Editor’s Note: This account describes an epiphany experienced during the orthopedic junior resident year.
One night midway through my orthopedic junior residency year, I was on call at a large inner-city hospital with a very busy emergency department. Patients with both blunt and penetrating injuries were received there. I was part of a team of in-house orthopedic residents while our chief was at home. It was a typical busy evening of putting in skeletal traction pins, reducing fractures with hematoma blocks, casting, aspirating, assessing and reassessing trauma victims, etc. There were a million things going on.
During a lull as I was walking to the on-call room, I was overtaken by the feeling of “I can do this”. I was suddenly proud of myself. Like many other women entering the field of orthopedics, I had concerns about being smart enough, big enough and strong enough to be successful during my training and in my career. I suddenly realized that “I am handling this”. The thought was accompanied by a visceral sensation like a runner’s high. I loved my work and was becoming competent at what I was doing!
What can this realization teach others? First, as women, we are as capable as our male colleagues. With that in mind, find what you are good at. Pursue it and know that passion for the work will come later. The quest for mastery is fueled by passion.
Career trajectory can happen in a stepwise fashion rather than following a carefully laid out plan. Let it evolve and pay attention to opportunities as they present themselves. Remain open to possibilities. Work hard and good things will come.
If I had my early career to do over, I would ask for more resources, salary and opportunities. I did not feel empowered at the time to make these requests. I encourage my colleagues to keep this in mind during their own careers. Waiting for the rewards you have done the work to deserve may delay other opportunities. Simply speak up and ask.
I have had multiple important mentors of both genders during my career. I have received guidance in areas ranging from how to find and keep a loyal childcare provider in my home to how to write a successful NIH grant. Recognize potential mentors and tap them for their wise counsel. Remember, that as your career progresses, your peers can also be excellent sources of inspiration and provide differing perspectives on adversity. You are simultaneously expanding your rank and influence. You can mentor each other along the way and progress together. This, in turn, moves the needle forward for women in orthopedics.