Often asked, “Isn’t it hard to be a surgeon, being a woman?” I always try to think, how is my gender making it any different for practicing surgery? I hereby share a view in which I firmly believe! Height is an advantage sometimes, wish I were a little bit taller! Men are statistically taller than women. However, the operating table can be lowered, and there are platforms available to stand on in theatre. Men are generally stronger than women, and surgeons have the reputation of being physically demanding.
Anyone who has had to assist the surgeon in an operation theatre will confirm it can be exhausting. The act of operating is much less physical though, as we get to wield the power tools. I do have heavy periods, and that can be very inconvenient. I also have the irony of a menstrual cycle that is synchronized with my on-call rotations. There must be women all around the world, in all…
