Maila Rose Torillo, MD, FACS – Philippines
Dr. Torillo is a general and breast surgeon who practices in Manila and the province of Bulacan.
Q: Why did you want to be a surgeon?
A: As a child, I was admitted to the hospital multiple times for various childhood illnesses, and I was fortunate to be able to see the real world scenarios in a hospital. Since then, I felt that when I grow up, I should strive to be at the other end of the line. I should be the one saving lives. Such that I never dreamed of being anything else than a doctor. As I learned more about the different ways in which doctors can practice, I have always found myself drawn to surgery. It is where my heart belongs. I felt like it is where I can give the most, and where my knowledge and future skills will make the greatest impact on the lives of my future patients. As a female, a lot of people, even family discouraged me to choose surgery, citing various reasons like the prolonged training, cost of instruments to use in future practice, and even loss of time and opportunity to start a family. However, my heart and mind were really set on surgery. One of the best advice I received when I was deciding on which specialty to take was given by my uncle who is also a doctor. He said, “ You should choose the specialty that you think you can do for the rest of your life.” Early on in my studies, I was fortunate to be chosen to perform my very first appendectomy under supervision. It was such a huge privilege to be able to perform surgery, ever more so as I will be doing it ahead of my peers. It was so exciting for me, yet it also felt natural when I did preop and even recited the procedure to the senior resident. The whole procedure felt surreal, yet I also felt at ease. And then when I finally cut the appendix, I felt shivers down my spine. And I said to myself, “This is where I belong.”
Q: How has ACS helped or supported you in your career?
A: As an international fellow of the American College of Surgeons, I was exposed to state of the art surgical care in the United States. A wealth of knowledge is available through various continuing medical education opportunities. It also provided a platform for presenting and learning from research not just in the USA but from all over the world. Most recently, I was blessed to be awarded the A.R. Moosa Travelling Fellowship International Scholarship award, which has allowed me to attend the Clinical Congress where I was able to keep myself updated with current and future surgical management. I was able to connect with distinguished surgeons and fellow scholars from all over the world, which allowed me to gain insight into how other surgeons go about surgical care, manage their careers, personal time and other topics like women empowerment, gender issues, and a lot more. Aside from the vast selection of clinical topics I was able to listen to, attending the clinical congress through this scholarship help broaden my perspective, and helped me become more aware of other areas in my life including personal time, ergonomics, economics, self-development, and others that are equally important to achieve work life balance. Also, as part of this scholarship, I was able to observe a surgeon, Dr. Christopher Tokin, in his clinic, operating room, in his dealings with his student, and colleagues. This experience helped me, not just through the techniques and equipment I saw, but it helped me see how I can improve in my own practice and my own life. And so, I am truly grateful to the Moosa family, and the American College of Surgeons, as well as all of the amazing surgeons and support staff that have helped me during this experience. It was blessing that I will remember for many, many years.
Q: What are you most proud of being a surgeon?
A: Being a surgeon exposes me to many areas including patient care, education, research, societal engagements, and others, which opens doors for opportunities to make an impact and contribute. Every win I receive in any of these areas, whether big or small, they all make me proud.
But the moments that fill my heart with pride and happiness every time are these: First is when my patient comes to the clinic for the first post op visit, and they are so happy, smiling, and satisfied that they are almost unrecognizable from the first time I saw them for their first consultation, when they were stressed, worried and sick. And the second is when my patient comes out of the consultation room, happy, contented and relieved. When patients tell me that they are a bit sad that the consultation was over because they enjoyed discussing and learning about their condition with me. And that they feel that the consultation was worth it. Those moments make me proud.
Rewan Hasan, MD, FACS – Iraq
Dr. Hasan is a Breast Surgeon based in Erbil, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Q: Why did you want to be a surgeon?
A: My passion for surgery began during my medical school years, where I was deeply inspired by the precision and skill it takes to heal. The ability to directly improve someone’s health and quality of life through surgical procedures has always driven me.
Q: How has ACS helped or supported you in your career?
A: The American College of Surgeons has played a vital role in my journey, offering world-class educational resources, networking opportunities, and conferences that have helped me sharpen my skills and stay current in my field.
Q: What are you most proud of being a surgeon?
A: What I’m most proud of as a Breast Surgeon is the privilege of supporting patients through one of their most vulnerable and emotional journeys. Breast surgery is not just about treating a disease; it’s about restoring confidence and walking beside each patient in a deeply human and personal way.
I feel every moment they go through, because I’ve lived it myself. In December 2023, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That experience forever changed my perspective not only as a surgeon but as a survivor. It deepened my empathy, strengthened my connection with my patients, and reminded me that healing is more than physical; it's emotional, personal, and shared.
To witness the courage of the women I care for, and to stand with them both as a surgeon and as someone who has walked that same path, is the most incredible honor of my life.
Lucy Kaomba, MD, FACS - Malawi
Dr. Kaomba, is a general surgeon and clinical lecturer working under the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi.
Q: Why did you want to be a surgeon?
A: I was drawn to the practice of surgery because of its technical precision and the unique ability to directly intervene within the human body, repairing or, when necessary, removing diseased organs. One of the most rewarding aspects is the immediacy of results; in many cases, surgery brings rapid relief or resolution for the patient. I also appreciate that surgery often provides definitive answers. When there’s diagnostic uncertainty, the diagnosis is typically confirmed during the operation or shortly after through histological examination. This clarity means that speculation about a patient’s condition is usually short-lived, allowing for prompt and confident decision-making in their care.
Q: How has ACS helped or supported you in your career?
A: Being part of ACS has brought significant benefits, including access to high-quality educational resources such as JACS, and participation in prestigious events like the ACS Clinical Congress. It has provided opportunities for meaningful networking, collaboration, and leadership within a worldwide surgical community, which is especially valuable in resource-limited settings.
Q: What impact do female surgeons have in your country?
A: In Malawi, the ratio of male to female surgeons in training has equalised. This demonstrates the role that female surgeons have played as role models, paving the path for the younger generations and showing them that it can be done. Their presence broadens the range of perspectives, improves patient care, and challenges outdated norms, ultimately advancing the field for everyone. The main impact that female surgeons bring is the power of diversity in surgery that leads to better outcomes for patients and a healthier, more sustainable profession.
