So you want to be a female surgeon.  Here are 10 tips to make it.

I am lucky enough, from time to time, to be invited to speak to young women who want to be surgeons when they “grow up.” I always have a hard time striking a balance between what I should share that is positive and inspirational and what I should share that is a little harsh and uncomfortable. Once, I turned to my friends and colleagues on Facebook on what they thought about my topic for a women in surgery talk which was on how to have it all. One of my more opinionated friends summed it up pretty well: “I’d like to find the bitch who has ‘it all’ and slap her!” I love going to these events, I really do. I want to inspire students and junior doctors, whether they be male or female, to a career in surgery. But I also want to leave them with a positive yet realistic message about what this game is about. To follow on from my “So you want to be a surgeon?” post, here is my advice to the lovely ladies who want to heal with steel. 1. Stop thinking you can have it all. Or at least redefine what “it all” is to you and to the significant people in your life. I still don’t know some of the things I want in my life. Women in careers are still the child bearers and still account for more responsibility with regards to household chores and raising children. Women are more likely to change specialties in order to account for these extra-curricular activities, even if they have the more prestigious career. My mother wo...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Physician Surgery Source Type: blogs