Launched in 2016 by diverse women surgeons across a spectrum of disciplines and ranks, the Michigan Women's Surgical Collaborative (MWSC) is employing intentional outreach to identify factors that impede the success of women in surgery, and find the tools that will break through these barriers.
This collaborative cohort aims to foster a culture that actively supports women faculty and helps them attain their career goals.
The Michigan Women's Surgical Collaborative has already made notable progress. Current research includes characterizing the impediments to career advancement for women in academic surgery, as well as factors that spur growth.
We are translating the data collected through these investigations to implement evidence-based strategies that allow an already talented pipeline of women surgeons to pursue formidable positions with greater confidence and ensure those opportunities will be accessible to them.
- Learn personal strategies from women with proven track records of success
- Identify and address issues and challenges confronting women as they seek to advance within the field of surgery
- Discuss individualized strategies for personal and professional development
- Provide and facilitate community building opportunities among participants
- Foster supportive relationships within the Michigan Women's Surgical Collaborative
In addition to ongoing research, the annual MWSC leadership conference is a platform for national outreach. The Michigan Women's Surgical Collaborative hosts the annual Women in Surgery Leadership Development Conference in Ann Arbor, MI. This event is sponsored by the the U-M Medical School Department of Surgery.
The symposium is designed to engage early- and mid-career faculty, fellows, and senior residents with experts in leadership and career-building. Participants not only hear speakers address issues and challenges confronting women and underrepresented faculty members as they seek to advance in the field of surgery, but they are also provided individualized coaching opportunities based on self-evaluation of their own leadership and conflict styles. The conference also provides unparallelled networking opportunities to aspiring women leaders.
- "Embracing risk: Taking chances and cultivating your career identity" (2023)
- "Advocating for Change: The Strength of Our Voices" (2022)
- "Creating an Impact & Shaping the Future" (2019)
- "Leading From Your Best Self" (2018)
- "Becoming Who You Want To Be" (2017)
Join us in Ann Arbor on November 14 and 15 for a dynamic slate of talks and workshops centered around the theme of inclusivity.
The MWSC honors one person or group at their annual conference who has displayed intentional and constructive efforts to promote the success or advancement of women in surgery.
- Dawn Coleman, MD; Janet Pinkerton, MHSA; Erika Newman, MD; Gurjit Sandhu, PhD; Dana Telem, MD; Jennifer Waljee, MD (2023)
- Erika Newman, MD (2022)
- Chris Sonnenday, MD (2019)
- Dr. Reshma Jagsi (2018)
- Dr. Michael Mulholland (2017)
Today at the U-M Medical School, we strive to be pioneers in the development of leaders, regardless of sex or gender identity, support gender equity, and promote the success of women and other underrepresented groups in academic medicine. Our experienced faculty are committed to mentoring and cultivating future chairs, deans, and division chiefs.
An investment in the MWSC program will help us expand our research, share our findings, and tailor them for surgery and other disciplines facing similar challenges. Together we can equip aspiring surgeon leaders who are passionate about making a difference in health care with the strategies needed to pursue limitless possibilities throughout the most highly-regarded institutions in the world.
Contact the Michigan Medicine Office of Development to learn more about giving to the MWSC
Assistant Professor of Dermatology
Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Residency Director
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Mark C McQuiggan M.D. and Carolyn A McQuiggan Research Professor
Professor of Urology
Urology
UMMG
Associate Chair, Department of Surgery
Professor of Surgery
Section Head, Surgery
Service Chief
Adjunct Professor of Surgery
