Dr Maya Shahsavari, a St George’s Graduate Entry Medicine alumna and surgeon, shares her story for International Women's Day.
Maya graduated from St George’s in 2013 and is currently an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist registrar in Scotland in her sixth year of specialty training in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery. Maya was born in Iran where her parents were political activists calling for free speech, but were arrested several years after they had stopped campaigning, and made the decision to flee and move to the UK, due to concerns for the family's safety.
Below, Maya shares her experience of working on the front line during the pandemic and spoke about what International Women’s Day means to her.
The barriers I have faced
I have certainly experienced gender discrimination in my time as a medical student and a fully qualified doctor, but this has been limited to a few individuals who refuse to move forward with the times. Thankfully, their numbers are dwindling as a new generation of doctors are making their way through the system.
To some individuals outside of medicine, a female surgeon is still something of a mysterious being, and it has been very interesting to frequently be asked about work/life balance and how I juggle work and family life ‘as a woman’.
I feel that society’s perception of female surgeons can be dated and although these aspects have never kept me from my goals and dreams, they have certainly made me feel alienated at times.
Maybe it is because of my childhood experiences as a refugee, but I feel that nothing in this world can ever hold me back from what I truly want.
Adapting to the Covid-19 pandemic
The pandemic was definitely a shock to the system. There was a huge deal of uncertainty and need for adaptability.
My colleagues and I discovered incredible resilience and optimism we never knew we could muster. I felt exhausted; physically, mentally, and emotionally.
It was incredibly hard to be away from my family and keep a distance to ensure their safety. Naturally, I worried for their physical and mental health too.
The pandemic has certainly changed me as doctor and surgeon. I am now far more aware of my strengths and limitations. I give higher priority to my mental health. I am far more resourceful and adaptive to change, and I know how to ensure greater efficiency in my work.
They say that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and I certainly feel this has held true for me throughout this pandemic.
Advice for other women interested in medicine and surgery
Understand that you are a human being first and a woman second, with as much right as any man to fulfil your ambitions. It is not about being equal to a man, but about being the best version of yourself, regardless of gender.
You will face challenges in this field of work, much like any other, but your ability to overcome them has nothing to do with the gender you identify with and everything to do with internal growth, faith in your own abilities and a real desire to make a difference in life.
This is not a role for those who are looking for endless praise, incredible financial compensation or an easy journey. But if you feel a true calling - if you know that you are able to turn pain into power and enjoy growing under pressure - then do not let anything or anyone hold you back.
If you are yet to make a decision about your future career, go on as many placements as you can and speak to as many colleagues as possible and ensure that you are choosing this career for the right reasons and that it is the right fit for you.
What International Women's Day means to me
Honestly, part of me beams with pride and I celebrate all that women represent; strength, creativity, beauty, intelligence, resilience and so much more. Another part of me feels incredibly sad that in 2022, women are still trying their best to survive in the face of gender discrimination, sexual assault, domestic violence and societal pressures, to name just a few of the challenges we face.
International Women’s Day should not be seen as a stand-alone solution to some of these issues, but is a great opportunity to support and promote equality.
Hopes for the future
I hope that one day we can simply talk about a woman as a surgeon, rather than a female surgeon.
I hope that one day, women are celebrated for what they do without the need to mention their gender in the process.
Read Maya's reflections on her time at St George’s and her route into surgery.
Find out more about International Women's Day and read more stories from the St George's community.