In this episode, Ishreen speaks to Dr. Marlene Abey-Wardner, an internationally recognised Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist. Dr. Marlene shares her remarkable journey in the medical field, highlighting her passion for women's health and her significant contributions to various medical organizations. Her insights on menopause and women in the workplace shed light on the need for awareness and support for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• St. Bridget's Convent provided an inclusive environment where students of different nationalities and religions coexisted peacefully, fostering lifelong friendships and global citizenship.
• Hard work, honesty, sincerity, and building relationships through friendship were highlighted as key factors contributing to career success in the medical field and professional associations.
• Dr. Marlene emphasized the importance of addressing menopause symptoms and providing support for women in the workplace, advocating for education, medical check-ups, and psychological support.
• Loyalty, sincerity, and being available to help friends in need were identified as essential qualities for maintaining lifelong friendships and contributing to personal happiness and success.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think the secret of anyone's success in life is the way you handle life and the person that you are internally."

"You asked me what is the secret of my success? Well, I think probably part of what I'd tell you would be because I've always worked hard in my profession and in whatever I do."

"Many women have struggled through work with hot flushes and mind freezes and, almost not realized that it was due to menopause. And their colleagues had no idea and just thought that they were having a nervous breakdown or something."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

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Website: https://belongingpioneers.com/privilege-research-and-podcast

Email: equitychampions@belongingpioneers.com

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ABOUT THE GUEST

Dr. Abeyewardene has held the post of Resident Obstetrician & Gynaecologist in the Ministry of Health in various hospitals across the world, in addition to serving as a Consultant. She has spent significant time teaching undergraduate, postgraduate students and training of midwives.

Dr. Abeyewardene is a Fellow of the Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, and the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists of the UK. She has been an active member of several professional associations and medical bodies holding various key positions in the capacities of president, council member and board member and has represented Sri Lanka in a large number of international forums.
In addition to many initiatives she has pioneered, she takes the credit of being a founder member of the Menopause Society of Sri Lanka, Founder Member of the Gynaecology Endoscopic Working Party and Prenatal Society of Sri Lanka.

For her role in assisting the women of Sri Lanka, Dr. Abeyewardene was awarded the FIGO – International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetric award of distinction for services rendered in improving the Reproductive Health of Women. She also received a special service award from the Aids Foundation of Sri Lanka for delivering pregnant mothers with HIV.

Dr. Abeyewardene joined Zonta Club One of Colombo as a member in 1989 and continues as an active Zontian to date. She enjoys this work as it provides her with an opportunity of being of service to women in spheres other than health.

ABOUT THE HOST

Ishreen Bradley, a Strategic Pioneer, excels in guiding Professional Leaders through complex challenges with clarity, confidence, and courage. She focuses on cultivating inclusive cultures and authentic leadership, offering senior leaders advice, consultancy, training, and coaching.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ishreenbradley/

Privilege, Eruption, Culture, Diversity, inclusion, Equity, diverse, cultural, impact, power: https://privilege-eruption.com