WOMEN IN SURGERY CANADA

An FMWC Initiative

MENTORSHIP.  COMMUNITY.  ADVOCACY.

A national, student-led initiative creating earlier and more accessible pathways for women and gender-diverse medical students to explore surgery, connect with role models, and find community.

WHY WE STARTED

Early access and visible representation matter

Women are well represented in medical school but remain underrepresented across many surgical specialities. Interest can erode during training when learners lack early access to mentors, visible role models, and the informal networks that often shape career exploration. Women in Surgery Canada was created to provide earlier, more accessible, and recurring connections with women surgeons and trainees – helping students see a place for themselves in surgery and navigate the pathway with support.

OUR THREE PILLARS

How we support learners

Mentorship

Connecting medical students with women surgeons and trainees across specialties and career stages through accessible, flexible opportunities.

 

Community

Creating visible and recurring spaces where learners can build belonging, share experiences, and connect with peers who are exploring surgery.

 

Advocacy

Amplifying student experiences and using evidence to support more equitable and inclusive surgical training environments.

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Flexible mentorship pathways

Our mentorship model is designed to meet mentors and mentees where they are. Participants can engage through different levels of involvement based on their interests, goals and availability.

 

National Programming

Virtual panels, educational sessions, and career-focused events that bring students together with women surgeons and trainees from across Canada.

Mentor Circles

Small-group mentorship that supports meaningful discussion, shared learning, and community-building in an approachable format.

One-on-One Mentorship

Individual mentor matches informed by each student’s goals, interests, specialty preferences, and desired areas of support.

To learn more and stay in the loop, sign up today.

Become a Mentee

Medical students interested in exploring surgery and receiving mentorship are invited to complete our mentee intake form

Become a Mentor

Surgeons, fellows, and residents interested in supporting the next generation of surgical learners are invited to join our mentorship network

LEADERSHIP ~ MEET THE CO-LEADS

Amel Sassi

[email protected]

Puneet Sidhu

[email protected]

Rukevwe Inikori

[email protected]

CONTACT US

Questions about mentorship, programming, or getting involved?

Contact the Women in Surgery Canada team: [email protected]

Instagram: @womeninsurgery.ca