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Can women become surgeons?
I want to work in the medical field and I want to become a surgeon but I was told that women can't be surgeons but I'm not sure if that's true. I'm in 8th grade and I'm 14 years old !
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14 answers
Updated
Maeva’s Answer
Hi Carmen! I am so excited to hear that you are already interested in medicine and surgery no less! First and foremost, WOMEN CAN 100% ABSOLUTELY NO DOUBT BECOME SURGEONS. FULL STOP.
I just graduated from medical school in New York and am now an incoming general surgery resident in Miami. Our incoming class consists of 5 female and 2 males (how cool!). On top of it over >50% of those applying to surgical specialties in my graduating medical class were females!
It is true that medicine and surgery specifically was a very male dominated pathway for many years, but this is a truly exciting time to be a woman in medicine and a woman in surgery. As others mentioned there are more women in medical school now than men and in my recent experience interviewing across the country for surgery residency the tides are truly changing in how many women are going into surgery. I met many amazing women surgeons and female co-applicants. The future of surgery is a much more diverse and welcoming place than it has ever been and we are so excited to welcome you to it!
There are many different pathways to having a surgical based career whether it is through general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, or completing an OBGYN residency and doing gynecologic surgery as mentioned above. OBGYN tends to be a female dominated specialty, and if you find yourself interested in that pathway that is amazing! However, you are not limited to pursuing OBGYN to become a surgeon (which unfortunately you may hear at some point along your pursuit of a surgical career), but women can become any type of surgeon that they want to be!
I don't want to bore you with way too many details but here is a link to the Association of Women Surgeons: https://linktr.ee/womensurgeons; you can check out their instagram or twitter to see highlights of some cool women in surgery!
I just graduated from medical school in New York and am now an incoming general surgery resident in Miami. Our incoming class consists of 5 female and 2 males (how cool!). On top of it over >50% of those applying to surgical specialties in my graduating medical class were females!
It is true that medicine and surgery specifically was a very male dominated pathway for many years, but this is a truly exciting time to be a woman in medicine and a woman in surgery. As others mentioned there are more women in medical school now than men and in my recent experience interviewing across the country for surgery residency the tides are truly changing in how many women are going into surgery. I met many amazing women surgeons and female co-applicants. The future of surgery is a much more diverse and welcoming place than it has ever been and we are so excited to welcome you to it!
There are many different pathways to having a surgical based career whether it is through general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, or completing an OBGYN residency and doing gynecologic surgery as mentioned above. OBGYN tends to be a female dominated specialty, and if you find yourself interested in that pathway that is amazing! However, you are not limited to pursuing OBGYN to become a surgeon (which unfortunately you may hear at some point along your pursuit of a surgical career), but women can become any type of surgeon that they want to be!
I don't want to bore you with way too many details but here is a link to the Association of Women Surgeons: https://linktr.ee/womensurgeons; you can check out their instagram or twitter to see highlights of some cool women in surgery!
Thank you, Maeva for the advice.
Carmen
Ann Gianoglio Burk, MBA
Student/Customer Care Manager | Operations Handywoman | People Developer | Lvl 62 Elf Lore Master LOTRO
151
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Ann’s Answer
Hi Carmen - I am sorry to hear you received this terrible information. You can absolutely become a surgeon, and there is nothing men have that women don't when it comes to the skills needed to be a surgeon. There are no careers that women can't have. Go for what you are interested in and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it because you're a girl. Good luck!
Thank you!
Carmen
Dan Wolf
Retired Electrical/Software Engineer and part-time College Professor (BSEET and MS Engineering Management)
135
Answers
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Yes, women can be surgeons!
The requirements for women surgeons are exactly the same as for male surgeons.
The requirements for women surgeons are exactly the same as for male surgeons.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Carmen
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
You can be anything you want to be. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Thank you!!
