Editor’s Note: This is an uplifting piece that reminds us of how dedicated effort and hard work can elevate the profile of women who do orthopaedic surgery, ultimately, for the benefit of all.
“I am a passionate educator.” I believe that orthopaedic education occurs at many levels: at large scale national and international courses, through belonging to international orthopaedic organizations where ideas are passed between members, via social media outlets, in residency programs and all the way down to the one-on-one mentoring at the local level. When a young woman sees me, she knows that it is within her realm of possibility to become an orthopaedic surgeon. When I completed my orthopaedic training, out of 500 orthopaedic surgeons in my country, three were women. Today, there are 15 …..and counting!!
Passing the exit fellowship examinations can be an arduous undertaking for any resident. Although I passed mine on the first try, it is well understood that residents may require many attempts before receiving a passing grade. The unsuccessful attempts at these exams may lead to a feeling of inadequacy, but for women in particular, it may create a negative impression about our capabilities. With the advent of “coaching teams”, which we spearheaded for female orthopaedic trainees in my country, more women pass their exams on the first try.
I have been privileged to be involved with a non-profit organization dedicated to improving fracture care in low and middle-income countries on two continents. Leading a team of like-minded people, we organized several teaching courses drawing participants from various regions of our country in an effort to reduce disability and suffering by enhancing care of the injured. This impact of these teachings on the population is tremendous.
Social media is a veritable tool for education and mentorship. It can serve all people with internet access on a global scale. We can get to know one another, inspire one another and share our stories. I am privileged to lead a “women in orthopaedics” blog for another international organization, and the blog posts often have a common theme: We as women in orthopaedics walked alone. But as we see more female orthopaedic surgeons appear in residency programs and out in practice, nationally and internationally, we are now walking together! The stories contributed to the blog demonstrate that women are similar, yet each one remains unique!
Here are some of the issues I am most passionate about:
- I believe in “holding the door open so others can come in.” This means both women and men.
- We should give back to the generation that follows, it is our only path forward.
- There is no substitute for excellence, especially for young black women. Nobody can contest excellence. Doors stay open because of excellence.
- Be heard, be seen and do good work.
- Tell your orthopaedic training and career story using social media. The impact it can have for another individual can be immense. “She did it so I can.” You can become a role model for girls and women beyond your own country or even continent.
- The goal is to only use the descriptor “orthopaedic surgeon” not “female” orthopaedic surgeon. Although we are not there yet, we are making good progress toward that goal!
- We are stronger together. Create a team to become “stronger than ever” like we did with the women’s fellowship exam coaching effort.