ePoster
Presentation Description
Institution: Nepean Hospital - NSW, Australia
Leadership in surgery has historically been male-dominated, yet the rise of women in surgical leadership roles in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Australia marks a pivotal transformation in the field. Recent trends, particularly among medical graduates and trainees, highlight progress while underscoring persistent disparities.
In 2020, women represented 52.8% of medical graduates, reflecting a promising shift in the workforce. Among plastic and reconstructive surgery trainees, 62% (23 of 37) are women. However, only 18.7% (94 of 504) of active surgeons are female, and just 25% (3 of 12) of board members in leadership positions are women, despite notable progress, including the appointment of a female president of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
This presentation examines the pathways to leadership for women surgeons, focusing on mentorship, advocacy, and institutional support. It highlights the unique contributions women bring to surgical practice, education, and policymaking while addressing barriers such as work-life balance challenges and the glass ceiling. Actionable strategies for fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for future leaders will be discussed.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery in Australia demonstrates significant strides in gender equity, evidenced by the increasing number of female trainees. This progress is essential to ensuring the profession reflects the diverse communities it serves, shaping a dynamic and inclusive future for surgery.
Presenters
Authors
Authors
Dr Sarah Huang -