Become a member and receive career-enhancing benefits
Our top priority is providing value to members. Your Member Services team is here to ensure you maximize your ACS member benefits, participate in College activities, and engage with your ACS colleagues. It's all here.
Become a member and receive career-enhancing benefits
Our top priority is providing value to members. Your Member Services team is here to ensure you maximize your ACS member benefits, participate in College activities, and engage with your ACS colleagues. It's all here.
The mission of the Women in Surgery Committee is to create opportunities for all women within the surgical professions through the American College of Surgeons. We advance women through leadership, education, and advocacy.
Activities
Seizing The Moment: Following an Unexpected Path to a Fulfilling Surgical Career
August 21, 2025 | 6:00–7:00 pm CT
Finding the ideal surgical career path isn't always linear. This webinar explores the benefits of considering opportunities outside of a strictly defined specialty or practice setting. Join our expert panel as they discuss strategic career planning—especially when you don’t land that dream specialty fellowship, navigating less-than-perfect fits, and ultimately building a fulfilling surgical practice.
When Things Go Wrong, Who Can I Talk To? Support After an Adverse Event
October 23, 2025 | 3:30–4:30 pm CT
Surgical complications and adverse events are an unavoidable reality in medical practice, but the emotional impact on surgeons often goes unspoken. Join us for a candid and compassionate 1-hour moderated discussion that sheds light on the often-overlooked emotional aftermath of surgical complications. This session will explore the vital role of peer support in helping surgeons navigate the path back to professional confidence and personal well-being. Learn how fostering a culture of empathy and connection can make a meaningful difference in the lives of surgical professionals.
More details and registration available in September.
Annual Leadership Seminar: So You Want To Be A Chair
The ACS Women in Surgery Committee and the Society of Surgical Chairs host this seminar for mid-career surgeons who have previously applied for chair positions or are looking to apply for Chair positions as a next step in their career. The four-hour, in-person seminar provides an opportunity for attendees to learn and network with current surgical chairs, reflection and introspection opportunities, and in-depth discussion with other attendees. Applications will open in November. The course will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 8 am-12 pm ET in Washington, DC, alongside the Leadership and Advocacy Summit.
Mentorship Program
Participate as a Mentee, Serve as a Mentor
The Committee offers a year-long Mentorship Program for ACS women Fellows and Associate Fellows with less than five years in practice. Mentees are matched with mentors based on their mentorship interests and needs. The program also includes virtual professional development sessions throughout the year. The mentorship program begins in September/October each year. Applications for mentors and mentees open in February.
Mary Edwards Walker Inspiring Women in Surgery Award
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. Nominations open in February of each year and are kept under consideration for two years.
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. Recommend an individual to be considered. Learn more about the Olga Jonasson lecture and past lectures.
Resources
Career Transitions Webinar Series
View a series of webinars on various career transition topics, such as transitioning from training to practice, returning to clinical practice after an extended leave, pivoting from community practice to academic practice, and more. Watch the webinars today.
What I Wish I Knew Video Series
This series features women surgeons reflecting and sharing their pearls of knowledge and wisdom they’ve learned throughout their surgical careers. 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
This Toolkit is designed to support education and training in understanding, recognizing, and addressing 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 recommendation for surgeons at all levels of training, including medical students. 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.
