Becoming a Trauma Surgeon: How Race Impacted My Journey

Abstract

Surgery is a medical specialty that has a rich history of rigorous training, and the development of a young surgeon requires both individual study and external reinforcement to ensure competency. Although, women are entering medical school at increasing numbers, they only make up to 19% of American surgeons. Minority women represent an even smaller number. Recent studies document that minorities report challenges during surgical residency that may inhibit successful surgical training. These challenges are explored as they relate to limited mentoring and collegial isolation while training in trauma surgery.