Sustaining the Surgeon

The 2026 AWS Foundation theme, Sustaining the Surgeon, reflects the Foundation’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where women surgeons can thrive throughout every stage of their careers. This theme highlights the people, organizations, and tools that help sustain surgeons, not only by addressing challenges but also by fostering resilience, inclusion, and allyship within the surgical community. Through monthly spotlights, the Foundation will feature stories from women surgeons who have been supported by mentors, colleagues, allies, and organizations that helped them anticipate obstacles, navigate  setbacks, and continue growing professionally. By celebrating these partnerships, Sustaining the Surgeon underscores that advancing women in surgery is a shared responsibility, and that when support systems are strong, the entire profession benefits. 

Sustain Future Surgeons through AWSF

Julie Ann Freischlag, MD

Leadership Ambassador and Adviser at Advocate Health

What does a truly inclusive and supportive surgical environment look like to you?

A truly inclusive and supportive surgical environment is one where everyone can speak out freely and express their concerns and also their joy. It also should be one where you have colleagues who you trust and can confide in. It should be a place where you are always learning and improving your technical, communication and intellectual skills.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in surgery, and which tools or relationships helped you navigate them?

Many thought I could not do it- and I just said I could. My grandfather who was a coal miner actually told me that when I skipped first grade- he said tell them that you can. I worked a bit harder, made sure people knew I was in the room by having a comment and including others around me - especially the leaders.

What habits, routines, or mindsets help you maintain your well‑being as a surgeon?

I love teaching- so having learners around me has always given me energy. I stay connected to my family and we always have a vacation planned. Getting together with friend is important as well- the ACS and the AWS has also kept me connected as well.

Is there a resource (e.g., AWS/AWSF programs, wellness tools, community groups) that has had a meaningful impact on your career trajectory?

The AWS meeting—since it started as a simple breakfast to now a major event—has always kept me connected. Also, being involved with the leadership of the ACS has inspired me to do more.

How do you hope to contribute to sustaining future generations of women surgeons?

I hope to continue to be a resource for future generations of women and men surgeons- I enjoy listening to their ideas and helping them project themselves and their ideas in a positive and futuristic manner.

What impact has AWS and AWSF had on your surgical career?

The AWS and the AWSF have given me a rock to stand on and place to call home.

Susan E. Pories, MD, FACS

Professor of Surgery at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Cancer Institute of New Jersey

What does a truly inclusive and supportive surgical environment look like to you?

A supportive surgical environment should be a culture of safety, where everyone in the department feels empowered to speak up about how to take the best care of patients and each other.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in surgery, and which tools or relationships helped you navigate them?

I have found the best way to deal with challenges are to pick your battles, keep a sense of humor, and take time to enjoy things away from surgery—whether it's music, poetry, or friends. It helps to keep everything in perspective.

What habits, routines, or mindsets help you maintain your well‑being as a surgeon?

I love to spend time with my family; that is what means the most to me.

Is there a resource (e.g., AWS/AWSF programs, wellness tools, community groups) that has had a meaningful impact on your career trajectory?

Serving on committees has been the best way to work on meaningful goals together and build a network of friends and colleagues.

How do you hope to contribute to sustaining future generations of women surgeons?

I enjoy mentoring junior colleagues and surgical residents.

Is there a website you would like to share where people can learn more about you, your projects, or an organization you work with?

https://cinj.org/susan-e-pories-md-facs

What impact has AWS and AWSF had on your surgical career?

The AWS has provided me with a warm and caring community over my entire career. When things were difficult locally, I knew I could still make a difference on the national and international level. The AWS has provided me with leadership opportunities that changed the trajectory of my professional life and allowed me to meet inspirational women surgeons from all over the world. I am grateful every day for the difference that AWS has made for me and women surgeons everywhere.

Margaret Dunn, MD, MBA, FACS

Dean and Professor Emerita of Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine

Where the personal characteristics of a surgeon are irrelevant to assessment of their performance or support of their practice of surgery.

Is there a resource (e.g., AWS/AWSF programs, wellness tools, community groups) that has had a meaningful impact on your career trajectory?

How do you hope to contribute to sustaining future generations of women surgeons?

I have tried to encourage, advise and mentor the generations of women in surgery that have and will follow me into surgery, just as the women before me supported my life as a surgeon. 

What impact has AWS and AWSF had on your surgical career?