An Urgent Need for Women to Foray as Surgeons Globally

By: Rachita Sharma, Managing Editor | Friday, 29 November 2024

Although women have been the backbone of the global healthcare sector, yet they are not adequately represented in the top echelons. The same phenomenon can be observed in the field of surgery.

Globally only one third surgeons are women. The common perception around the globe is that surgery is not a field conducive for 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 brings to you insightful conversations with women surgeons of Indian origin from across the globe.

One such inspiring surgeon is Dr Areena Dsouza, Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon, Kind im Zentrum Chiemgau. Dr. Areena has extensive training in complex spine surgeries, including pediatric deformities, spinal trauma, and degenerative spine conditions. She completed advanced fellowships at the University of Nottingham and the Indian Spinal Injuries Center. She has received numerous awards, including the NASS 20 under 40 recognition in 2018, and is the first female Indian orthopedic surgeon to be awarded a Fellowship in Spinal Surgery by ASSI.

She is joined by Ammarah Shah, a senior veterinarian with over 12 years of experience. She has transitioned from a non-clinical background to becoming a veterinary surgeon and is currently leading a team of veterinarians and surgeons in Dubai. With a master’s degree in veterinary science from SKUAST Jammu, Dr. Ammarah Shah has set a new benchmark for veterinary care and advanced surgical techniques for animals in the region.

Also read an interview featuring, Dr Firdaus Sukhi, Vitreoretinal surgeon, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Ajman. She is an experienced vitreoretinal surgeon with special interest in surgical retina and paediatric vitreoretinal disorders.

These prolific women are helping make healthcare an inclusive and diverse industry.

Read on and do let us know your thoughts.