Looking Forward to Move Forward

The Association of Women Surgeons is pleased to launch "Looking Forward to Move Forward," a new series dedicated to highlighting the thoughts of fantastic women surgeons and surgeons-in-training on mentorship, AWS, and hopes for the future of surgery.

Anna Olds, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident
University of Southern California

Who has served as a mentor to you thus far in your career?
Dr. Nell Maloney Patel and Dr. Leonard Lee

How have mentors impacted your career?
I've been fortunate to have many mentors thus far. Dr. Nell Maloney Patel helped me start my medical school's chapter of AWS in 2018 and was an inspiration to me when I was thinking about the possibilities for my career in surgery. Dr. Leonard Lee has been a consistent mentor in the field of cardiac surgery for me since I was a second year medical student - he has continued to promote and support me, as well as be a role model for the type of surgeon and leader I aspire to be.

What impact have AWS and AWSF had on your path to surgery?
I started my medical school's (Rutgers RWJMS) chapter of AWS in 2018 as a third year medical student, and it has had a lasting legacy at my school. AWS resources, mentors, and networking opportunities have inspired me and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Seeing women surgeons with both career and personal successes has motivated me to continue pursuing my goals.

What are you looking forward to seeing accomplished, either in your personal career or in the larger surgical community?
I am looking forward to starting the second half of my training in cardiothoracic surgery fellowship in July 2024 and truly learning how to be a cardiac surgeon. I recently completed a research project on infertility and pregnancy complications in female cardiothoracic surgeons that I am hopeful will lead to larger systemic changes to protect maternal-fetal well-being in my field. I'm also involved in various wellness task forces within our national organizations and I'm hopeful that the surgical community will continue to work towards prioritizing surgeon wellness.

Palca Shibale, MD MS

Who has served as a mentor to you thus far in your career?
Dr(s): Sherene Shalhub, Angela Gibson, Lauren Nosanov, and Lee Wilke

How have your mentors impacted your surgical career?
My mentors are amazing!! Early mentorship is the reason I chose surgery as a career. They continue to support my growth, serve as a source of knowledge, help me set goals and maintain accountability.

What impact has AWS and AWSF had on your path to surgery?
It has served as a source of community and inspiration seeing so many other women choose and thrive in surgery! Especially so as a Black Woman.

What are you looking forward to seeing accomplished, either in your personal career or in the larger surgical community?
I want to see decreased racial disparities in both surgical care and outcomes . I plan to be involved in local and/or national renewal of initiatives aiming to improve healthcare equity.