The Female Surgeons

Dr. Paige Moorhead, DDS
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A space for the unique journey of female surgeons to be featured. The intention is to generate understanding of our perspective and experiences, thereby serving as a source of empowerment and validation for current female surgeons, as well as inspiration for young girls aspiring to become one.

Episodes

  1. Aug 10

    Surgeon Spotlight: Dr. Alisha Starbird, DMD | Full Arch Dental Implant Surgeon

    Dr. Alisha Starbird is not new to oral surgery procedures, but she is new to this branch of surgery: full arch - otherwise known to us as, All-on-X. While still at the onset of her full-time surgery career, this episode was timely in order to capture the realities of what it's like at the early stages of a surgical career. This conversation with Dr. Starbird highlights the transition into a career of full-time surgery, both expected and unexpected challenges, and the emotional connection with this level of patient care. We cover her personal and professional journey as a female surgeon, and the paramount importance of mentorship for anyone early on in their surgical career. This episode will not be the last with Dr. Starbird. As she matures into her surgical role over time, touch points with her along the journey are planned so as to serve as an example of the organic growth of any surgeon as they gain experience, and with that, unlock next level confidence. With experience, it's amazing how much around you can feel slower. In reality the orbit remains the same pace, we as surgeons and leaders have actually risen to higher abilities. Takeaways Any surgeon at the beginning of their real-world surgical career will face expected and unexpected challenges. At the onset, everything feels new and overwhelming, we're uncertain about our decision making, and our lack of outcomes to follow can lead to restless nights and anxiety surfacing. Female surgeons face unique challenges in balancing their professional and personal lives.The mental and emotional aspects of surgery, including patient care and outcomes, have a significant impact on the well-being of surgeons. [ Quality of life impact ] Emotional and professional challengesImportance of mentorship and leadershipSelf-care and physical health Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Connection00:29 The Journey to Surgery02:49 Early Exposure to Surgery05:40 Challenges and Decision-Making06:36 The Demands of Surgery33:24 Managing Stress and Patient Care38:15 Impact on Quality of Life39:43 Emotional and Professional Challenges43:08 Experiences of Female Surgeons50:48 Mentorship and Leadership59:14 Self-Care and Physical Health Follow Dr. Alisha Starbird on Instagram Follow Dr. Paige Moorhead on Instagram Follow The Female Surgeons on Instagram

  2. Jul 27

    Surgeon Spotlight: Dr. Sinehan Bayrak, MD | Facial Plastic Surgeon

    Dr. Sinehan Bayrak is a cosmetic facial plastic surgeon specializing in deep plane facelift, rhinoplasty, brow lift, and eyelid surgery. A focus of this episode is considering the advantages of being a female surgeon. Advantages circle around a female's emotional awareness & intelligence when it comes to communication with patients and teams. The conversation delves into the challenges of setting and managing patient expectations in the field of plastic surgery, followed by the emotional toll on providers who are shouldering the dynamic sentiments that come with the territory of altering such a sensitive area of the body - the face. Dr. Bayrak passionately emphasizes the importance of authenticity and individuality in professional practice, especially for women in historically male-dominated fields. Takeaways Emotional intelligence in patient careAdvantages of being a female surgeon Patient expectations are a critical aspect of plastic surgery, and managing them requires careful consideration and communication.The emotional impact of patient care and the need for self-care and resilience are significant challenges for medical providers, especially in fields with high emotional stakes tied to outcome/result expectations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Sinehan Bayrak03:54 The Impact of Appearance on Quality of Life07:15 Advantages of Being a Woman in Surgery19:49 Gender Unawareness in Medical Training32:34 Patient Communication and Emotional Intelligence40:19 Setting Patient Expectations and Emotional Toll41:59 Gender Dynamics and Emotional Resilience in Medicine43:08 Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Expectation Management45:28 The 80% Rule and Surgical Success46:25 Gender Differences in Emotional Resilience48:07 Managing Emotional Impact and Resilience51:38 Gender Dynamics and Professional Authenticity01:08:48 Empowerment and Individuality in Professional Practice Connect with Dr. Sinehan Bayrak: Instagram: @dr.bayrak Website: www.bayrakmd.com Philadelphia, PA Connect with The Female Surgeons & Dr. Paige Moorhead: @dr_paige_dds @the_female_surgeons

