Women Leading Change For Gender Equality In Surgery

Throughout human history, women have always been underrepresented in many professional fields, especially in surgery. However, over the past few decades, women have consistently been able to break barriers and reshape the medical field. As the number of women in the medical field is increasing, it is evident that the medical field will continue to diversify and promote more opportunities for future generations of women.

In the United States, the growth of female surgeons is revolutionary. Over the past 50 years, the percentage of female surgeons rose from 2% to 25% of all practicing surgeons. This has also been prominent in other parts of the world, such as Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa, where women surgeons a decade ago represented 9%, while today, the number has risen to 27%. Furthermore, many organizations led by women have been formed to reduce and eliminate any barriers that women may face in the surgical field. One particular organization is The Association of Women Surgeons (AWS), which was created in 1981 to champion gender-related challenges for women surgeons. This organization has been aiding in the careers of women in the medical field by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and scholarships to help women pursue their surgical careers.

Some individual female surgeons have also taken vast efforts to advocate for the equity of women in the surgical field and support the next generation of female surgeons. One particular individual is Dr. Ashley Williams Hogue, who is a trauma, acute care, and brain surgeon at the University of Alabama. She serves as an inspiration for young women, where she was recognized for her persistent dedication to her patients, her community, and public health advocacy. She also created a very impactful initiative, known as Project-Inspire, which is a hospital-based injury prevention program that aims to reduce gun violence in the Alabama area. Not only that, but she was selected as a Future Trauma Leader – one of the highest honors for a junior trauma surgeon – by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma.  She was also named to Mobile Bay Magazine’s 2024 40 Under 40 class. Dr. Hogue is a perfect example of the endless possibilities that women can achieve when gifted with the opportunity, mentorship, and support to lead, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in medicine and their communities. Looking at the experiences of Dr. Hogue serves as an inspiration for women all around the globe, giving hope to future generations of women.

While women may still face many barriers that interfere with their medical careers, there are still women who consistently combat these challenges, ensuring that everyone in society gets an equal chance at pursuing a career in the medical field. As society continues to develop, it is important to recognize and support the achievements of women in the surgical field and all the sacrifices they have made to ensure equality for our society.

Written by Henry Tran at Incisionary

References

American. (2025, November 11). AMWA Advocacy | Advancing Gender Equity in Medicine. American Medical Women’s Association. https://amwa-doc.org/our-work/advocate-for-equity/ 

Ashley Williams Hogue, M.D., named to “Women Who Shape the State” list | USA Health. (2025). USA Health. https://www.usahealthsystem.com/news/williams-hogue-women-who-shape-the-state-25? 

Global Collaborations Help Expand Surgical Workforce Opportunities for Women. (2025). ACS. https://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/news-publications/news-and-articles/bulletin/2025/february-2025-volume-110-issue-2/global-collaborations-help-expand-surgical-workforce-opportunities-for-women 

Onyiego, A., & Davids, J. S. (2023). Impact of Gender Inequity on Women Surgeons in the Professional Setting. Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1764463