, ‘Damn, this is why I do this job!’

Dr Raghwan: One of my first portfolios as a consultant was Primary Exam teaching and in the last 12 months I’ve seen several of those trainees become FACEMs. Watching them come full circle is an absolute joy.

Dr Dunlop: Difficult to choose one, but last year running a massive transfusion and retrieval for a young woman with multiple traumatic injuries after a fall off a horse. She survived with an excellent outcome which was a highlight.

Dr Hughes: Narrowing that down is hard, but a recent anecdote always makes me smile. During Christmas, I was looking after an infant whilst working in an area which faces a socioeconomic disadvantage. It was so much fun because we were given a supply of (frankly incredible) gifts for the kids, as many in that area often go without. Her six-year-old sister marched up to me and said, ‘Excuse me, are you the boss?’ I said, ‘Yep”. She said, ‘I wanna be like you’. I asked her why, and she replied: ‘Because you helped my sister, you tell everyone what to do, and you gave me a Christmas present. It’s my dream to work in this hospital.’ I told her she could do it, and I couldn’t wait until she was my boss one day!

Step up and join us for the inspirational International Women’s Day Webinar: Marching Forward, March 7, 10am - 12pm (AEDT). Thought-provoking speakers from CENA, NZNO, RACMA, RACP, RACS and ACEM will share their stories and insights about driving progress and addressing inequities. All are welcome.