MENTOR SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Gayle Ackerman DiLalla
Dr. Gayle Ackerman DiLalla, M.D., F.A.C.S., is an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Surgical Oncology at Duke University Hospital.
Dr. DiLalla graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and completed her general surgery residency at the University of Florida Health Science Center in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2011, she joined the Duke surgical faculty, becoming an Assistant Professor of Surgery in 2016. At Duke, she serves as the inaugural Vice-Chair of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the Department of Surgery and Chief of Breast Surgery Clinical Operations for Wake County.
A board-certified surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. DiLalla combines clinical expertise with a passion for mentorship. She provides excellent and inclusive care, focusing her clinical and research efforts on improving women’s health. Additionally, Dr. DiLalla leads the Duke Chapter of the Association of Women Surgeons and chairs the AWS National Committee for Member Services, guiding and advocating for women in surgery.
Q: How did you discover your interest in surgery, specifically in breast surgery?
A: My interest in surgery began the very first morning of my medical school surgery rotation. Before then, I thought I would be an OB/GYN. The wide variety of surgical problems and fast-paced nature of surgery excited me. Surgeons fix things! As for breast surgery, it was during my decade in private practice general surgery that I discovered my passion for it. I was drawn to breast surgical oncology for several reasons: the field’s recent advancements, the evolving surgical techniques, the opportunity to support patients through a challenging period, and the chance to provide long-term care. Fun fact – I started my career as an academic trauma surgeon.
Q: What is one thing you wish you could tell your medical school self?
A: I would tell my medical school self that my career wouldn’t be linear and that as life and surgery evolved over the decades, so would my opportunities and interests. I would need to embrace every learning opportunity for learning, even outside my perceived area of interest. Every experience shapes you as a physician and a person. Also, do not be afraid to seek mentorship early – it is invaluable for your growth and career development.
Q: As you have moved through your surgical career, how has your perception of surgery changed?
A: Over the years, I have come to see surgery not just as a chance to operate but as an opportunity to provide excellent, individualized care. This sometimes means recognizing when not to operate. Surgery is about the unique nuances of each situation. I have also come to appreciate that achieving the best outcomes relies heavily on robust data and a high-quality team.
Q: What motivates you to provide mentorship to trainees? How do you recommend students find mentorship relationships during their training?
A: I remain motivated by the persistent disparities in the surgical workforce. I had naively assumed these would have diminished over the course of my long career. Their persistence means there is still work to be done.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been watching trainees grow and succeed. For students seeking mentorship, I strongly recommend finding several mentors, as each will play their own role in your professional and personal journey. To those looking to engage more deeply in the field, I encourage you to attend departmental events regularly, join professional organizations like the AWS, and do not hesitate to reach out to faculty members whose work interests you!
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring female surgeon looking for her community?
A: Get involved with organizations like the AWS and ACS early in your career. These groups provide valuable networking opportunities across geographic areas and surgical specialties, which can be crucial for your professional growth. Also, do not limit yourself to mentors that look like you. Diversity in mentorship can offer unexpected perspectives and opportunities. Lastly, always remember to leave the door open and the ladder down.
Q: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: While I am proud of my clinical work, I am most proud of my role in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in surgery. Being appointed as the inaugural Vice-Chair of EDI for the
Duke Department of Surgery allows me to champion ideas and initiatives to continually make our work and workplace more inclusive. It is rewarding to see the positive changes we are making and the doors we are opening for underrepresented groups in surgery.
Mentee Interviewer: Alexandria Soto
Alexandria Soto is a third-year medical student at Duke University School of Medicine. As a “military brat,” she grew up all around the world including Alaska, South Korea, and Germany. Alex completed her undergraduate studies in Neuroscience and Medical Humanities at Johns Hopkins University before earning an MA in the History of Science at Harvard University. Alex has dual passions in academic surgery and the history of medicine. Her research focuses include optimizing gene therapy delivery in thoracic transplantation and exploring the historical evolution of surgical technologies. Nationally, Alex also holds the position of Assistant Research Coordinator on the AWS National Medical Student Committee. At Duke, Alex is the Co-President of Duke AWS and chairs the Surgery Education Research Group. She also serves on the executive board for Duke ASPIRES and SUPORTS, two organizations dedicated to providing students early exposure to the field of surgery. In these roles, she is actively works to improve the representation of women and minority students in surgery. Beyond academics, Alex enjoys sea kayaking and studio cycling.
“I believe Dr. DiLalla is an exceptional role model for aspiring and young surgeons. Her dedication to mentorship and advocacy for women has profoundly shaped my interest in the field, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow under her mentorship.”–Alex