  3. Jul 14

    Duo Episode: A Conversation with the All In All On X Podcast | Dr. Adam Hogan

    Dr. Paige Moorhead sits down for a conversation with Dr. Adam Hogan, host of the All In All On X Podcast, to have a candid conversation about gender bias, societal expectations, and family considerations on female surgeons. Dr. Paige delves into her journey as a female implant surgeon, her experiences in the field, and the challenges she has faced. Amongst the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of female representation in the field and the need for mentorship and support for aspiring female surgeons. The conversation delves into the experiences of female surgeons and the challenges they face in a male-dominated field. It explores the impact of gender on leadership, mentorship, and imposter syndrome in surgical professions. This was an opportunity, in having a male guest on the show, to ask perspective questions from a male who's been around female surgeons in aspects of training, mentorship, colleagues, and co-educator formats. The goal of this is to bring awareness to male colleagues as they begin to see more females on the surgical circuits. Awareness is the key first step to change. Takeaways Gender bias and societal expectations impact the experiences of female surgeons.Female representation and mentorship are crucial for aspiring female surgeons. Gender bias in the medical fieldImposter syndrome and its impact on female surgeons Chapters 00:00 Journey to Implant Dentistry04:11 Becoming a Female Implant Surgeon06:10 Challenges and Experiences07:09 Impact of Gender Bias10:36 Role Models and Aspirations43:40 Family Considerations48:25 Female Representation and Mentorship53:55 Gender Bias in Surgery56:23 Leadership and Mentorship Challenges01:29:30 Imposter Syndrome in Surgery If you are a full arch surgeon, follow: @allinallonxpod Check out The Female Surgeons visual content: @the_female_surgeons Follow Dr. Paige: @dr_paige_dds

  4. Jun 22

    Behind the Curtain: The Emotional Toll

    The conversation delves into the emotional toll experienced by surgeons via the stress of making sure everyone around us feels safe at all times, especially patients. We have to hold ourselves together to provide empathy to our patients pending a life-changing surgery, even when behind the curtain, the day's schedule and staff support have fallen apart and our to-do list is growing relentlessly. As surgeons, experiencing this over the course of our career results in us developing essentially a defense mechanism against ourselves with supressing our own human needs and emotions in effort to ensure our patients and staff feel safe. The flip side of this is we suffer in silence, all while the emotional toll builds in the shadow of that suppression. This episode delves into normalization of the emotional toll in the healthcare profession. It highlights the challenges faced by surgeons, the impact of emotional suppression, and the need for recuperation and recovery. Additionally, for non-healthcare workers, it emphasizes the importance of understanding and acknowledging the emotional toll experienced by healthcare workers, as well as the resilience and fortitude required to navigate these challenges. This emotional suppression can result in misconceptions with how patients even perceive their surgeon. Take a listen behind the curtain to see the truth! Takeaways Emotional Toll on Surgeons Normalization of the Emotional Toll Chapters Staffing Challenge Story Emotional Toll of High Stress Days Emotional Burden on Healthcare WorkersEmotional Resilience Reality of Patient Care Under Pressure Behind the Curtain Normalizing Emotional Challenges Surgeon-Patient Dynamics Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_female_surgeons?utm_source=qr

  5. Jun 8

    Lifestyle Rx: Be Quiet!

