Women in Surgery

Hello everyone, 

On the 26th of February 2025, the Ogston Surgical Society ran the “Women in Surgery” webinar. It brought together students, trainees and consultants to discuss the role of women in surgery - a field that has traditionally been male-dominated. The discussions that were had showcased and celebrated the progress which continues to be made - to make surgery more inclusive and more representative. Now, six months on, with a new committee, we wanted to reflect on this. 

Our panel of speakers included Ms Aileen McKinley, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon; Dr Danielle Joyce, FY2; and Dr Kellie McClafferty, FY1, both previous Ogston Presidents. They spoke honestly about their journeys, the unique challenges they’ve faced and how they have overcome them. It was insightful to see women at different stages in their careers, at the start and at the end, and to discuss barriers in surgery. It was also interesting to see how women in surgery have evolved - media such as “Outlander” paint a picture of the struggles of women as surgeons in historical fiction, and shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy” follow women surgeons such as Meredith Grey and Christina Yang in the present day. Spoilers for season 10, but the struggles showcased between Dr Meredith Grey and Dr Christina Yang.

If we look back, the first women to enter medical school in the UK were the Edinburgh Seven, who were admitted to the University of Edinburgh in 1869. The group included Sophia Jex-Blake, Isabel Thorne, Edith Pechey, Matilda Chaplin, Helen Evans, Mary Anderson, and Emily Bovell. They were not allowed to graduate. The first women who were allowed to graduate were in 1896 from the University of Edinburgh. The first woman to graduate from the University of Aberdeen medical school was Dr Myra Mackenzie, who matriculated in 1895. She was followed by Jeannie C Macleod, Margaret Duncan, Isabella Kerr (née Gunn) and Isabella Copland Smith. In the early 1970s, women made up around 8% of a medical school class, according to the Yale University Library of Online Exhibitions. 

Data published by the GMC suggests that the number of female medical students is 60% compared to men, and in Northern Ireland, as high as 72%. On the 6th of March 2025, the GMC published, “Data collected by the regulator shows there are now* 164,440 women (50.04%) registered with a licence to practise, compared with 164,195 men (49.96%).” Yet, around 16% of surgeons in the UK are female, compared to 49% of female doctors. Of those who started medical school at the University of Aberdeen in 2020, 64% were female, and 38% were male. 

But what makes surgery so daunting for talented women who are so successful as doctors? The surgical culture - male-dominated environment, lack of female role models, and work-life balance? Imposter syndrome? Guilt and childcare issues ?

In the 2022 “Barbie” film by Greta Gerwig one of the characters, Gloria, states, “You have to be a boss, but you can't be mean. You have to lead, but you can't squash other people's ideas. You're supposed to love being a mother, but don't talk about your kids all the damn time. You have to be a career woman but also always be looking out for other people” before saying, “You have to answer for men's bad behaviour, which is insane, but if you point that out, you're accused of complaining,” a speech which I think has resonated with almost every woman who watched the film. In this speech she outlines the paradox of being a female and how much like walking a tightrope it can be. How emotionally exhausting it can be, being ambitious and assertive, but never too much. It can be a constant negotiation, and it can be overwhelming. 

The same can be said for women in surgery - to lead the surgical team with confidence and to be competent, but if you are too outspoken or too harsh, then you can be labelled as too aggressive. You must constantly prove your competence but still be likeable. Men are more likely to snap at you over the operating table, women are harsher on their own sex, and there is a double standard between male students. Tensions like this are amplified in high-pressure areas like surgery. But despite this, almost every female surgeon I have met has been kind and welcoming, wanting female medical students to be there in theatre. It’s not about being allowed to enter the operating theatre but being welcomed and appreciated. Surgeons that tell you when a case is coming in, something that you can get involved in. Young women should be able to see themselves as consultants and registrars, and feminine traits that are essential to doctors - kindness, empathy, and intuition - shouldn’t be beaten out of them to be a surgeon.

Around 7 in 10 women will have experienced imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. Research shows that women are far less likely to apply for roles unless they meet all of the listed criteria. The Royal College of Surgeons of England published an article that discussed that “patients treated by female surgeons had fewer complications and shorter hospital stays than those treated by male surgeons,” which further proves that women in surgery are just as competent as men, if not more so. When you are repeatedly in a system in which you are overlooked, underestimated or questioned, no wonder imposter syndrome takes root. Confidence in surgery does not need to be loud or arrogant; it can be quiet, and steady. Emotional intelligence, collaboration, and reflective practice are strengths, not weaknesses. 

Microaggressions in surgery are also not talked about enough. At the webinar, Ms McKinley talked about how she, the consultant, dressed in scrubs, was asked if she was the consultant's secretary, and that particular comment has stuck with me. It sticks with me every time I get asked about what kind of nurse I want to be, even when I say I want to be a doctor, and a surgeon. How likely is it that a man would get asked about his nursing studies after explaining that he wants to be a surgeon? Being told that you are too nice to be a surgeon? Overlooked with your ideas, but a man comes along with the same ideas and it is validated? Women are also more likely to have their competence overlooked.

At Ogston, we want to celebrate women in surgery and ensure equal opportunities for all aspiring surgeons, regardless of background. Women should be celebrated for who they are and shouldn’t be more like men or be told to “man up” (respectfully, no). In an ideal world, we shouldn’t have had to have women in surgery events, as women in surgery are just surgeons. In conclusion, in reflecting on women in surgery, to me it’s highlighted that the issues faced are still deep-rooted, and despite the advancement of gender equality, women are still a minority.

We are grateful to everyone who attended the event and to everyone that spoke at the event. We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future, inspiring the next generation of surgeons. Initiatives like Women in Surgery (WinS), active mentorship networks, and supportive societies like ours are playing a crucial role in accelerating this change. 

If anyone has any ideas or wants to discuss anything, please reach out and let us know! 

Best wishes, 

Katherine 

Ogston’s Vice President 2025/2026