Historically dominated by men, the medical and surgical professions are now evolving to reflect a more balanced gender representation, with a noticeable rise in women surgeons worldwide. Their presence and leadership continue to break stereotypes, encouraging future generations of women to see themselves in surgical roles. Switzerland is among the countries where women surgeons are making significant strides. The country’s advanced healthcare system, supportive policies, and commitment to medical research and training have created opportunities for women in various surgical specialties.

Swiss women surgeons contribute to innovations in fields like neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, and neck endocrine surgery, gaining global recognition for their expertise. One notable example is Dr Martha Trujillo, a neck endocrine surgeon at Spital Thurgau. Dr Trujillo’s journey reflects a blend of cultural influences, personal resilience, and a steadfast commitment to surgery. Her family played a significant role in shaping her values, teaching her kindness, compassion, and the importance of helping others’ qualities that deeply influenced her choice to become a surgeon. From a young age, she was passionate about medicine and had unwavering support from her parents, who encouraged her ambitions despite societal expectations for more 'family-friendly' careers.

Dr Trujillo’s formative years were also shaped by her dedication to sports, specifically artistic roller skating, where she competed nationally for Colombia. This experience instilled in her a sense of perseverance and resilience, qualities essential to her work as a surgeon. After completing medical school at El Bosque University in Colombia, she gained practical experience as a surgical assistant in Bogotá. She furthered her surgical training through a specialized program at Xavier University and the National Cancer Institute in Bogotá.

A pivotal point in her career was a residency rotation in Switzerland, which inspired her to specialize in neck endocrine surgery. In Switzerland, Dr Trujillo completed additional training, earned the European Board of Surgical qualification (EBSQ), and refined her skills in minimally invasive and endocrine surgery. Today, she not only contributes her expertise to Spital Thurgau but also mentors young surgeons, giving back to the profession that has been central to her life’s purpose.

Let’s dive in this one on one interaction to know more.

Take us through your professional experience as a gastrointestinal and neck endocrine surgeon. What key areas of expertise have you developed in the aforementioned field?

As a gastrointestinal and neck endocrine surgeon, Dr Martha Trujillo has developed a high level of expertise in minimally invasive techniques and multidisciplinary patient care. Her work in gastrointestinal surgery encompasses treating various ailments within the abdominal cavity, abdominal wall, and endocrine glands. Dr Trujillo specializes in minimally invasive surgeries, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomies for gallbladder removal, appendectomies, and laparoscopic procedures for diverticulitis and colon carcinomas. For abdominal wall diseases, including hernias, she employs both open and endoscopic approaches and collaborates with robotics-trained colleagues for complex cases. Her experience in gastrointestinal oncology allows her to determine the best surgical approach, whether open or laparoscopic, based on tumor advancement, particularly for colon carcinoma cases.

In neck endocrine surgery, Dr Trujillo adopts a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, working alongside endocrinologists, pathologists, oncologists, and radiologists to deliver precise, tailored treatments for patients with endocrine tumors. Her surgical expertise includes thyroidectomies for managing goiters and thyroid cancer, as well as parathyroidectomies for treating hyperparathyroidism. She utilizes advanced tools, such as magnifying glasses and neuromonitoring, to preserve critical structures like parathyroids and nerves, aiming to provide minimally invasive results with nearly invisible scars. Her careful, patient-focused approach reflects her commitment to both the technical precision of her field and the quality of patient outcomes.

"Dr Martha Trujillo exemplifies resilience & precision, redefining surgery & inspiring future generations to pursue excellence in medical fields"

Introduce us to Spital Thurgau. Tell us about the ailments you treat and procedures you perform at the healthcare facility.

Spital Thurgau is a prominent healthcare provider in Canton Thurgau, Switzerland, with two main facilities: Kantonsspital Frauenfeld and Kantonsspital Münsterlingen. Known for its advanced use of modern technology and evidence-based medicine, Spital Thurgau serves as a comprehensive healthcare hub, offering a wide range of high-quality inpatient and outpatient services to the residents of Canton Thurgau and neighboring regions. Its extensive medical departments include Surgery (covering Oncologic, Colorectal, Bariatric, Traumatology, Parietology, Hand and Plastic and Endocrine Surgery), Internal Medicine, Gynecology, Radiology, Orthopedics, and Urology.

The hospital integrates acute care, emergency services, and rehabilitation, ensuring well-coordinated, multidisciplinary support across all stages of patient treatment. Recognized as one of Switzerland's 'Best Employers 2023,' Spital Thurgau prides itself on a welcoming, familiar work environment, where team members know each other by name and maintain a balance of professionalism and camaraderie.

What are your primary focus areas for ensuring positive patient outcomes?

A strong surgeon-patient relationship is essential, and I prioritize clear communication, ensuring patients and their families fully understand treatments, risks, and possible complications. Patient safety is key: we use checklists to minimize errors and maintain accurate electronic health records. Our multidisciplinary approach, especially in endocrine surgery, involves collaboration with endocrinologists, pathologists, oncologists, and radiologists to deliver the most effective treatment. We follow ERAS protocols (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) to boost patient outcomes, improving recovery, reducing complications, and lowering costs by shortening hospital stays. Feedback and outcome tracking are also crucial, and as part of the European Registry for endocrine surgery, we continually aim to enhance surgical treatments and identify areas for improvement.

In your opinion, what have been the biggest 'wins' that you have achieved so far in your professional journey? What has been your 'success mantra' as a leader?

In my view, each step along my journey has been a win, contributing to who I am as a surgeon today. Achievements like completing my medical degree, obtaining board certifications in general surgery in both Colombia and Switzerland, and specializing in visceral and neck endocrine surgery have been significant milestones. Working with an exceptional team in a reputable institution is also a major accomplishment I value deeply.

As for a success mantra, I don’t have one in particular, but if I were to define it, I’d say: always give your best, remain humble, take responsibility for your actions, seek advice, and learn from your mistakes.

Dr Martha Trujillo, Skilled Gastrointestinal & Neck Endocrinesurgeon, Spital Thurgau

Dr Martha Trujillo is 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.