By: Elizabeth Lilley, MD, MPH Many people are surprised to learn that I am both a surgeon and a palliative care doctor. Although the number of surgeons pursuing fellowship training in palliative care...
Blog
Diversify Ourselves
By Dr. Chantal Reyna How well would you handle not being able to perform surgery anymore? The real question is “How much of your identity is based on being a surgeon?” We tend to define ourselves...
Blog
Reflections and Advice from a Former Preliminary Surgery Resident
by Justine Broecker, MD Now that it’s post-match day, a day of celebration for many, I wanted to write a blog post focused on people who may or may not have felt as celebratory—specifically those...
Blog
Creating an Inclusive Surgical Community: Association of Out Surgeons & Allies
When I was asked to write a piece describing who the Association of Out Surgeons & Allies (AOSA https://www.outsurgeons.org/) is for the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) blog, I paused. I hesi...
Blog
What does being a surgical patient with limited English proficiency in the U.S. look like?
By Gabriela Brandão, MD Have you imagined yourself under the surgeon's knife? It might be a terrifying circumstance even for us, right? Now, can you imagine yourself under the surgeon's knife but in...
Blog
Challenges for women in surgery
By: Shiona Maria Benedict Fernandes “You will get married soon in the future. How will you be able to manage your family and your work life, if you choose this hectic lifestyle that surgery puts...
Blog
AWS Highschool Outreach Event: Becoming An Advocate For Women In Surgery
Earlier this year, I saw an opportunity to volunteer at the Association of Women Surgeons Highschool Outreach Event. I have never before come across a formal mentorship program for women high school ...
Blog
International Medical Graduates in Surgery: Attending an Offshore Medical School
By Jamesa Fabien My (Jamesa) first-semester class was comprised of students from all walks of life. Some of my classmates were decades older than me, grateful for the opportunity to finally pursue th...
Blog
It’s a vast wonderful world: National Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
By Chantal Reyna, MD It is that time of year… National Hispanic Heritage Month!!! From September 15th to October 15th, it is time to recognize the Hispanic and Latinx communities. https://www.his...
Blog
Avoiding Bias in Letter Writing
By Dr. Chantal Reyna It has been shown that implicit bias exists within letters of recommendation written for medical students applying for residency. In regard to gender, female applicants were more...