McGill Medical Students Launch Groundbreaking Women’s Health Initiative

A passionate group of McGill University medical students has launched an inspiring new initiative to raise awareness and drive change in women’s health. The Women’s Health Awareness Movement (WHAM) was founded in Fall 2024 and has quickly become a force within the McGill community, advocating for underrepresented women’s health issues and mobilizing impactful outreach across Montreal.

Back row: Anna Li (Medical Class of 2027, VP Finance), Chloë Witherow (Class of 2027, VP Communications), Allison Engo (Class of 2027, Founder and President), Justine Mathieu (Class of 2027, VP External), Mélysiane Marcotte (Class of 2027, VP Internal)

Front row: Rosie Fountotos (Class of 2027, VP Communications), Manon Brillouet (Class of 2028, VP Education), Mina Hmimas (Class of 2028, Class Rep), Derek Skolnik (Class of 2028, Class Rep), Zoé Frayret (Class of 2028, VP External) Not pictured: Ana Cuerrier (Class of 2027, VP Education), Florence Millette (Class of 2026, Class Rep), Taylor Morganstein (Class of 2026, Class Rep)

WHAM is led by a team of driven students, including Zoé Frayret, a first-year medical student who serves as VP External. The group operates in official partnership with two McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) programs: ProACT and EndoCARES, both focused on advancing care and education in women’s health.

“In the short time since our launch, we’ve worked hard to bring attention to health issues that often go unnoticed,” Frayret explains. “Our mission is to educate, support, and uplift the women in our communities through both advocacy and action.”

Shining a Light on Overlooked Health Issues

In February 2025, WHAM collaborated with Dr. Judy Luu, MUHC cardiologist and founder of the POWER Hub, to bring awareness to women’s heart attacks—a subject historically under-researched and misdiagnosed. The campaign highlighted the unique symptoms and risks women face, helping spread vital knowledge that can save lives.

Earlier, in December 2024, WHAM partnered with Chez Doris, a local shelter supporting women in precarious situations. Together, they donated over 200 articles of clothing and $2,800 worth of essential pharmaceutical products, all hand-packaged by the WHAM team. The initiative not only addressed immediate material needs but also brought warmth and dignity to some of the city’s most vulnerable.

Looking Ahead: Dragon Boat Race for Breast Cancer

As WHAM gains momentum, the team is planning an exciting summer fundraiser. In support of the Fondation Québécoise du cancer du sein, WHAM will host a Dragon Boat race, with proceeds supporting breast cancer research and treatment.

“This event represents everything WHAM stands for—community, collaboration, and meaningful impact,” says Frayret. “We’re incredibly excited to bring people together for a cause that affects so many.”

Growing a Movement

Though WHAM is still in its infancy, their energy and results are already drawing attention. They are now seeking partnerships, media coverage, and opportunities to share their message with a broader audience.

“We would love to connect with local platforms to share what we’re doing,” Frayret says. “Women’s health deserves more space in the public conversation, and we’re committed to being a voice for that.”

For more information, to get involved, or to support WHAM’s initiatives, follow them on social media or contact the team directly.