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 empowering 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.
• EMPOWER 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-led surgical outreach programs
2. Medical scholarships for women in medicine
3. Leadership conferences
4. Research grants

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 empower women in medicine.

Meet Rwanda’s First Female Plastic Surgeon