A Curious Case of the Missing Women Surgeons Globally

By: Rachita Sharma, Managing Editor | Tuesday, 5 November 2024

Women have continued to be underrepresented in almost every industry and profession. One such field is surgery. The common perception around the globe is that surgery is not a field conducive for women.

Globally only one third surgeons are women.

Although women pursuing medical education has increased manifolds over the years, challenges still remain. Aspiring women surgeons often face challenges such as societal norms, family resistance etc. if they overcome the odds and become surgeons, they face gender discrimination in training programs and in promotions.

The same cycle continues as women surgeons move up the ladder making it tougher for women surgeons to reach the very top of the rung.

This makes the journey of existing women surgeons worthy of more praise. The current edition of WER magazine does just that.

We bring to you, stories of inspiring women leaders who are exceptional surgeons in their respective fields.

One such name is Dr Lynne Lim, Surgeon, Lynne Lim Ear Nose Throat and Hearing Center. Lynne Lim earned her Master of Public Health from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and completed her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at the National University of Singapore, along with a specialization in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh. Her previous roles include Vice-Dean and Vice- Chairman of the Medical Board at the National University Health System and Founding Director of the MSc Audiology program at NUS.

In this edition also read about Dr. Kerrie Lek, a skilled surgeon at Passion Veterinary Clinic, with special interest in advanced orthopedic procedures, acupuncture and holistic care, she integrates acupuncture with surgical interventions to enhance recovery and well-being, reflecting her commitment to innovative veterinary practice.

We also feature an interview with Dr. Chan Ching Wan, a distinguished Senior Consultant and Assistant Professor specializing in breast oncology. Since 2009, she has served as an Assistant Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS. Before joining Solis, Dr. Chan led breast services at Singapore's National University Health System and spearheaded the Breast Oncology Tumour Programme at the National Cancer Institute Singapore. She holds a medical degree from the University of Edinburgh and completed advanced surgical training at Singapore General Hospital. A Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, she also earned a PhD in Neuroendocrinology from the University of Bristol.

Read more about these women surgeons and their journey to success.