Cause for Worry: Women Surgeons' Conspicuous Absence from Global Healthcare

The global healthcare landscape has been built on the foundation of women. Playing the grassroot roles in healthcare, a majority of care staff and nursing roles are undertaken by women. However, the same strength in numbers is not witnessed in higher up roles, especially when it comes to surgeons.

The common perception around the globe is that surgery is not a field conducive for women. Currently only one third surgeons globally are women.

Although women pursuing medical education has increased manifolds over the years, challenges still remain. Aspiring women surgeons often face challenges such as societal norms, family resistance etc. if they overcome the odds and become surgeons, they face gender discrimination in training programs and in promotions.

The same cycle continues as women surgeons move up the ladder making it tougher for women surgeons to reach the very top of the rung.

This makes the journey of existing women surgeons worthy of more praise. The current edition of Global Woman Leader magazine brings to you, stories of inspiring women surgeons from Switzerland.

In this magazine edition, read in in-depth interview with Dr Lisca Drittenbass, MD, Doctor at Centre ASSAL for Foot Care and Surgery in Geneva. Dr. Lisca Drittenbass, orthopaedic surgeon specialized in foot and ankle surgery, works as an Associate Surgeon at Centre ASSAL in Geneva. She is the President of the Swiss Foot and Ankle Society (SFAS) and holds an Executive MBA in healthcare management from Université HEC Lausanne.

We also feature Dr. Martha Trujillo, a skilled gastrointestinal and neck endocrine surgeon at Spital Thurgau, Switzerland, with board certifications in general surgery from both Colombia and Switzerland. Specializing in minimally invasive procedures, she combines advanced techniques with a patient-centered approach. A dedicated mentor, Dr. Trujillo is passionate about guiding future surgeons and fostering critical thinking.

Pursue the insightful conversations with the aforementioned women surgeons and other women leaders from varied industries in the current edition of GWL.

Do let us know your thoughts.