A. Moyo2, C. T. Mashingaidze2, P. Moyo2, F. C. Muchemwa2, S. M. Wren1 1Stanford University,Surgery,Palo Alto, CA, USA 2University Of Zimbabwe,College Of Health Sciences,Harare, HARARE, Zimbabwe
Introduction: There is a paucity of women surgeons in Zimbabwe with only 5.6% (6/108) of registered surgeons, and 7.8% (6/51)of surgery trainees being women inspite of a 33% female enrolment at undergraduate level. Interventions are critical to increase women representation within the field. Until the formation of DREAM (Dedicated to Reach, Empower, and Mentor) Zimbabwe had no specialty student interest groups; we report the early results of a novel focused interest group to support women students interested in surgical training.
Methods: The student organization; DREAM was established in 2014 as a mentorship and information-sharing platform for undergraduate women students interested in surgery. Its objectives are to reach (present surgery as an attractive career option), empower (with information, basic surgical skills and opportunities for participation) and mentor (peer, group, personal and e-mentorship) women with the goal of increasing the numbers of Zimbabwean women in surgery.
Results: Since its inception in March 2014 DREAM’s membership has increased from the founding 6 fourth year medical students (MBChB) to its current membership of 36 consisting of 3rd, 4th, 5th year medical students and 1st year interns ((58, 11, 25 and 6% respectively). 8 group mentorship sessions have been held with local and visiting surgeons from the US, Japan, China and Australia. Some of these relationships have continued in the form of personal or e-mentorship. Some members participated at the 2014 College of Surgeons East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) which is currently discussing its role in promoting the development of women surgeons in the region. DREAM organized clerkships for some of its members in Tanzania, the US and New Zealand in 2014. In July 2015 the organization hosted the first ever basic surgical skills training for medical students which was attended by 21 members. Stemming from this event the ‘sisterhood’ peer-mentorship initiative was begun in which senior female medical students provide bedside mentorship to junior students during clinical rotations.
Conclusion: Just two years after its inception; this initiative has shown great potential for increasing women’s participation in surgery in Zimbabwe. There are currently 5 graduating students and 2 first year interns committed to surgical training. Significant challenges exist that will have to be addressed. For example all Zimbabwean graduates complete 2 years as rotating house officer after which the majority become licensed independent physicians and do not pursue further specialty training. This hiatus after graduation and option to have a full-time job presents significant challenges to keep engagement and subsequent matriculation in residency training. As the organization matures we hope to address these challenges to achieve a sustained increase in women surgeons in training and practice.