Mentor Spotlight: Crystal Totten MD
Dr. Crystal Totten is a general surgeon at the University of Kentucky Healthcare in the Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery and is an associate professor of surgery at UK College of Medicine. Additionally, she holds positions as Co-Vice Chair of Professionalism and Integrity, Medical OR Director of Good Samaritan OR, and Fellowship Director for GEMS Advanced GI MIS Fellowship. Dr Totten received her medical degree and completed her general surgery training at the University of South Florida and went on to complete a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery and abdominal wall reconstruction at UK in 2016. She returned to UK in 2018 where she specializes in laparoscopic and robotic procedures and has interests in swallowing disorders, hiatal hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction. She is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the Society of American and Gastrointestinal Surgery, and the American Hernia Society.
Degrees: University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa Residency General Surgery, University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa Fellowship Minimally Invasive Surgery, University of Kentucky Certifications and Special Training American Board of Surgery.
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in surgery, and where there any pivotal moments that solidified your decision?
The moment was a combo gyn onc and APR case as a 3rd medical student that solidified my decision to be a surgeon. The collaboration, the surgeons’ ability to deconstruct and then reconstruct a patient from both an abdominal and perineal perspective mesmerized me confirming my decision to be a general surgeon.
2. Looking back at your early years in training, what is one piece of advice you wish someone had told you about being a woman in surgery?
Everything will work out eventually and to stand in my own power. Don’t shrink for others, but recognize training is long in the moment, but just one blip of your career.
3. Was there ever a time you doubted yourself in choosing this career? If so, how did you work through it?
No, I love being a surgeon.
4. What role has mentorship played in your career, and how do you approach mentoring the next generation of female surgeons?
Mentorship was important every step of the way, independent of gender. Some of my most influential mentors were male, however I do believe in being a visible female force for the next generation to see. The first piece of advice I give as a mentor is that you can create your career into whatever you ultimately want it to become. Do not let others or preconceived notions push you away from your dreams.
5. What advice would you give to medical students or residents who want to find a mentor they can connect with?
Ask questions, find something you relate on or want to emulate. Do not connect with someone simply based on reputation or papers etc. You want a mentor to invest in you, so research them, come with what you want to gain out of the relationship and see if you can connect.
6. How have you balanced your personal life and surgical career, and what does balance mean to you now?
Balance changes month to month; a year at a time. Finding a balance is a never-ending journey between you, your significant other, family, stages of your career etc, but I always strive to find joy in my day. I give myself grace for days when work takes precedent and allow myself time for my personal life to take center stage.
7. What are you most proud of—professionally or personally—so far in your journey?
I am most proud of the connection I am able to create with patients. When a patient returns to clinic, even after altering significant portions of their life to optimize for surgery, they hug me and are happy and proud that we have worked together for their surgical success. This is when I feel the most fulfilled. Followed closely by watching trainees emulate the same skills in relationship building.
8. What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received when you started your surgical training?
Recognizing that the middle of residency is survival mode. Take everything a year at a time and have a short memory for the negative feelings.
9. What excites you most about the future of surgery and the role women will play in shaping it?
The more women and surgeons of varying backgrounds we develop, the more we can better relate to our patients. Creating connections based on our openness to learn about others, deepening the surgeon-patient connection will lead to more patient-centered care. This coupled with robotic surgery advancement of course.
Mentee: Rachel Mooney
Rachel Mooney is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She completed her undergraduate studies in neuroscience and Spanish language at the University of Kentucky. She came to medical school to pursue a career in surgery and was connected with Dr. Totten when she participated in a minimally invasive surgery elective. Rachel serves as Associate Resource Development Coordinator for Journal Club on the AWS National Medical Student Counsil for the 2025-2026 year. Outside of medical school, you can find Rachel trying new sourdough bread recipes to share with friends and family.