Women Surgeons Continue to be Underrepresented Globally

By: Rachita Sharma, Managing Editor | Friday, 23 January 2026

The foundation of global healthcare services rests on the able shoulders of numerous women who form a majority of the grassroot level, functioning as support staff and rendering empathetic care to patient worldwide. However, the number of women functioning as senior doctors and healthcare leaders is often lesser as compared to their male counterparts.

Another healthcare specialization where women continue to be underrepresented is the field of surgery. Only one third surgeons across the world are women. The common perception is that surgery as a field is not conducive for women.

Although women pursuing medical education has increased exponentially over the years, challenges still remain. Aspiring women surgeons often encounter 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 ladder.

This makes the journey of existing women surgeons worthy of more praise. The current edition of WER magazine highlights the stories of inspiring women surgeons from Singapore.

One of the spotlighted women surgeons is Dr. Natasha Lim. She is the Founder and Medical Director of the Dr. Natasha Lim Eye Centre, a renowned ophthalmic facility in Singapore that combines evidence-based laser technologies with tailored patient care. After earning her degree from the University of Nottingham, UK, and having received specialist training at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, UK, she made a move from a medical career in the United Kingdom to become a Medical entrepreneur in Singapore, thus leading the way for the establishment of one of the first ophthalmic day surgery centres.

Featured in an in-depth conversations Dr Lim takes us through her professional journey, areas of expertise and shares her mantras for success.

Read on and do let us know your thoughts.