Dr. Gurdon Buck (1807–1877), known by some as the "Father of Modern Plastic Surgery," pioneered facial reconstructive techniques during the Civil War, particularly for soldiers with severe injuries (1). While he is widely regarded, the contributions of his female assistants remain underexplored. During the 19th century, women were rarely recognised in surgical roles, often limited to caregiving or nursing. However, the Civil War’s demand for medical personnel provided opportunities for women to assist in surgery (2). In Buck’s practice, female assistants prepared surgical materials, administered anaesthesia, and managed post-operative care, including wound cleaning and infection control. Their skilled work supported Buck’s meticulous and groundbreaking procedures. Although their names are largely undocumented, these women played a crucial role in advancing surgical techniques during a transformative era in medicine. Their contributions underscore the untold stories of women in early surgical history and reflect how crises, like the Civil War, created opportunities for broader participation in medical fields. Highlighting the involvement of Buck’s female assistants not only honours their legacy, but also the broader historical contributions of women in surgery and paves the way for them to be recognised as pioneers of surgery in their own right. References 1. Crumley RL. Some pioneers in plastic surgery of the facial region. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. 2003 Jan 1;5(1):9-15. 2. Schultz JE. Women at the front: Hospital workers in Civil War America. Univ of North Carolina Press; 2005 Dec 15.