CHICAGO – The Polish-American Medical Society will induct five extraordinary Polish female physicians as new international Honorary Members at its 64th Annual Physicians’ Ball on February 1, 2014 at the Ritz-Carlton. Additionally, Chicago-based distinguished physician Prof. Ewa Radwanska will be decorated with the Cavalier’s Cross of the Order of Merit by the Consul General of the Republic of Poland.

The proceeds from the Ball will go to the Gift from the Heart Foundation, helping children from Poland receive specialized surgical treatment in Chicago.

“With more than 480 physician-members who represent many specialties, we are the largest Polish medical émigré organization in the world,” said Society President Dr. Kornelia Król. “Our goals are to integrate medical professionals, serve Chicago-area Polonia and support students of medical sciences though scholarships. We are also a major supporter of numerous charitable causes through fundraising efforts.”

The Ball will welcome five distinguished Honored Guests, who will travel from three continents to attend.

• Dr. Krystyna Grabowska is a graduate of the Silesian Medical University, and also studied in the U.K., Sweden and Germany. She settled and worked in Zambia in 1981, and Zimbabwe in 1985, where she teaches at the University Hospital in Harare and heads a large private practice. She is the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Zimbabwe.
• Dr. Stella Nowicki, a dental graduate of the Gdańsk University Medical Academy, is an Endowed Professor in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Microbiology as well as founding Scientific Director of the Center for Women’s Health Research at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn. She is author of more than 180 publications, an active member of numerous scientific societies, and serves on editorial boards of immunology and infectious disease journals.
• Dr. Jadwiga Roguska-Kyts is a graduate of the Poznań University Medical Academy. She completed her residence and fellowship training at Northwestern University in Chicago and has worked there for 50 years as a researcher, educator, nephrologist and faculty member. She has also worked as Attending Physician at Cook County and VA Hospitals in Chicago. Her Charitable Foundation recently provided funding for the construction of a large new center for Alzheimer’s patients in Poznań, Poland.
• Dr. Bronislava Sivicka lives and works in Lithuania and received her medical degree from the University of Vilnius in 1967. She has served as Director of Internal Medicine at a Vilnius hospital, Chair of Medicine at the University Hospital, and Director of post-graduate training programs. She is author of more than 40 scientific publications, and serves as President of The Polish Medical Society in Lithuania.
• Dr. Maria Ogonowska Wisniewska is a graduate of the Warsaw University Medical Academy, and has worked in Zambia for 40 years, specializing in Aviation Medicine. She has worked as the head of the local Red Cross, was instrumental in the building of the local cathedral as well as organized Pope John Paul II’s visit to Zambia. She is the Honorary Consul-General of the Republic of Poland in Zambia.

The Polish-American Medical Society was founded in 1946. Throughout the years, the Society has organized professional events, assisted medical newcomers and initiated various medical efforts that benefit the Polish-American community. Past monetary award receipts include the Polish Museum of America, the Lira Ensemble, the Polish Arts Club, the Polish-American Association, the Amber Coalition and the Kościuszko Foundation, among others. The Society annually awards scholarships to medical, dental and veterinary students of Polish origin from the Chicago region.

The Polish-American Medical Society is based in Chicago. For more information, visit www.zlpchicago.org