@WomenSurgeons

The AWS podcast is produced by the AWS Communications Committee. These episodes include interviews with women surgeons recorded in the hospital, during national meetings, and from our AWS annual conference. We feature women who are leaders in healthcare, research, teaching, and growing opportunities for more women to succeed in surgery. Through giving a platform to inspiring women's voices, we seek to engage, empower, and excel.

AWS Knots and Thoughts Episode 10: Conversations with Dr. Sharon Stein

Welcome to AWS Knots and Thoughts, a podcast designed to help you succeed in your surgery clerkship. This podcast is produced by the Association of Women Surgeons National Medical Student Committee and hosted by Vikita Patel and McKenzie Mayer. Music by Hart Fogel. In this episode of Knots & Thoughts, McKenzie and Vikita sit down with Dr. Sharon Stein, a nationally recognized colorectal surgeon, educator, and past president of the Association of Women Surgeons. Dr. Stein shares her journey through surgery and leadership, her work to advance diversity and equity in the field, and insights from her own podcast, The Intentional Surgeon. Together, we explore how surgical culture is evolving, the importance of peer support, and how professional development can shape more fulfilling and sustainable careers in medicine.

11-13
31:56

AWS Knots and Thoughts Episode 9: How to Break Into Research

Welcome to AWS Knots and Thoughts, a podcast designed to help you succeed in your surgery clerkship. This podcast is produced by the Association of Women Surgeons National Medical Student Committee and hosted by Vikita Patel and McKenzie Mayer. Music by Hart Fogel.    Curious about how to get started in research as a med student—but not sure where to begin? In this episode, Vikita and McKenzie break down the process of getting involved in research, especially if you're interested in surgery or competitive specialties. They cover everything from defining your "why," finding opportunities, working with mentors, staying organized, and navigating common setbacks like imposter syndrome and rejection. Whether you're looking to boost your CV or pursue a passion, this episode is packed with actionable tips and relatable stories to help you take the first step. 

10-28
10:02

AWS Knots and Thoughts Episode 8: Conference Conversations

Welcome to AWS Knots and Thoughts, a podcast designed to help you succeed in your surgery clerkship. This podcast is produced by the Association of Women Surgeons National Medical Student Committee and hosted by Vikita Patel. Music by Hart Fogel.   In this episode, Vikita takes you back to the 2024 AWS Conference in San Francisco. Join us as we revisit inspiring advice from women surgeons across all stages of their careers—from residents to seasoned attendings—who share their insights, encouragement, and wisdom for the next generation of future surgeons. Whether you're just starting your journey or deep into your training, this episode is filled with powerful takeaways and moments of motivation.

08-08
07:58

AWS Mentor Moments: Episode 1 - Dr. Mohammad-Mohsen Shabahang

Welcome to Mentor Moments, a podcast organized by the AWS Outreach Committee. Mentor Moments is designed to help listeners learn from those who have been in a position to act as advocates or allies for women in surgery.  Episode 1 features Dr. Mohammad-Mohsen Shabahang, interviewed by Dr. Christie Buonpane.

08-08
30:49

AWS Knots and Thoughts Episode 7: Post-op History & Physical

Welcome to AWS Knots and Thoughts, a podcast designed to help you succeed in your surgery clerkship. This podcast is produced by the Association of Women Surgeons National Medical Student Committee and hosted by Vikita Patel and Beatriz Laus. Music by Hart Fogel. In this episode, Vikita and Beatriz walk you through everything you need to know about the post-operative history and physical exam on your surgery clerkship. From pre-charting tips and what to look for in vitals, labs, and imaging, to how to structure your H&P, conduct a focused post-op physical exam, and recognize red flags using the 5 W's, this episode covers it all. You'll also learn how to present efficiently on rounds, write effective SOAP notes, and explore the Fast-Track protocol to optimize recovery. Whether you're preparing for your first post-op patient or looking to refine your skills, this episode has the practical guidance to help you succeed.

