A day overloaded with impactful and powerful words from mouths of wisdom and with many insights imparted, I am ultimately encouraged by the fact that meaningful differences are not bound by gender. Equally, we as women can choose or be chosen to be the leader of doctors. When we ask questions on “How can we improve and be the movement?”, I have always lived in fear that my incapability might restrict me from speaking, advocating and taking action. It was mind-boggling and groundbreaking to acknowledge that I am not in this alone; the successes of the successful weren’t achieved through smooth sailing sea. Instead, they tried over and over again to overcome failure, as quoted by Miss Samantha Thross, a consultant orthopedic surgeon, during her presentation about “Culture, Belonging & Overcoming Failure”. It is inspiring and empowering to see the sprout of her seeds, despite her background as the minority. In great contrast, she has gloriously impacted the lives of people in the same boat as her by creating opportunities for more women of colour like her, hence her influence as one of the leaders in the British Association of Black Surgeons.
Being a medical student, I am persuaded that my incognizance should be the motivating factor for me to strive for a broader global understanding of the world’s population health. My interest in global surgery has been empowered and upheld. I learned more about the health challenges for women in the UK in 2024, presented by Professor Dame Lesly Regan. I was surprised to understand that only one-third of the solutions are by maintaining health and clinical practices, whereas two-thirds are deeply rooted in social determinants, such as poor education resources, inaccessible healthcare facilities and lack of hygiene and safety control. Through the implementation priorities set up by the Women’s Health from the Department of Health & Social Care, significant changes are observed. The work that has been done through policy changes and advocacy have truly made an impact on women’s health country-wide and, in broader terms, on a global basis.
My current carrier plan has not been completely set, but I am hoping to further enhance my knowledge and abilities to listen, communicate and lead. The first step to being a leader is to cast aside the reputations and pride you’ll receive and instead work together as a team in collaboration. Statement with such humility and wisdom, quoted by the ever inspiring, Professor Dame Lesly Regan. This is essentially paramount for me as I take on leadership roles within my community and organization in the upcoming year. I am working towards not only being a leader, but a powerful leader who is able to direct the team in a productive direction.
I would like to appreciate all women in Medical Women Federation for organizing the Conference to empower women. There is much than being defined as women, but I am persevering to see a promising and brighter future for women.
- Rayna Ling, Medical Student and recipient of the Lady Estelle Wolfson Conference Bursary
