Editor’s Note: A description of the painful realization of being excluded professionally by male colleagues and then discovering a satisfying remedy.
As a resident, I never felt discriminated against due to my gender or sexual orientation. I had strong female orthopaedic instructors and role models in the program. I felt I had an equal shot at anything I wanted to do. That said, I do remember overhearing a conversation at lunch where a junior resident said, “Women shouldn’t be orthopaedic surgeons.” Comments like that were rare.
When I was named an attending surgeon at the same institution, I gradually realized that I was being excluded from activities I normally would have been invited to when I was a resident. I was not part of the group invited to go on vacation, go cycling, or out for drinks. Furthermore, I began to understand that being excluded meant that I was missing out on opportunities. They apparently did not know how to involve me, and I was kept at arm’s length. This was disconcerting to say the least.
I have observed that professional people give opportunities to their “friends” and people who remind them of themselves. This subtle discrimination is not something I could complain about and expect to change.
Because I was beginning to see some patients privately outside of my university position, I began using social media. I felt that an on-line presence would help me gain patients who were interested in the care I was skilled in providing.
Instead of gaining patients, I discovered a whole group of brilliant female orthopaedic surgeons from around the world to discuss cases with. I found a network of colleagues, many of whom were women. In some cases, these professional on-line relationships have developed into real off-line friendships.
So, I was not part of my local “gang” but found my own gang on-line. One of the benefits of this arrangement is that I could discuss difficult cases with experts and learn how they would approach similar problems. This was a welcome addition to local advice and offered new perspectives. I found a community that “lifts as they climb.” I now have a seat at a larger table than I can find at home and have met some extraordinary surgeons and friends.
Specific examples of the benefits of “X”, the social media platform I use for orthopaedic discussions are:
• Shared evidence-based information
• Identification of “holes” in the literature which has led to opportunities for research.
• Case studies that challenge my diagnostic skills as well as those of the residents I have directed there. Here I am describing “Ortho Bullets.”
• Alternative surgical techniques
• Various methods of thinking through difficult cases.
Would I do my career over in the same way? Yes, basically, but I would have been more realistic about the scope of my practice at the institution and the system I practice in. I was not initially able to do the spectrum of case types I wanted to.
My advice to my younger self would be to “Stick to it.”
My counsel to others is that if you feel isolated and do not have colleagues who you would choose as trusted advisors or friends, broaden your horizon using social media and mentoring programs offered by various specialty organizations. Look beyond the “local” and you may find more camaraderie and professional support. This can add to the joy derived from your orthopaedic practice.