07-08
15:20

AWS & SBAS Podcast Series: Episode 1

This joint podcast venture between the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) and the Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS) highlights topics that tackle the intersectionality of being women and from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine. This inaugural episode covers themes of allyship, mentorship, and sponsorship. Enjoy this conversation between Dr. Crystal Johnson-Mann at the UF Department of Surgery and one of her mentors, Dr. David Adams of the Medical University of South Carolina.

04-15
31:15

AWS Knots and Thoughts Episode 6: In the OR

Welcome to AWS Knots and Thoughts, a podcast designed to help you succeed in your surgery clerkships. This podcast is produced by the Association of Women Surgeons National Medical Student Committee. This episode reviews covers what to do in the OR. Music by Hart Fogel.

03-11
09:30

AWS Knots and Thoughts Episode 5: How to Help Out & Common Tasks

Welcome to AWS Knots and Thoughts, a podcast designed to help you succeed in your surgery clerkships. This podcast is produced by the Association of Women Surgeons National Medical Student Committee. This episode reviews common expectations in the OR and how to make yourself as resourceful as possible before, during, and after surgery. Music by Hart Fogel.

11-12
09:30

AWS HeForShe Podcast 8: An Interview with Dr. Tom Jaksic

The HeForShe Podcast series is a platform to hear the stories of women surgeons and their experieces with sponsorship, allyship and advocacy. As we pay tribute to those we interview by acknowledging their contributions and support for the younger surgeon and those aspiring to be surgeons, we also gain some insight from their wisdom and experience so we can be better AWS allies. This episode features Dr. Tom Jaksic of Boston Children's, interviewed by Dr. Priyanka Chugh. 

10-07
20:54

AWS HeForShe Podcast 7: An interview with Dr. Matthew D. Neal

The HeForShe Podcast series is a platform to hear the stories of women surgeons and their experieces with sponsorship, allyship and advocacy. As we pay tribute to those we interview by acknowledging their contributions and support for the younger surgeon and those aspiring to be surgeons, we also gain some insight from their wisdom and experience so we can be better AWS allies. This episode features Dr. Matthew D. Neal of the University of Pittsburgh, interviewed by Dr. Nimjeh Alsaadi. 

08-15
27:00

AWS HeForShe Podcast 6: An interview with Dr. Leigh Anne Dageforde

The HeForShe Podcast series is a platform to hear the stories of women surgeons and their experieces with sponsorship, allyship and advocacy. As we pay tribute to those we interview by acknowledging their contributions and support for the younger surgeon and those aspiring to be surgeons, we also gain some insight from their wisdom and experience so we can be better AWS allies. This episode features Dr. Leigh Anne Dageforde of Mass General Hospital, interviewed by Dr. Stalin Canizares. 

07-12
19:33

AWS HeForShe Podcast 5: An interview with Dr. John Stewart

The HeForShe Podcast series is a platform to hear the stories of women surgeons and their experieces with sponsorship, allyship and advocacy. As we pay tribute to those we interview by acknowledging their contributions and support for the younger surgeon and those aspiring to be surgeons, we also gain some insight from their wisdom and experience so we can be better AWS allies. This episode features Dr. John H. Stewart, IV of the Morehouse School of Medicine, interviewed by Dr. Shannon Small.

05-22
26:00

AWS HeForShe Podcast 4: An interview with Dr. Aaron Richman

The HeForShe Podcast series is a platform to hear the stories of women surgeons and their experieces with sponsorship, allyship and advocacy. As we pay tribute to those we interview by acknowledging their contributions and support for the younger surgeon and those aspiring to be surgeons, we also gain some insight from their wisdom and experience so we can be better AWS allies. This episode features Dr. Aaron Richman, a trauma surgeon at Boston Medical Center, interviewed by Dr. Kobzeva.

