Women's Microsurgery Group

Goals:

To facilitate networking and mentoring and to foster and promote professional development, as well as to provide a safe forum to help women achieve work-life balance.

JOIN WMG

The WMG is excited to announce the start of individual Membership to WMG. Membership will allow us to help create a national and international network of female microsurgeons and provide information to members throughout the year.

We are creating a platform to discuss issues, topics or stories that pertain to our common interest in reconstructive surgery and microsurgery.

Membership to WMG includes:

Mentorship where microsurgeons in practice who are members of ASRM are paired with younger microsurgeons in residency or even medical school
Newsletter that provides information on members, interesting topics, announcements, events
Invitation to Pre-Meeting Workshops
Network with other microsurgeons

BE A MENTEE BE A MENTOR

The Women’s Microsurgery Mentorship Program is designed to offer perspective and guidance with individualized female mentorship. The program is open to all women medical students, residents and fellows as Mentees, and all practicing women microsurgeons as Mentors. Mentees apply to be matched to an experienced female microsurgeon Mentor. The Mentee/Mentor will collaborate on site at the ASRM Annual Meeting for a 1:1 meeting. The WMG encourages the pair to coordinate future sessions to continue the supportive relationship. This program is valued by both the Mentors and the Mentees and offers an instant network of female microsurgeon connections. The deadline to submit the applications is November 15th.

“I’ve always enjoyed meeting my mentees at the ASRM every January and figuring out how to help them succeed in matching in plastic surgery, advice for residency, fellowship, or finding a job. I’ve stayed in touch with most of them through the years as they have advanced into their careers and they are the future of our subspecialty. Fostering the next generation of female micro surgeons is always exciting and fulfilling!” ~ Mentor, Angela Cheng, MD

“The ASRM mentorship program was extremely beneficial in helping me prepare for my job search, navigate the application and interview process and in my final job selection. The program facilitated not only a mentor-mentee relationship, but also allowed for networking which I would have otherwise been unable to achieve. I am thankful for this opportunity, and I look forward to a time when I will be able to serve as a mentor.” ~ Mentee, Becky Knackstedt

“The Women’s Microsurgery Group Mentorship Program is a fabulous opportunity to grow our female microsurgery network! So many women in medical school and plastic surgery training have no female mentors, let alone one who specializes in microsurgery. This program allows women from any environment to have the chance to connect with experienced mentors from around the world.” ~ Mentor, Stephanie Caterson, MD

ViOptix SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

ViOptix Travel Scholarship:
The purpose of the Women’s Microsurgery Group travel scholarship is to foster early interest in reconstructive microsurgery in women medical students or residents. This year ViOptix will be funding two travel scholarships for the Women’s Microsurgery Group. Funding by ViOptix includes travel to the ASRM Annual Meeting (coach fare, purchased at least 3 weeks in advance), hotel costs for up to 4 nights, and ASRM meeting registration fees. Awardee will be responsible for food/beverage costs outside of what is provided during the ASRM Annual Meeting. The deadline to submit the application is October 15.

Experience in the Eyes of the WMG Scholarship Recipients!

Cara Black

"Meeting the many professors, leaders of professional organizations, and innovative researchers in WMG was inspiring and provided me with tangible role models to emulate in the field. This year’s “Defining Career Success and Preventing Burnout” panel allowed me to gain wisdom and tools to make tough choices when prioritizing between career, family, and hobbies." (read more)

Alexandra Keane

"One of the highlights of the meeting was the Women’s Microsurgery Lunch Series, “Work Life Balance or Juggling Act?” Drs. Joan Lipa, Liza Wu, Anu Bajaj, and Aldona Spiegel discussed their personal approaches to maintaining a balance between their busy surgical practices, family, and hobbies that suits their personality and values. They then fielded questions from an audience of talented and ambitious young female microsurgeons (and aspiring medical students!), and provided candid, insightful, and valuable answers and advice." (read more)