An army of women doctors.

What was far-fetched a century ago has become commonplace today, as women match men in achieving medical degrees. The total number of women entering U.S. medical schools has increased every year since the early 1980s, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. And women’s share of the matriculating class has likewise increased, bumping from less than a third (31.4 percent) of all matriculants in 1982-1983 to a high of 49.6 percent in 2003-2004. In 2010-2011, women represented 46.9 percent of all matriculants.

The American Medical Women’s Association is committed to cultivating the next generation of women physicians. Medical students are not only invited to attend the AMWA’s annual meeting March 31-April 3, 2011, in Washington, D.C. But the AMWA offers a mentoring reception for AMWA students to glean advice and guidance on medical career decisions. It takes place just before the gala dinner on Saturday, April 2.

Founded by Dr. Bertha VanHoosen in 1915 in Chicago, the AMWA is made up of women physicians, medical students, and other health providers who serve as the voice for women’s health and the advancement of women in medicine. And in light of the recent news stories about the gender pay gap for physicians, they’ve got your back.

The AMWA’s annual meeting is a chance to bring women physicians together to strengthen the community and focus efforts. Events running in conjunction with the meeting include the Annual Women’s Health Congress. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin will be a featured speaker, and FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg will receive the AMWA Presidential Award at the gala dinner on Saturday, April 2.

For more information, visit the AMWA website. The meeting will be held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Washington, D.C.