Empowering Women Surgeons: Challenges, Advantages, and Mentorship Dynamics

Women surgeons around the world face many challenges in their journey toward successful surgical careers. Traditional surgical training offers little flexibility for pregnancy and raising children, while significant disparities often exist in salary and grant funding between male and female surgeons. Bias against women surgeons, both professionally and culturally, also limits their advancement and assumption of leadership roles. Mentorship by other women surgeons can be instrumental in overcoming professional obstacles, however a dearth of senior women surgeons regionally can hamper this. The Association of Women Surgeons is honored to partner with the AIS Channel and present a panel of international women surgeons to discuss the unique challenges they face as surgeons, mentors and mentees.

Clinical Background

1. Welcome & Introduction - Dr. Nancy L. Gantt (USA), Dr. Kandace P. McGuire (USA) and Dr. Steven D. Wexner (USA)

2. Challenges and advantages for women in surgery in Latin America - Dr. Martha Quiodettis (Panama) 

3. My experience as a female surgeon resident in Panama - Dr. Alejandra Jiménez (Panama)

4. Training & career landscape for female surgeons - Dr. Mumba Chalwe (Zambia)

5. Advantages, challenges and mentorship for women surgeons in Ireland - Prof. Deborah McNamara (Ireland) 

6. Challenges for women in surgery in Japan - Dr. Kazumi Kawase (Japan)

7. Evolving Challenges for Women Surgeons in Malaysia - Dr. April Roslani (Malaysia)

8. Panel discussion - All faculty moderated by Dr. Nancy L. Gantt (USA) and Dr. Kandace P. McGuire (USA)

9. Closing remarks - Dr. Nancy L. Gantt (USA), Dr. Kandace P. McGuire (USA) and Dr. Steven D. Wexner (USA)