    Dr. Paige Moorhead shares her recent vacation experiences, correlating this to the impact of stress on women, and the importance of managing stress through lifestyle choices and healthy distractions. She emphasizes the power of quiet and the parasympathetic state in navigating stress and responsibility. Takeaways Research insights: gender differences in stress Understanding the impact of stress on womenThe power of quiet and the parasympathetic state in stress managementTwo types of quiet Chapters 00:00 Vacation Adventures11:08 Gender Differences in Stress Response21:26 The Impact of Stress on Women32:32 Internalizing Stress and Healthy Distractions40:23 Embodying the Quiet State46:39 Navigating Stress and Responsibility56:35 The Privilege of Responsibility Research Links: Stress by Gender - American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2012/gender-report.pdfMen and Women Experience Stress Differently - Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-of-self/202403/men-and-women-experience-stress-differently/ampUF scientists find key differences in male, female responses to stress - University of Florida College of Pharmacy: https://ufhealth.org/news/2025/uf-scientists-find-key-differences-in-male-female-responses-to-stress Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_female_surgeons?utm_source=qr Interested in being a guest? thefemalesurgeons@gmail.com

  6. May 25

    Surgeon Spotlight: Dr. Ellie Kraft, MD, FACS | Oncoplastic Surgeon

    Dr. Elizabeth (Ellie) Kraft, an ocoplastic surgeon, shares her journey into this unique surgical field that has revolutionized the treatment of breast cancer. After explaining the history of oncoplastic surgery, she discusses her experience becoming a surgeon as a female, the frequency of breast cancer diagnosis, and the importance of early detection. Additionally, Dr. Kraft emphasizes the significance of maintaining mental and physical health as a surgeon, highlighting the challenges and strategies for self-care in a demanding profession. The discussion then dives into patient perceptions and assumptions when females introduce themselves as their surgeon, followed by how Dr. Kraft plans to leave a footprint during her professional career. Takeaways Oncoplastic surgery: A revolutionary approach to breast cancer surgeryThe importance of mental and physical health for surgeons Gender bias experience entering into a surgical field Challenges faced by female surgeons Chapters Oncoplastic Surgery RevolutionThe Impact of Gender in SurgeryBreast Cancer Awareness, Statistics, & ScreeningMaintaining Mental & Physical Health as a Surgeon Bouncing Back from Complications Experiences of Bias in Surgical Fields Patient Perceptions Future Aspirations and Impact Reflection on Childhood Dreams Follow Dr. Ellie Kraft: @drelliekraftwww.drelliekraft.com Connect with The Female Surgeons: @the_female_surgeons Follow Dr. Paige Moorhead: @dr_paige_dds

  7. May 11

    Lifestyle Rx: Fitness for the Female Surgeon with Jaime Filer | Fitness Coach

    Surgery demands muscular endurance and skeletal mobility. Fitness is what builds the foundation for our body to meet these demands, and it provides longevity to a surgical career. Women, however, need to train with female-specific physiology in mind. This conversation with fitness coach, Jaime Filer, covers female fitness across different decades, emphasizing the importance of strength training and discussing a minimum weekly fitness schedule. It also delves into the comparison between macros and intuitive eating for female surgeons. The conversation dives into the importance of structure in creating freedom, the framework of building a plate and prioritizing & optimizing eating schedules for surgeons, key supplements for female surgeons, dispelling carb myths and structuring meals, fitness as a lifestyle and mindset, and the importance of getting started and taking action. Takeaways Female fitness focuses alter across the decadesImportance of strength trainingMinimum weekly fitness schedule structure creates freedomFitness is a lifestyleFood choices and meal planning is where you truly make the difference in your health and fitnessHow to work with your hormones Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Education08:49 Fitness in your 20s-50s14:53 Fitness in your 60s21:20 Minimum Weekly Fitness Schedule27:00 Macros vs. Intuitive Eating32:07 The Framework of Structure39:03 Key Supplements for Female Surgeons50:26 Fitness as a Lifestyle and Mindset Follow Jaime Filer on Instagram: @jaimefilerfitness Connect with The Female Surgeons and Dr. Paige Moorhead on Instagram: @the_female_surgeons @dr_paige_dds

