When speaking to leaders in Medicine or Surgery, we often hear sentiments like:

“I wish someone had shown me how it’s done, opened that door for me, encouraged me to build on my ideas, or reassured me that it’s okay to do things differently. I wish I had trusted my skills and myself more, learned earlier to ask for what I wanted, built my professional network, and not hesitated to pursue leadership positions earlier in my career.”

Yet, with authentic solidarity, these individuals also affirm:

“We’ve come so far and learned so much along the way. There’s still work to be done to break down barriers and make the fields of Medicine and Surgery supportive, balanced and fair. Together, we can and must change the narrative for the next generation of medical professionals. We want to see every individual in the field achieve their full leadership potential within their institution or practice, in national medical societies and editorial boards, or building their own enterprises, and everything else in between.”

Several professionals in Medicine and Surgery face unique challenges during their journey: many receive less support at critical stages of their careers and less pay than  others for similar work and are offered fewer opportunities for career advancement. These challenges not only limit the professional growth of these individuals, they also contribute to burnout, stagnation, and loss of talent, especially at mid-career stages – underscoring the urgent need for intentional support and effective change in the healthcare field.

At Scrubs & Heels, we are committed to creating opportunities for the professional and personal advancement for individuals at all stages of their careers – from trainees to seasoned healthcare professionals. By fostering leadership and organizational skills, and cultivating a strong network of mentors and allies, we empower people to design careers that align with their values and to pursue their professional aspirations. More importantly, we strive to help professionals in Medicine and Surgery find joy and fulfillment in their career, embrace their authentic selves, and achieve a harmonious work-life integration.