New book celebrates Australian women Army doctors

Wednesday, 19 November 2014

Stories of outstanding women who have served in the Australian Army as doctors and medical professionals in war and peacekeeping operations over the past century are the focus of a new book being launched in Adelaide next week.

Not for Glory: A century of service by medical women to the Australian Army and its Allies is co-authored by Susan Neuhaus, Associate Professor of Conflict Medicine at the University of Adelaide, and Dr Sharon Mascall-Dare, Adjunct Associate Professor of Journalism at the University of Canberra.

The idea for the book came from Associate Professor Neuhaus, a retired Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Colonel who served in Cambodia, Bougainville and Afghanistan.

In 2009, she was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement in the provision of medical support as the Commanding Officer of the 3rd Health Support Battalion.

Her experiences as a doctor in war and conflict zones are included in the book.

"This book highlights the significant contribution that women have made to military medicine throughout the past century," says Associate Professor Neuhaus.

"Not for Glory tells the stories of pioneering, courageous women who overcame adversity to serve their country.

"Their stories are inspiring and worthy of recognition as we mark the Anzac Centenary."

Co-author Dr Mascall-Dare, an award-winning BBC documentary producer, says: "The book tells the stories of outstanding women who have served in the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps from World War I until the present day.

"We have highlighted the contributions of many women whose stories of personal courage and medical skill have not been told before."

On Wednesday 26 November, the Chief Scientist for South Australia, Dr Leanna Read, will launch the book in Adelaide at an event sponsored by the University's Faculty of Health Sciences. Not for Glory will also be launched by the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison AO, at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra tomorrow.

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