  8. Apr 27

    Surgeon Spotlight: Dr. Athena Goodarzi, DDS | Full Arch Dental Implant Surgeon

    Dr. Athena discusses the challenges and rewards of full arch surgery, the importance of patient education, the impact of instant gratification in dentistry, and the role of self-care and partnership in sustaining a successful surgical career. Dr. Athena shares her personal journey, challenges, and insights as a female surgeon, emphasizing the significance of quality work, consistency, and humility in earning respect in the field. The conversation covers topics related to empowering female dentists, facing fears and building confidence, embracing fear as a positive force, elevating the standard of care, and balancing personal and professional life. Dr. Athena shares insights on recognition as a role model, overcoming gender barriers, the positive impact of fear, continuous learning and growth, and maintaining mental and physical balance in dentistry. Takeaways Instant gratification is a significant aspect of full arch surgery, providing life-changing results for patients.Quality work, consistency, and humility are key factors in earning respect and recognition in the surgical field. Empowerment of female dentistsAcknowledging and embracing fearElevating the standard of careBalancing personal and professional life Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Branding10:19 The Pursuit of Full Arch Surgery16:06 Empathy and Leadership in Surgery21:41 Mental and Physical Self-Care for Surgeons28:49 The Role of Partnership in a Surgeon's Career36:07 Empowering Female Dentists46:10 Embracing Fear as a Positive Force52:13 Elevating the Standard of Care59:03 Balancing Personal and Professional Life Follow Dr. Athena's journey on Instagram: @dr.athena_dds Connect with The Female Surgeons and Dr. Paige Moorhead on Instagram: @the_female_surgeons @dr_paige_dds

  9. Apr 13

    Permission to Do Less with Dr. Tarryn MacCarthy

    The conversation delves into the impact of self-imposed pressure and the importance of emotional intelligence in the context of personal and professional fulfillment. It explores the journey of high-achieving women in healthcare, the limitations of hard work and achievement, and the fear of slowing down. The discussion also addresses the impact of trauma, the relationship with emotions, and the importance of slowing down to create greater capacity and awareness. The conversation explores the challenge of slowing down and the pursuit of excellence, emphasizing the mental and physical impact of parasympathetic calm, the fear and discomfort associated with slowing down, and the importance of self-awareness and emotional release. It also highlights the realization that everything one has been working toward is already present and the impact of feeling good on one's capacity to do good and serve the world. Takeaways Self-imposed pressure Emotional impacts of the pursuit of excellence Giving yourself permission to slow down takes emotional intelligence Slowing down actually creates more mental space & clarity Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey05:46 The Limitations of Hard Work and Achievement10:58 The Identity of Excellence17:34 The Relationship with Emotions25:19 The Importance of Slowing Down30:26 The Awareness and Slowing Down36:23 The Challenge of Slowing Down44:23 The Navy SEAL Approach53:06 The Release of Emotions01:04:22 The Pursuit of Excellence01:10:25 The Challenge of Slowing Down01:16:35 The Impact of Feeling Good Connect with Dr. Tarryn MacCarthy: https://thebizofhappiness.com/@thebizofhappiness Connect with The Female Surgeons and Dr. Paige Moorhead on Instagram: @the_female_surgeons @dr_paige_dds

  10. Mar 29

    Girls Who Competed with Boys

    Dr. Paige Moorhead, a female surgeon, shares her journey and the motivation behind creating 'The Female Surgeons' podcast. She discusses the challenges faced by female surgeons and the need for a supportive community. The conversation highlights the unique experiences of female surgeons and the empowerment they bring to the field. Takeaways Female surgeons face unique challengesThe need for a community of female surgeons Chapters 00:00 The Birth of The Female Surgeons05:37 Competing with Boys12:01 Lack of Female Mentorship17:31 Unique Caliber of Female Surgeons23:18 Empowerment and Leadership

  • 10 Episodes

About

A space for the unique journey of female surgeons to be featured. The intention is to generate understanding of our perspective and experiences, thereby serving as a source of empowerment and validation for current female surgeons, as well as inspiration for young girls aspiring to become one.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Paige Moorhead, DDS
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr. Paige Moorhead, DDS
  • Show Website
    The Female Surgeons

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