The Next Generation of Women in Surgery & Innovation

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SURGEONS & FACULTY LEADERS

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ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM ATTENDEES

300

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YEARS SUPPORTING WOMEN IN SURGERY

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Expanding the WIS Experience

The Women in Surgery & Innovation app was created from Dr. Ross’ vision of building something far greater than a once-a-year symposium. A space where women pursuing surgery could continue learning, connecting, supporting one another, and growing together year-round. What began as a gathering has evolved into a lasting community built on mentorship, opportunity, and the belief that no woman should navigate the journey into surgery alone.

More Than a Symposium.
A Real Surgical Network.

Surgery can still feel like a world women are expected to survive instead of fully belong in. Women in Surgery & Innovation was built to change that through mentorship, connection, advocacy, and a community that reminds women they are not navigating this path alone.

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Why You'll Love it Here

You were never meant to navigate this alone. The app creates a sense of community and belonging for students walking the same path, giving women a place to ask honest questions, share goals, build friendships, and connect with people who truly understand the journey into surgery.

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Hear directly from women leading in surgery today. Learn from their experiences, gain perspective on different specialties, and see a version of your future reflected back at you.

See What’s Possible

Find Your Guidance

WIS creates space for mentorship, leadership, networking, scholarships, and opportunities that help women grow personally and professionally throughout their surgical journey.

Open New Doors

Access Opportunities

Connect with driven students, residents, and future surgeons who understand the pressure, ambition, and resilience this path requires. There’s power in finding people who just get it.

Find Your People

Join The Community

TESTIMONIALS

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This symposium creates a safe and empowering environment where differences are valued rather than overlooked.

Dr. Laila Rashidi

Dr. Laila Rashidi

MD, FACS, FASCRS
Double board-certified colorectal surgeon

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Dr. Laila Rashidi

As a woman from Iran, my journey into surgery has been anything but traditional. Navigating cultural expectations, family differences, the challenges of immigrating to the United States, and pursuing surgery as a foreign medical graduate often felt isolating.

For many years, I wished there was a space where women like me could openly discuss these unique challenges, connect with mentors who truly understood this path, and find guidance without judgment.

Finding this symposium through my dear friend Sharona has been incredibly meaningful. She has created a diverse and welcoming platform where women from every country, culture, and background can come together to support one another.

This meeting is more than a conference. It is a community built on mentorship, encouragement, and elevation.

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One of the most meaningful meetings of my year and a reminder of why mentorship matters so deeply.

Andrea Pakula

Andrea Pakula

MD, MPH, FACS
Medical Director of Robotic Surgery

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Andrea Pakula

The Women in Surgery Career Symposium, led by Dr. Sharona Ross, is unlike any other meeting I attend throughout the year.

This symposium truly embodies what it means to support and empower women at every stage of life and career.

During my residency and in the beginning of my career, I was fortunate to have two female surgeons as mentors. Their encouragement allowed me to imagine my future without limitations.

The women I’ve met through this symposium are nothing short of amazing, and the relationships built here last a lifetime.

I first attended this meeting as a resident in 2011. Now, 15 years later, as faculty, having the opportunity to give back to the next generation is one of the greatest honors of my career.

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Many women left this meeting believing for the first time that they truly belonged in surgery.

Alia Qureshi

Alia Qureshi

MD, FACS, FRSCS, FSSO
Attending Surgeon

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Alia Qureshi

Few experiences have touched me as deeply as witnessing the impact of Dr. Sharona Ross and the International Women in Surgery Careers Symposium on the next generation of women entering surgery.

What makes this organization extraordinary is not grandeur or scale, but authenticity, intention, and heart.

Year after year, Sharona has created a space where young women can openly share their stories, fears, and ambitions with women who have walked the path before them.

Many former attendees still vividly remember the encouragement and belonging they first experienced through this community.

What Sharona has built is more than an annual meeting. It is a growing legacy of women lifting other women with generosity, honesty, and love.

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Women in Surgery gave me the confidence, support, and network to dream bigger.

Gabriella Maillo

Gabriella Maillo

3rd Year Medical Student
Universidad Europea de Madrid

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Gabriella Maillo

I’ve been part of the Planning Committee for the past three years, and it has truly been one of the most enriching experiences of my life.

As an international student, finding your place abroad can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t have mentors or examples that make your goals feel attainable.

Women in Surgery changed that completely for me.

Through WIS, I’ve connected with world renowned women surgeons, gained mentorship, and built relationships that opened doors to opportunities I never imagined possible all the way from home.

Thanks to Women in Surgery, I’ve gained the confidence, support, and network to dream bigger.

What began as a small gathering has grown into an international movement connecting women pursuing surgery through mentorship, education, innovation, and shared ambition.

Women in Surgery & Innovation is committed to creating greater access for students worldwide by expanding opportunities to attend the symposium, connect with surgical leaders, and experience life-changing educational and networking environments regardless of geographic or financial barriers.

help us expand access

Building the Future of Surgery Worldwide

Where Women in Surgery Stay Connected.

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