Carmen
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Carmen,
Women can definitely be surgeons! I am a Physician Assistant, and have seen many surgeon Physicians and Physician Assistants who are women. Women can do anything men can do!
Women can definitely be surgeons! I am a Physician Assistant, and have seen many surgeon Physicians and Physician Assistants who are women. Women can do anything men can do!
Thank you so much, Jennifer!
Carmen
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Carmen ! Amazing answers given and yes they absolutely can! My sister is a rising general surgeon- she is going to start her residency soon! Unfortunately there may be misconceptions but with hard work and passion it can be done! If you have more questions about applying to medical school or anything else related to medicine, please ask!
Wishing you all the best!
Wishing you all the best!
Yasemin, thank you!
Carmen
Updated
Dana’s Answer
Women can definitely be surgeons! There is no difference between a man and a woman.
Thank you, Dana!
Carmen
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
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James Constantine’s Answer
Absolutely Carmen!
Yes, and women can be very good surgeons. If you get your nutrition in order, you shall be unstoppable!
SEE https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/2017/08/the-rise-of-female-surgeons-at-johns-hopkins
What the nutrients that support brain function and memory? Here are some key components your mmust include in your diet:-
• Protein: Meat, fish, eggs, poultry, legumes, nuts, and seeds are essential for brain health and mood.
• Fruits and Vegetables: High in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support brain health.
• Low-Glycemic Index Carbohydrates [Unrefined wholegrains - bread, cereal, pasta, low sugar fruits, starchy vegetables, legumes, milk, yoghurt]
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish, flax seeds, and walnuts, these help improve cognitive function.
• Moderate Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, and dark chocolate, it can enhance alertness and focus.
• Hydration: Water is vital for brain function, as the brain is about 73% water.
Incorporating these foods into your daily routine can help improve concentration, memory, and overall academic performance. Remember to balance your diet with regular exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle for the best results.
The human body relies on 102 nutrients to function at peak performance. That is evidenced by the stark improvement in academic results eventuating
from nutritional repletion. The human brain is probably one of the most complex biochemical arrangements, which responds to the administration of nutrients
from foods.
Only 3% of students get accepted to study at Harvard University. What gets people in is a high GPA [Grade Point Average] OVER 4. You can get academic results of
4.8 to 5.0 GPA, placing you in the top 1% to 5% of academic achievers. It is human empowerment with nutrition.
This form of nutritional manipulation can be done without pills. It is done by foods. It can elevate academic results to high distinctions [95%].
Similarly for work performance too. To get high Grade Point Averages and Perform Well at Work, we must adhere to the principles of very good nutritional intakes.
Nourish the Mind!
GUIDELINES FOR IMPROVED ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
① No more than 2 hours between meals when studying or working. That means six or seven small meals a day. This ensures a steady supply of nutrients to the brain, specifically the cerebellum. That facilitates normal blood sugar [normoglycemia], important for studies.
② 33 milliliters per kilogram body weight per day of water or green tea is an extremely powerful protective antioxidant. Water is the solvent for the brain.
③ Salads using vegetables like Artichokes, Asparagus, Aubergine, Bamboo shoots, Bean Sprouts, Beet Greens, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chard, Chilis, Chinese Veg Mix, Coffee, Collards, Courgettes, Cucumber, Dandelion, Endives, Garlic, Green beans, Herbal teas, Herbs, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Marrow, Mushrooms, Okra, Onion, Peppers, Pumpkin, Radishes, Rocket, Soup made from these vegetables, Soy beans, Spices, Spinach, Sprouts, Squash, Tea, Tomatoes, Tomato juice, Vegetable juice, Zucchini ad libitum. These are not starchy, but have minerals like magnesium, phosphate, and potassium. [1/2 to 1 cup per meal stop]
[These foods do not perceptively raise blood sugar.]
