Response to The Times article on female orthopaedic surgeons

Response to The Times article on female orthopaedic surgeons

Times journalist Martin Samuel’s claim you need to be a “big guy” to be an orthopaedic surgeon is totally absurd. He ignores the skill, training and breadth of female talent in orthopaedics - and disrespectfully uses a female surgeon’s private history to make his misguided points.

RCS England commits to supporting women, and aspiring surgeons from all backgrounds, to enter our profession so patients are treated by the best. The government's review of postgraduate medical training is an opportunity to improve training pathways to overcome current barriers for women.

We invite Martin on a visit so he can witness the full breadth of skill and leadership exercised by female orthopaedic surgeons. He will witness a much wider skillset required than so-called "manhandling" of joints. We look forward to hearing his response.

Miss Felicity Meyer, Chair of the Women in Surgery (WinS) Forum, Professor Vivien Lees, Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England & Mr Tim Mitchell, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England)

Notes to editors:

1. The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams at all stages of their careers. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research, and championing the best outcomes for patients.
2. For more information, please contact the press office: telephone: 020 7869 6053/6054/6047; email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056.