Being A Woman Surgeon

"This is a poignant and moving narrative collection from women who each in their
own way were pioneers in their field of surgery. The story of the courage, physical
strength, stamina and, most of all, the mental fortitude required to complete surgical
training is beautifully conveyed here. This collection will hopefully both inspire and
make the path easier for the next generation of surgeons, both women and men."
- Abraham Verghese, MD; best-selling author of Cutting for Stone, The Tennis
Partner, and My Own Country

"This book is an enthralling read. It is all too rare to hear the stories of surgeons, and
even rarer to hear those of women surgeons. Yet here they are, told straight out, fearlessly,
by residents and retirees alike. The stories are by turns funny, heartbreaking,
flabbergasting, infuriating, inspiring-and at times all of these at once. Each voice here
is singular and fascinating. But the collective effect is overwhelmingly moving. You
want to hear more." - Atul Gawande, MD; staff writer for The New Yorker; surgeon;
researcher; best-selling author of Complications, The Checklist Manifesto,
and Better

"An inspiring compendium of stories that challenged a generation and defined an
era. Being a Woman Surgeon will be the archival account of the women who dared to
radically advance the world's greatest profession." - Marty Makary, MD, MPH; Johns
Hopkins surgeon; New York Times best-selling author of Unaccountable

"An extraordinary collection of essays written by an even more extraordinary group of
women, this book offers an unparalleled view of what it is like to be a woman surgeon.
It is the book that I wish I had as a medical student and that even now I find inspiring."
- Pauline Chen, New York Times columnist; surgeon; author of Final Exam-A
Surgeon's Reflections on Mortality

"Dr. John has carefully collected an illuminating anthology of experiential writings
from women surgeons. Her contributors vary in surgical specialty, years of experience,
and personal situation. This rich and literate collection
will prove fascinating reading for anyone interested in
the world of medicine."
- Carol Scott-Conner, MD, FACS; surgeon; author of A Few Small Moments

Dr. Preeti R. John is a critical care surgeon who works in Baltimore, Maryland. She is triple board certified in General Surgery, Surgical Critical Care and Hospice and Palliative Medicine.