By Rogette Esteve
Recently, I found myself in Danbury, CT searching for a new apartment. It made me pause for a moment and reflect on the fact that I will be starting general surgery residency in just a few short months at Danbury Hospital. If you had asked me back in college, when I was still a pre-med freshman, what I thought of surgery, I would have quickly answered, “Oh no, I want a life! I want a family!”
Thank God I was introduced to the AWS Pocket Mentor toward the end of college!t forever changed my perspective on becoming a surgeon. I was amazed there was an established organization for female surgeons – by female surgeons. As a medical student, I am fortunate to have attended a number of AWS Conferences . Each time, I have been floored by the outstanding surgeons I have met. The women I met were able to not only “have a life” but also excel in their respective fields, despite the inherent challenges female surgeons face.
I know that my own journey will not be easy; in fact, I have no idea how challenging it will be. My current view of surgery is the one seen through the eyes of a medical student. I know thet steep surgical learning curve is ahead. However, I have an incredible support system behind me. Furthermore, revisiting excellent resources like the AWS Pocket Mentor will be immensely important to me, as I progress through residency and beyond. So Danbury, here I come.
Rogette Esteve is a 4th year medical student at The Ohio State University College of Medicine who enjoys salsa dancing and dodgeball. She will be entering a general surgery residency at Danbury Hospital in CT this June.
Our blog is a forum for our members to speak, and as such, statements made here represent the opinions of the author, and are not necessarily the opinion of the Association of Women Surgeons.
I LIKE WOMEN SURGEONS.
I LIKE WOMEN SURGEONS.