March 8th is International Women’s day so we are dedicating a moment in time to Dr. Elton who is a surgeon here in our office.
Dr.Elton is an Orthopaedic Surgeon certified in Hand and Microsurgery surgery and is one of the growing forces in orthopedic surgery; Women.
Did you know, from a 2007 study, “about 10 percent to 12 percent of applicants to Orthopaedic residency programs are women,” said Dr. Gebhardt
What was the defining moment that motivated you to enter Orthopaedics?
“I grew up as an only child, so I enjoyed doing things with my mother and with my father. The lines between traditional “female” and “male” roles were not really defined for me.”
“I have always enjoyed fixing things from both a mechanical and artistic approach. After I entered medicine, and was exposed to the field of orthopaedics, I noticed that my skills of “fixing” things and returning them to functioning well could be used to help patients with injuries or conditions return to their previous activities.”
How many women were with you in residency?
“I felt very lucky that an unusually high number of women were in my residency- 5 out of the 30 were female. This was just enough to have some gender comradery, and to not have everyone always be shocked that I was the orthopedic resident!”
Did it bother you or effect your motivation?
“I did feel that at times an unspoken (and sometimes spoken) level of doubt was present as to if a female could do a good job in the field of orthopedics. I took this as an opportunity to let my work speak for itself, and motivate me to be even better so no questions about my competency could exist. I also took things as lightly as possible, rarely got offended, and enjoyed working with my colleagues, male and female.”
What do you think being a woman contributes to the Orthopaedic field?
“I think that I often approach things a bit differently, and being female may be the explanation. I try to listen well, and to make patients feel comfortable about their condition and its treatment. In addition to good surgical results, I strive to have my incisions heal well, and disappear as much as possible.”
A little about the first woman Orthopaedic surgeon.
“Dr. Ruth Jackson, md was the first practicing female orthopedist in the U.S. as well as a founding member of the Ruth Jackson Orthopedic society”. - http://rjos.org/about-us/
The year after she opened her clinic in Texas, the AAOS (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) was founded.” All who practiced orthopaedics were allowed to join–except Dr. Jackson. Undaunted, she took and passed the Board Exam in 1937, becoming not only the first woman certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, but also the first woman admitted to the AAOS.”