Operating on the values of excellence, collaboration and inclusivity

In March, I had the privilege of being part of this year’s SistersIN Celebration Event at ICC Belfast. The programme connected 400 sixth-form girls to female mentors from across Northern Ireland, giving them the opportunity to think about their future and consider new professional possibilities.

Surrounded by future CEOs, judges, officials, and surgeons like me, it quickly became apparent that I was not there as a surgeon, but actually had a responsibility to these girls as a leader, and most importantly, a sister.

When I first heard of SistersIN, I immediately recognised the value of the concept, and I asked, “Do you have sisters in surgery?” 

When I was in sixth form, at an all-girls school, and considering my own future, my main question was “what can I do to meet boys?” I looked at degrees that would help me on that mission, and eventually settled on medicine.

Imagine my disappointment when I arrived at The University of Nottingham (a fantastic medical school by the way) to discover that 75 per cent of my classmates were girls. The question here is – why was my impression that certain professions, medicine and engineering for example, were dominated by males?

The answer is, I think, females aren’t visible. Medical students are predominantly female, surgical trainees are about 35-40 per cent female, but consultants remain only about 15 per cent female. The Association of General Surgeons in Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) has almost 2,000 members and a reputation spanning over 100 years. I’m the second ever female president, following the first who held the role 30 years ago.

When we look at leaders, board members, entrepreneurs, and politicians, female visibility remains an issue. Why is this the case? Is it because we think we cannot be what we cannot see? Or do females experience more practical barriers in their careers than males? If we don’t address systemic and societal gender inequalities, visibility will remain an issue. For instance, if you can’t earn enough to afford quality childcare, you may be unable to access every professional opportunity.

I’m pleased to say that surgery is, like many professions, balancing out. Change is happening, albeit slowly. To my female peers in the healthcare profession reading this, showcase your best qualities and be confident in your natural abilities. If humour comes naturally, make it your weapon. Once I was told by a recruiter if I took a job, my husband would have no tea on the table when he got home. I laughed and told him I did not have a husband, nor a kitchen table.

An old boss genuinely thought he was helping when he told me to consider other jobs - surgery had ruined some of his female friends’ lives. I’m the type of person who always questions, so I asked why we don’t try to change the job, to make it possible for people irrespective of gender to do it without it ruining their lives? Every profession needs challengers - these are the people who achieve the greatest thing of all - change.

And to my male peers reading this - use your power to attract, retain and encourage women. I see first-hand the positive changes women bring to the workplace. In my time, I’ve not only improved my surgical skills, but I’ve deployed my natural skills, and whilst it’s cliché to say women may be better communicators, negotiators, and team builders, most clichés have some truth in them. After all, a combination of these hard and soft skills unlocked the chance for me to become a consultant surgeon, an honorary professor, and president of the Association. These opportunities should be open to anyone which is why leading up to this event, I had the privilege of visiting four schools across Northern Ireland alongside five fellow surgeons. Together, we simulated keyhole surgery activities, and engaged in enlightening conversations about careers in medicine and potential careers in surgery with the students.

I want to see more women in leadership roles and, through the SistersIN event, positioned for a better future. Not only did I have the chance to impart my experience, but so too did First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. Furthermore, I learned that ICC Belfast has a female chief executive, Julia Corkey.

The ASGBI 2024 International Surgical Congress brought together the finest minds in surgery together in Belfast. Sessions covered a wide range of surgical areas, providing a platform to share knowledge, discuss innovations, and address the challenges faced in our ever-evolving field. We have an exceptional Local Organising Committee and strong links with the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, who ensured we showcased the incredible talent – both male and female – across these islands. Our theme - Excellence, Collaboration, Inclusion - reflects our values as we advance the art and science of surgery. 

I am delighted these values came to life in not just a truly welcoming city, but a collaborative and inclusive venue too.

Julia is leading ICC Belfast and, together with her team, the venue is pushing boundaries for Northern Ireland. Last year it was accredited by Diversity Mark, showcasing its commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion. And as I know from my experience at the SistersIN Event, it certainly creates a stage where great things can happen.

So, to my fellow ASGBI members and non-members who attended the conference, I’m pleased that you joined us, and even more pleased that together we will chart a course towards excellence, embrace collaboration, and ensure inclusivity in all that we do.

Chair of SLIM Gill Tierney is the President of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI). She is Head of School of Surgery in the East Midlands and a clinical advisor to Health Education England. She holds an honorary chair at Nottingham University.