surgery faculty at the  Michigan Women's Surgical Collaborative (MWSC) symposium
Michigan Women's Surgical Collaborative

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.

Advancing a Supportive Culture for Women Surgeons

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.

Contact Us
Please reach out if you would like to get involved, learn more information, or let us know your questions or comments.
Objectives
  • 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
Annual Conference

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)
Michigan Women's Surgical Collaborative Symposium
08:00am

Join us in Ann Arbor on November 14 and 15 for a dynamic slate of talks and workshops centered around the theme of inclusivity.

Learn more about the symposium
MWSC Award

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.

Support MWSC

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

Program Leadership
profile-susan-pitt-2022 Susan C Pitt
Associate Professor of Surgery
Meredith Barrett headshot Meredith Barrett
Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery
Christina Angeles Christina V Angeles, MD
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Assistant Professor of Dermatology
Eileen Crawford headshot Eileen A Crawford, MD, FAAOS, FAOA
Harold W and Helen L Gehring Early Career Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Residency Director
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Janet_Dombrowski.jpg Janet Pinkerton, MHSA
President @ JCD Advisors, LLC
Hope T. Jackson Hope T Jackson, MD, FACS
Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery
Profile-ErinKirkham-2023 Erin M Kirkham, MD, MPH, FACS
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Profile-KateKraft-2023 Kate Kraft
Section Head of Pediatric Urology in the Department of Urology
Mark C McQuiggan M.D. and Carolyn A McQuiggan Research Professor
Professor of Urology
Urology
Jessica Millar Jessica K. Millar MD
General Surgery Residency
Paige Myers Paige L Myers MD, MPH
Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery
Vanessa Niba Vanessa Niba, MD
General Surgery Residency
erin perrone Erin E Perrone, MD
Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery and Medical Director
UMMG
profile-dana-telem-2019 Dana A Telem
Lazar J Greenfield M.D. Professor of Surgery
Associate Chair, Department of Surgery
Professor of Surgery
Section Head, Surgery
Service Chief
Jennifer Waljee profile photo Jennifer F Waljee
George D Zuidema Professor of Surgery
Professor of Surgery
Associate Chair
Department of Plastic Surgery and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery