AWS Blog Library
The AWS Blog is a dynamic platform that amplifies the voices and experiences of women in surgery. Since its inception in 2013, the blog has evolved into a vibrant community space where surgeons, residents, and medical students share personal narratives, professional insights, and reflections on topics ranging from mentorship and leadership to wellness and diversity.
With contributions from members worldwide, the blog fosters connection, inspiration, and advocacy, embodying AWS’s mission to empower women surgeons at every stage of their careers.
Explore the latest stories here and find comfort in knowing that you are not alone and your voice will be heard at AWS.
Self-Advocacy as a Trainee: The Grace to Grow
Author: Rosmi Thomas, DO As a child, I grew up in a chaotic household, but it brought me resilience and a strong sense of self....
How One Question Led Me to Surgical Research: A Guide for Women in Medicine
Author: Hala AlDabbous For many medical students, research can feel like an intimidating, distant world, something reserved for residents or those with connections. I used...
Bridges & Breakthroughs: International Medical Graduate’s (IMG’s) Preclinical Research Experience
Author: Shivani Chaudhary (M.B.B.S, M.S General Surgery) Today, I want to share a deeply personal journey of resilience and perseverance which happened during my 2.5...
Trusting Your Own Hands: Lessons from the OR
By: Dr. Wissam Benhami, MD, General surgeon Affiliations: Université des Sciences de la Santé (Youcef El Khatib) – Algiers, Algeria and Clinique Rahmouni Djilali (formerly...
Cold Tech, Warm Heart: How AI makes Private Practice More Personal
By: Dr. Erin King-Mullins In the current world of medicine where burnout is on the tip of everyone’s tongue, I’d like to make another case...
How to Improve Your Healthcare Profile Picture: Small Visual Details That Increase Patient Trust and Strengthen Your Business
Camellia Russell MBA, DPM (c) In a world where patients choose providers online before ever walking through the door, your profile photo does more work...
Crafting Your Residency Professional Development (Research) Years
Authors: Paulina M. Gutkin, MD1, Nensi M. Ruzgar, MD, MHS2 1Stanford University, Stanford, CA 2Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Many academic general surgical residency programs...
A (Probably Too Realistic) Week in My Life as a Medical Student
Author: Tessa Paul Hi!! I’m Tessa, a second-year medical student at LSU Health Shreveport. I originally picked this week because I was heading to the...
Surgery Begins Long Before the Incision
By: Srinithya Gillipelli During my Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowship, I spent a year in Peru studying global surgery and health policy, much of it alongside community health...
The Art of Seeing Differently: Surgery Through Dr. Patricia Bath’s Lens
By: Julia Vasquez-Gonzalez and Dieynabou Diallo This is a special edition blog post presented in partnership with the Society of Black Academic Surgeons in celebration...
We Plant Surgical Flowers When We Choose Joy and Mentorship in Challenging Times
Author: Dr. Christine Castater This is a special edition blog post presented in partnership with the Society of Black Academic Surgeons in celebration of Black...
Understanding the Misunderstood: A Hidden Burden in Black Communities
Written By: Melissa Rony MSc, Mentor: Evan Garfain, MD This article is not intended to be used as medical advice. Views of the author do...
