Public Resources
Pocket Mentor
This handbook for surgical interns was developed to
ease the transition from student to resident to surgeon. Based upon
the experiences of a number of women surgeons and written by the
members of AWS, this resource is intended to make your passage a bit
easier than it was for them. Click here to
download a PDF of the Pocket Mentor.
Click here to order a free hardcopy (minimal shipping charges apply). The book is sized to fit into a lab coat pocket and provides information about the basic educational strategies required to excel as a surgical resident.
The 2009 Pocket Mentor is presented in partnership by:
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Career Development Resource
Many young surgeons lack adequate mentorship to guide them in their chosen career path, creating a need for a general reference on career development. One of the goals of AWS is to provide a reference containing fundamental information and contacts with regards to developing a successful surgical career. Click here for more information.
Sexual Harassment Resource Manual
AWS has created a compilation of reference information on sexual and gender harassment issues. The folder includes background on the historical development of sexual harassment law, definitions of legal terms, strategies for handling personal attacks, and techniques for managing situations that may arise. A bibliography, list of telephone numbers, the AWS Statement on Sexual Harassment and sample harassment policies from the AMWA and AAMC are also included.
The Sexual Harassment Resource File Binder is available from AWS for $10 each. To order a copy of this information, click here. The latest revision of the Manual is available in the Members Only section of the Website.
Two Family Leave Policies have been developed by the Association of Women Surgeons: one for Practicing Surgeons and one for Residents.
While these documents are specific to maternity issues, it is the intention of AWS that the information be incorporated into a broader family leave policy. They are provided as a guideline, emphasizing that surgeons and residents are entitled to a reasonable maternity leave policy. At a minimum, maternity leave policies should be in compliance with already existing federal policies and laws regarding family leave, thus providing a policy that allows flexibility for the expectant surgeon or resident, while maintaining quality standards of the profession.
Code of Conduct
Revised in July 2003, AWS participated in drafting additions to the ACS “Statements on Principles” (proposed by the Committee on Women’s Issues and the Association of Women Surgeons). Click here for the resulting document. Click here for a PowerPoint presentation with background on the development of the Code of Conduct.
In 1999, AWS collaborated with the National Institutes of Health to produce a 24-minute video entitled Women Are Surgeons. This video is targeted at young girls to encourage them to enter the field of surgery. By planting the seed early, we can encourage girls to take math and science courses throughout their schooling, so that all career options are open to them. To view the video on YouTube, click here. To order free copies of this video (with brochures), click here.
Three Firsts: Women Pioneers In American Surgery -- This 55-Minute video documents the lives and careers of three women pioneers in American surgery: Alma Dea Morani, MD, the first female plastic/reconstructive surgeon, Nina Starr Braunwald, MD, the first female cardiac surgeon and a deputy NIH director, and Olga Jonasson, MD, a leader in the American College of Surgeons and the first female chair of an academic department of surgery. To order copies of this video, click here.