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.
Flapping My Wings Across Borders: A Surgeon’s Journey of Resilience
By: Busra Ozkaya, MD Every migration is a form of rebirth and a gentle reminder that courage begins the moment we choose to step into...
Does Gender Bias Still Exist in Surgical Residency
By: Dr Swathy Elangovan, M.S General Surgery It's 2026, a time where the world is AI driven. Advancements and innovation drive people to more effective...
Speaking up from the Global South
By Dr. Prarthana Subedi How Young Women in Neurosurgery Can Influence Global Health Conversations Ever since I was a child, I’ve found myself in situations...
Second Acts: Embracing Surgery as a Career Changer
By: Vaisny Balamurali Starting medical school as a “mature” student, after navigating a successful career in healthcare strategy, was both humbling and unsettling. Rather than...
Issues faced by the female surgical trainees in developing countries
By Dr. Eshana Samaranayake Across South Asia, women are still a small minority in surgical training programmes, and that imbalance shapes daily experiences in ways...
Empathy in Medical Training: Lessons from Illness
By Maria Jimena Barroso Alverde When I was little, I honestly believed I had a sixth sense. I’d get this knot in my stomach, or...
Yes, I Want to Be a Surgeon and No, I Don’t Need to Be Talked Out of It
By Lilah Kahloon Halfway through my third year of medical school, I began feeling the urge to lie whenever someone asked me what specialty I...
Scrubbed in for the ABSITE: Webinar Highlights
Authors: Natalia Correa MD, Alizeh Abbas MD, Camila R. Guetter MD MPH, Nensi Ruzgar MD This blog summarizes key advice, tools, and resources discussed in...
What Surgeons Can Learn from Greek Myth: A More Effective Mentorship Model
by Taylor Corsi, MD; Elise Presser, MD In Homer’s The Odyssey, Athena – protectress and goddess of wisdom, practical reason, handicraft, and war strategy –...
Stereotypes of physical appearance for women in medicine
By Olivia Charles, MS4 “Do you play basketball?” “What are you doing here?? You should be modeling!” “You’re wasting your height.” If I had a...
A Common Silence: Perspectives on Pregnancy Loss During General Surgery Residency
by Cleo Siderides, MD and Caitlin J. Cain-Trivette, MD Pregnancy loss is a painfully common experience among surgical trainees, yet our institutions remain poorly equipped...
Bridging the Gap: Female Surgeons in Malawi and the Power of Representation
By Dr. Sharon Cheryl Bonya Female surgical trainees face structural and cultural barriers that extend far beyond the operating room. They are not just training...
