Women in Surgery Committee

Annual Leadership Seminar

“So You Want To Be A Chair”

The ACS Women in Surgery Committee and the Society of Surgical Chairs and the ACS Women in Surgery Committee are hosting a leadership seminar for mid-career surgeons who have previously applied for Chair positions and/or are looking to apply for Chair positions as a next step in their career. The 4-hour long, in-person seminar will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn and network with current Surgical Chairs, provide reflection and introspection opportunities, and in-depth discussion with other attendees.

Learn more and apply to attend the Annual Leadership Seminar.

Mentorship Program

Participate as a Mentee, Serve as a Mentor

The Committee offers a year-long Mentorship Program for women surgeons with less than 5 years in practice. The program focuses on offering mentorship in a variety of areas including career development, research goals, work-life balance, practice development, transition to practice, and leadership development. The mentorship program begins in September/October each year. Applications for mentors and mentees open in February/March each year. 

Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award

Submit a Nomination

The Committee sponsors the Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award, presented annually at Clinical Congress. This award is given in recognition of an individual's significant contributions to the advancement of women in the field of surgery. The naming of the award is in honor of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the first female surgeon employed by the United States Army, and the only woman to have received the Medal of Honor. Following her service in the Civil War, Dr. Walker devoted her life to supporting women's suffrage, and was a frequent lecturer on health care, temperance, and women’s rights. Dr. Walker was an outgoing, courageous, and pioneering female surgeon who paved the way for female surgeons of today. Nominations open in February of each year and are kept under consideration for two years. Submit a Mary Edwards Walker Award nomination.

Olga Jonasson Lecture

Join the Committee at Clinical Congress each year for the Olga Jonasson Lecture. Named in honor of Dr. Jonasson, this lecture is a testimony to leadership and education in surgery and a reflection of the capacity of women to reach academic pinnacles. The lecturer is selected by the Women in Surgery Committee. If you are interested in recommending an individual to be considered, please contact the WiSC Staff Liaison at jmohan@facs.org. Learn more about the Olga Jonasson lecture and past lectures.

Women in Surgery Committee Roster

What I Wish I Knew Video Series

Features women surgeons reflecting and sharing their pearls of knowledge and wisdom they’ve learned throughout their surgical career. Many important lessons are learned throughout a surgical career. Whether it’s a simple trick to help manage coding/billing, a time management hack that changed your day-to-day, a professional piece of advice you received that made an impact, advice you wish you had received to avoid an obstacle, and more. Watch the What I Wish I Knew series.

Harassment, Bullying, and Discrimination Toolkit

Supports the ACS in its efforts to address intimate partner violence and develop resources that focus on addressing aspects of empowerment including how to address incidents of discrimination, harassment, bullying, and other negative encounters and forms of aggression. Download the Harassment, Bullying, and Discrimination Toolkit.

Letter of Recommendation Guide and Resource Sheet

This guide and resource sheet provides general guidance and tips when writing letters of writing letters of recommendation for surgeons at all levels of training, including medical students. Based on reviewing research and successful letters of recommendation for advancement, tenure, and awards, this resource outlines general principles to guide letter structure, notable words and phrases, things to avoid, and examples of successful letters of recommendation. The Guide and Resource Bank does not guarantee acceptance of the letters you write. Download the Letter of Recommendation Guide and Resource Sheet.

ACS Statements

The Committee is committed to collaborating with other ACS Committees and the Board of Governors on statements focused on issues affecting women in surgery.

Statement on the Importance of Pregnancy, Parental Leave, and Workplace Accommodations for Surgical Residents and Fellows

Revised Statement on the Importance of Workplace Accommodations for Pregnancy, Parental Leave, and Lactation Support for Practicing Surgeons

Statement on Harassment, Bullying, and Discrimination

Statement on Intimate Partner Violence

Statement on Gender Salary Equity

Michael Sutherland, MD, FACS
Jenny Mohan, MS

The Women in Surgery Committee welcomes your input. Please email your comments to jmohan@facs.org.