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Everyday sexism In summer 2016 I was honoured to be appointed a forum member of the WinS committee. I wanted to get involved for many reasons but personally I was really frustrated with both patients and colleagues’ perceptions of who a surgeon is. I am now an ST5 specialist registrar in ENT surgery and have done the same exams as my male counterparts, worked just as hard and am equally qualified but feel like I often have to prove myself or justify my actions. Some of the issues that I have faced include


patients telling me they didn’t realise women could be surgeons, and others asking to see a male surgeon instead when they see that a “Miss” is treating them as they think that a man will be better. I have been asked to prove my qualifications and asked how many operations I have done. Patients will often direct their answers to my questions to male medical students or foundation doctors who are in my clinic observing; and during my ENT registrar interview I was mistaken for an admin assistant collecting forms rather than a candidate by the examiner - just because I was female. These are issues that none of my male


registrar or even core trainee colleagues have


had to deal with and when I was asked in my WinS committee interview whether there was still a need for the group my response was a definite yes!


Choosing ENT My interest in ENT surgery was sparked during a fantastic week’s placement as a fourth year student with a lovely consultant (Mr Wickham in Barnsley) who I have had the pleasure of working with as a registrar since. I did a final year special study module followed by foundation training posts in the specialty to gain extra experience. ENT is a varied specialty and surgery ranges from middle ear microsurgery and endoscopic nasal surgery, to open head and neck cancer cases such as laryngectomy and neck dissections, to even robotic surgery. The clinics are diverse and interactive with


lots of minor procedures. You deal with both children and adults, manage medical conditions in addition to performing surgery and overall it is a very varied and rewarding job. I am currently considering a consultant career in the subspecialty of head and neck oncological surgery but I need to pass my FRCS exams first and be signed off at the end of my training, of which I have another three and a half years to go.


No matter what specialty you go into you


will have to work hard, do postgraduate qualifications and have active involvement in teaching, research, audit and management. Surgery is no exception and is one of the more competitive specialties requiring lots of dedication and sacrifice, something that I think is worthwhile as I absolutely love my job. For those considering a surgical career, my


advice would be to go for it – but be organised and plan ahead. Use taster weeks to gain experience, look at the application forms for the next level up, and tailor your CVs. Speak to senior colleagues about what the job entails, get involved with audits and projects, and use the e-logbook to record any minor procedures you do and any surgery you watch or are involved in. Consider joining the RCS affiliates scheme and if you are female get involved in WinS!


Miss Nicola Stobbs is a specialty trainee (ST5) in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery based in Sheffield.


Link: Women in Surgery (WinS) – www.rcseng.ac.uk/careers-in-surgery/ women-in-surgery


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