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Can women become surgeons?
I want to work in the medical field and I want to become a surgeon but I was told that women can't be surgeons but I'm not sure if that's true. I'm in 8th grade and I'm 14 years old !
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14 answers
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Maeva’s Answer
Hi Carmen! I am so excited to hear that you are already interested in medicine and surgery no less! First and foremost, WOMEN CAN 100% ABSOLUTELY NO DOUBT BECOME SURGEONS. FULL STOP.
I just graduated from medical school in New York and am now an incoming general surgery resident in Miami. Our incoming class consists of 5 female and 2 males (how cool!). On top of it over >50% of those applying to surgical specialties in my graduating medical class were females!
It is true that medicine and surgery specifically was a very male dominated pathway for many years, but this is a truly exciting time to be a woman in medicine and a woman in surgery. As others mentioned there are more women in medical school now than men and in my recent experience interviewing across the country for surgery residency the tides are truly changing in how many women are going into surgery. I met many amazing women surgeons and female co-applicants. The future of surgery is a much more diverse and welcoming place than it has ever been and we are so excited to welcome you to it!
There are many different pathways to having a surgical based career whether it is through general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, or completing an OBGYN residency and doing gynecologic surgery as mentioned above. OBGYN tends to be a female dominated specialty, and if you find yourself interested in that pathway that is amazing! However, you are not limited to pursuing OBGYN to become a surgeon (which unfortunately you may hear at some point along your pursuit of a surgical career), but women can become any type of surgeon that they want to be!
I don't want to bore you with way too many details but here is a link to the Association of Women Surgeons: https://linktr.ee/womensurgeons; you can check out their instagram or twitter to see highlights of some cool women in surgery!
I just graduated from medical school in New York and am now an incoming general surgery resident in Miami. Our incoming class consists of 5 female and 2 males (how cool!). On top of it over >50% of those applying to surgical specialties in my graduating medical class were females!
It is true that medicine and surgery specifically was a very male dominated pathway for many years, but this is a truly exciting time to be a woman in medicine and a woman in surgery. As others mentioned there are more women in medical school now than men and in my recent experience interviewing across the country for surgery residency the tides are truly changing in how many women are going into surgery. I met many amazing women surgeons and female co-applicants. The future of surgery is a much more diverse and welcoming place than it has ever been and we are so excited to welcome you to it!
There are many different pathways to having a surgical based career whether it is through general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, or completing an OBGYN residency and doing gynecologic surgery as mentioned above. OBGYN tends to be a female dominated specialty, and if you find yourself interested in that pathway that is amazing! However, you are not limited to pursuing OBGYN to become a surgeon (which unfortunately you may hear at some point along your pursuit of a surgical career), but women can become any type of surgeon that they want to be!
I don't want to bore you with way too many details but here is a link to the Association of Women Surgeons: https://linktr.ee/womensurgeons; you can check out their instagram or twitter to see highlights of some cool women in surgery!
Thank you, Maeva for the advice.
Carmen
Ann Gianoglio Burk, MBA
Student/Customer Care Manager | Operations Handywoman | People Developer | Lvl 62 Elf Lore Master LOTRO
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Ann’s Answer
Hi Carmen - I am sorry to hear you received this terrible information. You can absolutely become a surgeon, and there is nothing men have that women don't when it comes to the skills needed to be a surgeon. There are no careers that women can't have. Go for what you are interested in and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it because you're a girl. Good luck!
Thank you!
Carmen
Updated
Maria’s Answer
Hi Carmen, I'm so glad your asking this question to get reliable information. According to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), women now make up 51.5 percent of the total enrollment at U.S. medical schools. Currently, 38 percent of general surgery residents in the country are women.
In fact, my big sister is a surgeon in Texas! She is a gynecologic surgeon meaning she performs surgeries specifically for women's issues. Here's her website: https://hunter4women.com/robotic_surgery.php
While there are many fine male gynecologic surgeons, being a woman helps her understand her patients' issues. If you are interested in a medical career including surgery, you should pursue your passion! I suspect you have a very bright future ahead.
In fact, my big sister is a surgeon in Texas! She is a gynecologic surgeon meaning she performs surgeries specifically for women's issues. Here's her website: https://hunter4women.com/robotic_surgery.php
While there are many fine male gynecologic surgeons, being a woman helps her understand her patients' issues. If you are interested in a medical career including surgery, you should pursue your passion! I suspect you have a very bright future ahead.
Thank you, Maria!
Carmen
Dan Wolf
Retired Electrical/Software Engineer and part-time College Professor (BSEET and MS Engineering Management)
129
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Dan’s Answer
Yes, women can be surgeons!
The requirements for women surgeons are exactly the same as for male surgeons.
The requirements for women surgeons are exactly the same as for male surgeons.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Carmen
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
You can be anything you want to be. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Thank you!!
Carmen
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Carmen ! Amazing answers given and yes they absolutely can! My sister is a rising general surgeon- she is going to start her residency soon! Unfortunately there may be misconceptions but with hard work and passion it can be done! If you have more questions about applying to medical school or anything else related to medicine, please ask!
Wishing you all the best!
Wishing you all the best!
Yasemin, thank you!
Carmen
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Carmen,
Women can definitely be surgeons! I am a Physician Assistant, and have seen many surgeon Physicians and Physician Assistants who are women. Women can do anything men can do!
Women can definitely be surgeons! I am a Physician Assistant, and have seen many surgeon Physicians and Physician Assistants who are women. Women can do anything men can do!
Thank you so much, Jennifer!
Carmen
Updated
Jodi’s Answer
YES!!!!!!
If this is what you want to do, go for it!
If this is what you want to do, go for it!
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Madison’s Answer
This is so not true and I am so sorry that you have thought this. There are and will continue to be MANY many excellent surgeons of all genders. Yes, there have been biases in our medical system and medical school over the many years that have either swayed women away from surgical specialties but we are working hard to change that and to get rid of these both implicit and explicit biases. Find women in the field you are interested who can help mentor you and guide you.
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Nicole’s Answer
We need more women surgeons! Please go chase this dream. You absolutely can do this!
Thank you so much!
Carmen
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Rhandi’s Answer
Women can absolutely become surgeons. In our practice, I work alongside women who are Physicans AND physician assistants, as well as surgeons.
Due to the medical field being predominantly male, patients find it hard to believe their surgeon is the female. But they sure are.
Due to the medical field being predominantly male, patients find it hard to believe their surgeon is the female. But they sure are.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Carmen
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Women can absolutely be surgeons! Don’t ever let anyone tell you what you can be. If you try hard and focus on a goal you can achieve anything. The sky is the limit!
Updated
Dana’s Answer
Women can definitely be surgeons! There is no difference between a man and a woman.
Thank you, Dana!
Carmen
Updated
Erika’s Answer
Hi Carmen, anyone can become a surgeon (women or men)!! You got this keep your head steady and study hard. Medical school can be challenging but worth it in the end doing something you love to do! Rooting for you, you got this.
Thank you !!
Carmen