Women in Medicine

More than 5 million patients need cleft care in the countries where we work, and 5 billion people globally lack access to safe surgery. Through the Women in Medicine (WIM) Initiative, Operation Smile is working to increase access to care by equiping women in the global health workforce. By creating educational pathways, mentorship and training opportunities, the initiative helps women overcome barriers, advance their careers and become leaders in global health.

Through mentorship and leadership at the local, regional and international levels, we can increase access to career development and leadership opportunities, creating a lasting impact in health care and increasing access to care for children with cleft and other surgical conditions.

In low- and middle-income countries around the world, the Women in Medicine Initiative works to:

• EDUCATE women on advanced medical practices.
• EQUIP women to become leaders in global medicine.
• EXPAND opportunities for women health care workers.
• ELEVATE cleft surgery and comprehensive care.

As part of Operation Smile’s Next Decade, the Women in Medicine Initiative aims to achieve the above goals by continuing to expand the following offerings:

1. Women-focused operative training
2. Leadership development for women in medicine
3. Advocacy and awareness
4. Representative research

The Women in Medicine Initiative has an impact not only on the women who participate but also on the patients they treat and their families.

During the first Women in Medicine program in 2020, 96% of parents said they are more confident to seek out medical care by women after their child received care from an all-women health care team. And, all parents (100%), regardless of their child’s gender, agreed that the experience made them believe in the capabilities of family members that are women. This includes 75% of parents who strongly agreed the program helped them believe their children or family members who are women can pursue careers in medicine.

When 1 billion women in low- to middle-income countries are not formally employed due to barriers in education, lack of mentorship or social stigma, it’s even more critical to showcase, mentor and equip women in medicine.

Women in Medicine Fellowship

The Women in Medicine Leadership Fellowship is a part-time fellowship tailored for passionate women in the health care workforce in low- and middle-income countries who have demonstrated an eagerness to enter leadership roles and advance gender equality in their health care systems. Fellows complete this experience while continuing their patient care and leadership work. This fellowship aims to provide emerging women leaders in health care in their early and mid-careers with the knowledge, skills and networks necessary to drive positive change in their health care systems and advance gender equality. It provides a supportive cohort of other women, practical training on leadership skills and management tools, and mentorship. Fellows benefit from training on leadership fundamentals, communication skills, project management, research, evidence-based management, resource management and individual and organizational sustainability. This fellowship helps women advance into leadership positions through equipping them with the skills and support to help them overcome barriers.