④ Use low glycemic index [GI under 55] carbohydrates up to 25 to 50 grams at a meal to ensure that the blood sugar is steady. (6 to 9 millimoles per liter) [breads, cereals, grains, pasta, fruit, legumes, starchy vegetables] This ensures blood glucose is normoglycemic. 1 to 2 slices of Black Pumpernickel rye bread is perfect, like 1/2 to 1 cup of baked beans. Other selections are 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked lentils. Bear in mind that this is six to seven small meals a day!
⑤ Use protein foods at each meal, 30 grams to supply amino acids to the brain, to make neurotransmitters.
[lean meat, poultry, crustaceans/fish/shellfish, egg, cheese, milk, yoghurt] Try vegetarian proteins too like peanut paste.
⑥ Approximately 25 to 35 grams lipids - highest polyphenol extra-virgin olive oil / olive oil spread / fish oil.
[Better than Butter / Margarine]. 1 Teaspoon cod liver oil / daily.
SAMPLE MEAL: 1/2 to 1 SANDWICH MADE WITH BLACK PUMPERNICKEL RYE BREAD, 30 gr RED SALMON, 1 to 2 level tsp. OLIVE OIL SPREAD, 50 gr SALAD, 2 to 3 BLACK OLIVES MINUS SEEDS; 2 CUPS OF GREEN TEA NO SUGAR.
♪ ♬ "You'll Never Get To Harvard If You Eat Bad Foods!" ♫ ♪ - Dionne Warwick?
REFERENCES:-
#1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16014126/ (Nutrition and student performance at school Howard Taras 1)
#2 https://www.cmich.edu/news/details/how-important-is-nutrition-to-academic-success (How important is nutrition to academic success?)
#3 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5746694/ (Associations between Dietary Intake and Academic Achievement in College Students: A Systematic Review Tracy L Burrows 1, Megan C Whatnall 1, Amanda J Patterson 1, Melinda J Hutchesson 1,*)
#4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27599886/ (Is there an association between dietary intake and academic achievement: a systematic review T Burrows 1, S Goldman 1, K Pursey 1, R Lim 2)
#5 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5746694/ (Associations between Dietary Intake and Academic Achievement in College Students: A Systematic Review Tracy L Burrows 1, Megan C Whatnall 1, Amanda J Patterson 1, Melinda J Hutchesson 1,*)
#6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28487248/ (Associations between selected dietary behaviors and academic achievement.)
#7 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36047050/ (Dietary intake and educational outcomes among Australian university students: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations Lena Babaeer 1, 2, Michalis Stylianou 3, Jacqueline L Walker 3, Sjaan R Gomersall 1, 3)
#8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27015180/ (Dietary Habits Are Associated With School Performance in Adolescents So Young Kim 1, Songyong Sim, Bumjung Park, Il Gyu Kong, Jin-Hwan Kim, Hyo Geun Choi)
#9 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39439747/ (Association Between Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Cognitive Performance Among Adolescent Students From Underdeveloped Cities in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study - João Victor Laurindo Dos Santos 1 2, Ingrid Sofia Vieira de Melo 2, Clara Andrezza Crisóstomo Bezerra Costa 2 3, Layanne Cabral de Almeida 2, Dafiny Rodrigues Silva 4, Débora Cavalcante Ferro 1, Déborah Tenório Costa Paula 1, Mateus de Lima Macena 4, Nassib Bezerra Bueno 1, 4)
10 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30810252/ (Higher diet quality in university students is associated with higher academic achievement: a cross-sectional study. M C Whatnall 1 , A J Patterson 1 , T L Burrows 1 , M J Hutchesson 1).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GOD BLESS!
Yes, and women can be very good surgeons. If you get your nutrition in order, you shall be unstoppable!
SEE https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/2017/08/the-rise-of-female-surgeons-at-johns-hopkins
What the nutrients that support brain function and memory? Here are some key components your mmust include in your diet:-
• Protein: Meat, fish, eggs, poultry, legumes, nuts, and seeds are essential for brain health and mood.
