RACS Aotearoa New Zealand International Women's Day event

We've got a supportive bunch of surgeons in Aotearoa New Zealand.

It was an early start for those who logged on for the International Women's Day (IWD) breakfast Zoom. Our IWD convener, Nelson-based general surgeon Dr Jane Strang, spoke with emerging leader Dr Nasya Thompson, a PGY1 doctor with aspirations of becoming a surgeon.

Interested in research as well as the practice of medicine, Dr Thompson talked about her career journey to date and her plans to do her bit to advance Māori health. She's an ambitious woman with a lot of hard-work both behind and ahead of her.

That's where the surgeons in attendance jumped in. (That list included former RACS president Dr Sally Langley, the chair of the Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ), National Committee Associate Professor Andrew MacCormick and the College's AoNZ surgical advisor Dr Sarah Rennie). They expressed admiration and concern for Dr Thompson, sharing advice from their own experiences of navigating the challenging path of surgical training.

Dr Thompson also got a few job offers. It seems our members are keen to offer training opportunities to up-and-comers they see potential in.

Thanks to everyone who came along. See you at the event next year!