02-05
31:43

AWS Knots and Thoughts Episode 4: How to Prepare for OR Cases

Welcome to AWS Knots and Thoughts: a podcast designed to help you succeed in your surgery clerkships. This podcast is produced by the Association of Women Surgeons National Medical Student Committee and hosted by Jennifer Kunes and Tamilarasy Vasanthakumaran, along with guest hosts from the rest of the student committee. Music by Hart Fogel.   In this episode, Mary and Gowri taught us how to prepare for our cases the week before, night before, and morning of our day in the OR.               How to Suture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFwFMav_cpE             Toronto Video Atlas of Surgery: https://pie.med.utoronto.ca/TVASurg/

11-02
16:11

AWS Knots and Thoughts Episode 3: Pre-Op History and Physical

Welcome to AWS Knots and Thoughts: a podcast designed to help you succeed in your surgery clerkships. This podcast is produced by the Association of Women Surgeons National Medical Student Committee and hosted by Jennifer Kunes and Tamilarasy Vasanthakumaran, along with guest hosts from the rest of the student committee. Music by Hart Fogel.   In this episode, Jamesa and Gopika discussed important considerations for seeing pre-operative patients in the surgical setting, as well as what to watch out for when getting a patient ready for surgery.    BOLDCARTS: Baseline, Onset, Location, Duration, Character, Aggravating/Relieving Factors, Timeline/Treatments, Severity   American Academy of Family Physicians Pre-Op H&P: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0715/p387.html

11-02
11:42

AWS Knots and Thoughts Episode 2: How to Scrub and What to Wear

Welcome to AWS Knots and Thoughts: a podcast designed to help you succeed in your surgery clerkships. This podcast is produced by the Association of Women Surgeons National Medical Student Committee and hosted by Jennifer Kunes and Tamilarasy Vasanthakumaran, along with guest hosts from the rest of the student committee. Music by Hart Fogel.   In this episode, we discussed what to wear to the OR and how to get scrubbed in. We recommend the following resources: A guide to Hijab in the OR: https://hijabintheor.com/ Video guide to scrubbing your hands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpZqLbWL0c0 Guide to scrubbing, gowning, and gloving: https://geekymedics.com/surgical-scrubbing-gowning-gloving-guide/

10-20
13:08

AWS HeForShe Podcast 3: An interview with Dr. Katherine Morris

The HeForShe Podcast series is a platform to hear the stories of women surgeons and their experieces with sponsorship, allyship and advocacy. As we pay tribute to those we interview by acknowledging their contributions and support for the younger surgeon and those aspiring to be surgeons, we also gain some insight from their wisdom and experience so we can be better AWS allies. This episode features Dr. Anna Sabih interviewing Dr. Katherine Morris about mentorship, sponsorship, and more.

10-20
22:56

AWS Knots and Thoughts Episode 1

Welcome to AWS Knots and Thoughts: a podcast designed to help you succeed in your surgery clerkships. This podcast is produced by the Association of Women Surgeons National Medical Student Committee and hosted by Jennifer Kunes and Tamilarasy Vasanthakumaran, along with guest hosts from the rest of the student committee. Music by Hart Fogel.   In this episode, we discussed the following resources: - For OBGYN: Procedure Ready/Pimped Podcast - Kenhub anatomy: https://www.kenhub.com/en/start/anatomy  - StatPearls: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430685/  - UpToDate: https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/uptodate - GeekyMedics: https://geekymedics.com/ - NinjaNerd: https://www.youtube.com/@NinjaNerdOfficial/featured Textbooks: - Surgical Recall, Blackbourne - Surgery: A Case Based Clinical Review, de Virgilio - Surgical Anatomy and Technique, Skandalakis (for case by case, you do not have to read cover to cover!)

06-16
09:18

AWS HeForShe Podcast 1: an interview with AWS 2022 President Dr. Elizabeth Shaughnessy

The HeForShe Podcast series is a platform to hear the stories of women surgeons and their experieces with sponsorship, allyship and advocacy. As we pay tribute to those we interview by acknowledging their contributions and support for the younger surgeon and those aspiring to be surgeons, we also gain some insight from their wisdom and experience so we can be better AWS allies.

06-12
22:34

AWS HeForShe Podcast 2: An interview with AWS AOSA Council Liaison Dr. Alexis Moren

The HeForShe Podcast series is a platform to hear the stories of women surgeons and their experieces with sponsorship, allyship and advocacy. As we pay tribute to those we interview by acknowledging their contributions and support for the younger surgeon and those aspiring to be surgeons, we also gain some insight from their wisdom and experience so we can be better AWS allies.

06-12
17:24

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