The MacOrtho Women’s Network

MacOrtho Women’s Network 2024 Proposal

Description:
The MacOrtho Women's Network is a dynamic and supportive community within the orthopaedic surgery residency program at McMaster University, dedicated to fostering collaboration, empowerment, and professional development among its female residents. Comprising a diverse group of talented and ambitious individuals, the network is united by a common goal: the advancement and enrichment of female representation in the field of orthopaedic surgery.

Mission Statement:

At the heart of the MacOrtho Women's Network is a commitment to creating a supportive environment where female residents can thrive and achieve their full career potential. Through mentorship programs, outreach initiatives, research skills enhancement, and collaborative opportunities, the network aims to share experiences, insights, and knowledge to facilitate personal and professional growth. Additionally, the network strives to empower its female residents with tools for career exploration, goal-setting, and strategic planning. Beyond career development, it advocates for gender equity and inclusion in orthopaedic surgery by addressing gender-specific challenges and participating in outreach and educational initiatives. Ultimately, it is a vibrant community within McMaster's orthopaedic surgery residency, shaping the future of the field by empowering women in orthopaedics to excel and contribute meaningfully.

Goals:

The MacOrtho Women's Network is dedicated to achieving several overarching goals that collectively enhance the experiences and opportunities for its members. These goals are instrumental in fostering a supportive community and driving positive change within the field of orthopaedic surgery.

1.      Formal Mentorship Development:

• Objective: To establish a structured mentorship program that facilitates meaningful connections between senior female residents and junior female residents, as well as medical students.

• Implementation: We will formally pair experienced senior residents with incoming junior counterparts at the start of each academic year. This would be done via email with pairings occurring through a randomization process. Mentors and mentees can connect throughout the year and senior residents will mandatorily meet with their mentee twice a year for a formal check-in. We also plan to extend this mentorship opportunity to female medical students interested in orthopaedics. A list of possible volunteer mentors and their corresponding contact information will be disseminated through the Orthopaedic Surgery Interest Group, Surgery Interest Group, and Undergraduate Medical Program.

• Outcomes: Enhanced guidance, support, and knowledge transfer, creating a nurturing environment that promotes personal and professional growth.

2.      Outreach to Medical Students:

• Objective: To increase female interest in orthopaedics among medical students and encourage their pursuit of this specialty.

• Implementation: The MacOrtho Women’s Network will plan to organize at least one yearly outreach event for the Undergraduate Medical Program. We will also supplement this event with informational sessions and workshops specifically tailored to address the unique questions and concerns of female medical students. This will be done in conjunction with the Orthopaedic Surgery Interest Group, HOSA, in addition to any other meaningful groups that may improve outreach.

• Outcomes: Greater awareness, increased interest, and a diversified pipeline of talented individuals entering the field.

3.      Strengthen Research Endeavors:

• Objective: To empower female residents with the skills and resources needed to excel in orthopaedic research.

• Implementation: The network will strive to facilitate research-focused workshops and related endeavours for female residents interested in advancing their academic careers. Additionally, we will continue to build a network of strong female orthopaedic researchers across the globe that we can distribute to female residents to connect and get involved in various aspects of research. Finally, we will foster collaborative research projects amongst the female residents to increase productivity.

• Outcomes: Increased research productivity, improved skills in study design and execution, and contributions to advancements in orthopaedic knowledge. 

4.      Drive Social Engagements:

• Objective: To build a strong sense of community among female residents by organizing memberships, meetings, and inviting accomplished female leaders to share insights.

• Implementation: Establishing regular meetings among the MacOrtho Women’s Network to evaluate goal implementation, development of future directions, and assess areas of improvement in the residency program from a female perspective. We will also increase membership in networking opportunities such as through annual membership to the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society. Additionally, we will plan to organize 1-2 events per year featuring successful female leaders in orthopaedics.

• Outcomes: A supportive network, increased camaraderie, and exposure to diverse perspectives, fostering a sense of belonging and inspiration.

5.      Legacy Building for Future Female Residents:

• Objective: To establish a foundation for sustained support and empowerment by creating a legacy that transcends the current generation of female residents.

• Implementation: Developing resources, documentation, and programs that can be passed down to successive generations, ensuring continuity in mentorship, outreach, research endeavors, and social engagements.

• Outcomes: A lasting impact on the culture and environment, enabling each cohort of female residents to build upon the achievements of those who came before them, fostering a tradition of excellence and support. The creation of a living legacy will serve as a testament to the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women in orthopaedic surgery, inspiring future generations of female residents to continue breaking barriers and reaching new heights.

Proposed by:

• Lauren Gyemi, PGY3

• Mari Comeau Gauthier, PGY5

• Tanis Worthy, PGY4

• Erin Wong, PGY4

• Leah Nairn, PGY3

• Preksha Rathod, PGY2

• Caitlin Svendsen, PGY2

• Caitlin Yee, PGY2