Editor’s Note: This account demonstrates how passion and persistence can lead to a successful career in orthopaedic surgery.
I decided to pursue a career in orthopaedic surgery when I was in medical school. I had no female role models, yet I aspired to become an excellent all-around orthopaedist. I had no vision of a subspecialty in mind.
I went home on a break and told my parents of my goal. My father was a non-orthopaedic subspecialty surgeon in a field with few women. So, he had a strong sense of what I aspired to do. While at home, he took me to meet a prominent orthopaedic surgery colleague at a local ice cream shop. We said a congenial hello and the orthopaedist asked me several questions about myself. Finally, he asked what part of medicine I wanted to enter. I enthusiastically told him about my plan to become an orthopaedic surgeon. His immediate response was, “You’re too small for orthopaedics.”
I held back signs of my disappointment. What he didn’t realize was that his words solidified my passion. I decided to relentlessly pursue a career in orthopaedic surgery. My dad, who supported my decision, did not seem surprised by his colleague’s comment. My mother was appalled. It proved to be a learning experience for all of us and a defining moment for me.
As previously stated, the surgeon’s comment about my physical size helped me to make up my mind about my future. It lit a fire.
I moved to another part of the country for my orthopaedic residency. I was the first female resident in the program. Of course, there were whispers about me, but I learned to block out “sounds that were not positive.” I have since chosen to remember the good moments.
I have lived by the guiding principle of “being so good that they can’t ignore you.” The orthopaedic surgeon’s comment noted above as well as some microaggressions during residency prepared me for what was ahead. It helped me develop a thicker skin. I went on to do a satisfying fellowship and, in my career, initially avoided being pigeon-holed as a provider of women’s orthopaedic care in my subspecialty. Later, after developing and defining my skill set, I was pleased to embrace that very important role.
My career demonstrates that passion and persistence are far more important components in building an orthopaedic surgeon than body size.
My advice to those who follow in orthopaedics is:
• Work hard.
• Stay positive.
• Pay attention to opportunities that arise.
• Know your own worth.