• Fruits and Vegetables: High in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support brain health.
• Low-Glycemic Index Carbohydrates [Unrefined wholegrains - bread, cereal, pasta, low sugar fruits, starchy vegetables, legumes, milk, yoghurt]
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish, flax seeds, and walnuts, these help improve cognitive function.
• Moderate Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, and dark chocolate, it can enhance alertness and focus.
• Hydration: Water is vital for brain function, as the brain is about 73% water.
Incorporating these foods into your daily routine can help improve concentration, memory, and overall academic performance. Remember to balance your diet with regular exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle for the best results.
The human body relies on 102 nutrients to function at peak performance. That is evidenced by the stark improvement in academic results eventuating
from nutritional repletion. The human brain is probably one of the most complex biochemical arrangements, which responds to the administration of nutrients
from foods.
Only 3% of students get accepted to study at Harvard University. What gets people in is a high GPA [Grade Point Average] OVER 4. You can get academic results of
4.8 to 5.0 GPA, placing you in the top 1% to 5% of academic achievers. It is human empowerment with nutrition.
This form of nutritional manipulation can be done without pills. It is done by foods. It can elevate academic results to high distinctions [95%].
Similarly for work performance too. To get high Grade Point Averages and Perform Well at Work, we must adhere to the principles of very good nutritional intakes.
Nourish the Mind!
GUIDELINES FOR IMPROVED ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
① No more than 2 hours between meals when studying or working. That means six or seven small meals a day. This ensures a steady supply of nutrients to the brain, specifically the cerebellum. That facilitates normal blood sugar [normoglycemia], important for studies.
② 33 milliliters per kilogram body weight per day of water or green tea is an extremely powerful protective antioxidant. Water is the solvent for the brain.
③ Salads using vegetables like Artichokes, Asparagus, Aubergine, Bamboo shoots, Bean Sprouts, Beet Greens, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chard, Chilis, Chinese Veg Mix, Coffee, Collards, Courgettes, Cucumber, Dandelion, Endives, Garlic, Green beans, Herbal teas, Herbs, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Marrow, Mushrooms, Okra, Onion, Peppers, Pumpkin, Radishes, Rocket, Soup made from these vegetables, Soy beans, Spices, Spinach, Sprouts, Squash, Tea, Tomatoes, Tomato juice, Vegetable juice, Zucchini ad libitum. These are not starchy, but have minerals like magnesium, phosphate, and potassium. [1/2 to 1 cup per meal stop]
[These foods do not perceptively raise blood sugar.]
④ Use low glycemic index [GI under 55] carbohydrates up to 25 to 50 grams at a meal to ensure that the blood sugar is steady. (6 to 9 millimoles per liter) [breads, cereals, grains, pasta, fruit, legumes, starchy vegetables] This ensures blood glucose is normoglycemic. 1 to 2 slices of Black Pumpernickel rye bread is perfect, like 1/2 to 1 cup of baked beans. Other selections are 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked lentils. Bear in mind that this is six to seven small meals a day!
⑤ Use protein foods at each meal, 30 grams to supply amino acids to the brain, to make neurotransmitters.
[lean meat, poultry, crustaceans/fish/shellfish, egg, cheese, milk, yoghurt] Try vegetarian proteins too like peanut paste.
⑥ Approximately 25 to 35 grams lipids - highest polyphenol extra-virgin olive oil / olive oil spread / fish oil.
[Better than Butter / Margarine]. 1 Teaspoon cod liver oil / daily.
SAMPLE MEAL: 1/2 to 1 SANDWICH MADE WITH BLACK PUMPERNICKEL RYE BREAD, 30 gr RED SALMON, 1 to 2 level tsp. OLIVE OIL SPREAD, 50 gr SALAD, 2 to 3 BLACK OLIVES MINUS SEEDS; 2 CUPS OF GREEN TEA NO SUGAR.
♪ ♬ "You'll Never Get To Harvard If You Eat Bad Foods!" ♫ ♪ - Dionne Warwick?
REFERENCES:-
#1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16014126/ (Nutrition and student performance at school Howard Taras 1)
#2 https://www.cmich.edu/news/details/how-important-is-nutrition-to-academic-success (How important is nutrition to academic success?)
#3 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5746694/ (Associations between Dietary Intake and Academic Achievement in College Students: A Systematic Review Tracy L Burrows 1, Megan C Whatnall 1, Amanda J Patterson 1, Melinda J Hutchesson 1,*)
#4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27599886/ (Is there an association between dietary intake and academic achievement: a systematic review T Burrows 1, S Goldman 1, K Pursey 1, R Lim 2)
#5 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5746694/ (Associations between Dietary Intake and Academic Achievement in College Students: A Systematic Review Tracy L Burrows 1, Megan C Whatnall 1, Amanda J Patterson 1, Melinda J Hutchesson 1,*)
#6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28487248/ (Associations between selected dietary behaviors and academic achievement.)
#7 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36047050/ (Dietary intake and educational outcomes among Australian university students: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations Lena Babaeer 1, 2, Michalis Stylianou 3, Jacqueline L Walker 3, Sjaan R Gomersall 1, 3)
#8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27015180/ (Dietary Habits Are Associated With School Performance in Adolescents So Young Kim 1, Songyong Sim, Bumjung Park, Il Gyu Kong, Jin-Hwan Kim, Hyo Geun Choi)
#9 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39439747/ (Association Between Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Cognitive Performance Among Adolescent Students From Underdeveloped Cities in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study - João Victor Laurindo Dos Santos 1 2, Ingrid Sofia Vieira de Melo 2, Clara Andrezza Crisóstomo Bezerra Costa 2 3, Layanne Cabral de Almeida 2, Dafiny Rodrigues Silva 4, Débora Cavalcante Ferro 1, Déborah Tenório Costa Paula 1, Mateus de Lima Macena 4, Nassib Bezerra Bueno 1, 4)
10 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30810252/ (Higher diet quality in university students is associated with higher academic achievement: a cross-sectional study. M C Whatnall 1 , A J Patterson 1 , T L Burrows 1 , M J Hutchesson 1).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GOD BLESS!
Updated
Jodi’s Answer
YES!!!!!!
If this is what you want to do, go for it!
If this is what you want to do, go for it!
Updated
Madison’s Answer
ABSOLUTELY women can and DO become surgeons (in all fields of medicine). There are and will continue to be MANY many excellent surgeons of all genders. Yes, there have been (and sadly likely will continue to be) biases in our medical system/country and medical schools in general over the many years that have either swayed women away from surgical specialties but we are working hard to change that and to get rid of these both implicit and explicit biases. Some specialities have more women in them than others but that DOES NOT mean you can not pursue them. As a female surgeon myself, I can for sure say it is an achievable goal and a rewarding one. Find women in the field you are interested who can help mentor you and guide you.
Updated
Rhandi’s Answer
Women can absolutely become surgeons. In our practice, I work alongside women who are Physicans AND physician assistants, as well as surgeons.
Due to the medical field being predominantly male, patients find it hard to believe their surgeon is the female. But they sure are.
Due to the medical field being predominantly male, patients find it hard to believe their surgeon is the female. But they sure are.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Carmen
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Women can absolutely be surgeons! Don’t ever let anyone tell you what you can be. If you try hard and focus on a goal you can achieve anything. The sky is the limit!
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
We need more women surgeons! Please go chase this dream. You absolutely can do this!
Thank you so much!
Carmen
Updated
Erika’s Answer
Hi Carmen, anyone can become a surgeon (women or men)!! You got this keep your head steady and study hard. Medical school can be challenging but worth it in the end doing something you love to do! Rooting for you, you got this.
Thank you !!
Carmen