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.

  1. 4d ago

    Surgeon Spotlight: Dr. Catherine A. Humphrey, MD, MBA | Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon

    Dr. Catherine A. Humphrey, an orthopaedic trauma surgeon, serves as the division chief at University of Rochester Medicine. As someone who has been a surgeon for nearly 20 years and involved in academics since the early 2000s, her perspective on resident training and medical policy provides valuable insights. In this conversation, we dive into three core topics. At the outset, she share her mindset evolution as a teacher & mentor to her female residents. We then tackle the RVU system that hospital facilities use to measure physicians' value essentially, which ultimately is a factor in compensation determination. Where this gets sticky is how this could negatively effect a woman who is carving out time for the priority of family planning, maternity leave, and/or simply family attention. Finally, Dr. Humphrey allows herself to be vulnerable about a challenge she is currently facing physically. This challenge presented itself after years of pushing down the need to prioritize self-care for her cervical spine arthritis. Now, having undergone several invasive surgeries and currently undergoing physical therapy, she is hoping to recover well enough to one day be able to stand at the operating room table again. This challenge presents a lesson for all of us surgeons: "There's no prize at the end of it if you end up permanently injured from your job." If you want to take care of others, you have to take care of yourself with just as much dedication. the importance of authenticity in leadership, and the complexities of the RVU compensation system in healthcare. The conversation explores the challenges faced by women in orthopedics, particularly regarding work-life balance, maternity leave, and the evolving landscape of the profession. It also delves into personal experiences with health issues and the importance of self-care and mental resilience in the medical field. Takeaways: Authenticity enhances leadership effectivenessRVU system undervalues non-procedural work Physical health for yourself as a surgeon is a non-negotiable Self-advocacy: we don't even realize we have the voice to say "that doesn't work for me" & that we have other options [ be that instruments, schedules, contracts, etc. ] Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Catherine Ann Humphrey01:04 Journey to Orthopedic Surgery02:12 Choosing Trauma Surgery06:04 The Role of Teaching in Medicine09:02 Evolving Perspectives on Female Mentorship12:00 Experiences of Women in Medicine14:24 Authenticity in Leadership18:16 Communication Styles in Mentorship29:00 Understanding RVUs in Healthcare36:13 Gender Disparities in RVU Generation38:18 Navigating Work-Life Balance in Orthopedics41:23 Maternity Leave and Policy Changes47:34 Personal Health Challenges and Reflections56:35 Lessons from Recovery and Resilience01:17:20 Empowerment and Self-Advocacy in MedicineInstagram Follows: The Female SurgeonsDr. Paige Moorhead University of Rochester Medicine

  2. Sep 21

    Surgeon Spotlight: Dr. Elizabeth Joneschild, MD | Orthopedic Surgeon

    The conversation explores the exceptionalism of women in high-performance careers, the transformative impact of Title IX on women's sports, and the parallels between sports and surgical careers. It also delves into the importance of teamwork, leadership, and communication in both fields. The conversation covers the history and evolution of women's soccer, the challenges faced by women athletes, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of teamwork and collaboration. It also emphasizes the significance of paying opportunities forward and being a coach and teammate to others. Dr. Elizabeth Joneschild, native to Seattle, was among the first generation of girls who got to experience playing sports as a 'normalized' activity. Dr. EJ had her eye on a surgical career as early as 3rd grade. Educational path: Stanford University, Bachelor of ScienceDuke University Medical School MDDuke University Medical Center, Orthopaedic ResidencyHospital for Special Surgery, NY, Fellowship in Hand SurgeryAO Hand Trauma Fellowship, Bern, Switzerland Entering into her orthopedic residency at Duke University, along with another female co-resident, they were only the 9th and 10th females to enter into the school's program. Playing soccer from an early age, Dr. EJ progressed into Division I soccer while at Stanford. Along the journey of her soccer career, she met, befriended, played with and against, many of the iconic U.S. women's national team (USWNT) players that put the team finally 'on the map' in the mid-to-late 90s for women's sports. Being a part of high-performance collaboration and team work during these formidable years was paramount in sculpting the mindset for a career in surgery. Takeaways Exceptionalism of women in high-performance careersTransformative impact of Title IX on women's sports Women's soccer has a rich history and has faced significant challenges in gaining recognition and support - drawing parallels to the challenges faced by women entering surgical careers Mentorship, teamwork, and collaboration are essential for the success and advancement of women in sports and surgical fields Chapters 00:00 Exceptionalism of Women in High-Performance Careers03:19 The Transformative Impact of Title IX on Women's Sports19:36 Parallels Between Women in Sports and Surgical Careers31:47 The History of Women's Soccer32:25 Challenges Faced by Women Athletes35:35 The Evolution of Women's Sports39:47 The Power of Mentorship and Teamwork54:28 Paying Opportunities Forward Learn more about Dr. Elizabeth Joneschild: The Team Behind Every Dream: Talk Dr. Joneschild gave at Duke University on April 22, 2026 Seattle Hand Surgery Group Follow Dr. Paige Moorhead and The Female Surgeons for additional content!

  3. Sep 7

    Surgeon Spotlight: Dr. Akanksha Srivastava,BDS,FAAMP | Maxillofacial Prosthodontist & Implantologist

    Dr. Akanksha Srivastava, BDS, MSc, MDSc, FACP, FRCD(C), FAAMP is a maxillofacial prosthodontist and implantologist at the Craniofacial Center at UI Health. Dr. Srivastava focuses on providing care to children and adults with reconstructive needs, including cleft lip and palate, head and neck cancer, craniofacial trauma, and other acquired orofacial conditions. She specializes in craniofacial implant and prosthetic rehabilitation and also provides care to patients with advanced oral rehabilitation needs, including full-mouth rehabilitations, implant-supported "fixed teeth in a day," and zygomatic and pterygoid implants. Dr. Srivastava's foundation growing up in the structure of India's education system, coupled with the influence of a pediatric dentist in her mother and an OMFS in her father, curated in her at an early age the ability to command respect in a room and the confidence to lead in realms not heavily populated by women. In this heart-felt interview, she shares her journey from India to Canada and the United States, highlighting the impact of gender divide differences between each country. The conversation delves into the delicate challenge of balancing between assertiveness and warmth in patient interactions, women feeling 'external' to distinguished roles until we prove ourselves instead of believing we belong as we are, the strength of a woman's intuition, early career choices women face, and how women are judged based on personality traits. It also explores the concept of breaking glass ceilings and the importance of belonging and having a close community of friendships with colleagues who can understand your day to day nuance realities. These relationships are key to our own mental well-being. Takeaways: Gender divides and societal expectations impact early career choices and even contract negotiation strategies.Intentional sequencing of your personal and career path steps is a valuable tool for a maintaining a healthy life trajectory. Balancing assertiveness and warmth is essential in healthcare, and detachment from judgments is key to maintaining empathy.The crisis of empathy in healthcare is influenced by societal perceptions and emotional burdens. Belonging, mentorship, and a supportive community are crucial for personal and professional well-being. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Akanksha Srivastava02:52 Early Upbringing and Educational Trajectory05:52 Gender Divides and Egalitarianism in Education07:21 Challenges and Nuances of Gender Biases29:19 Negotiation Challenges and Assertiveness41:48 The Crisis of Empathy in Healthcare44:25 Navigating Professional Demands45:49 Balancing Assertiveness and Authenticity46:19 Career and Family Planning48:28 Relational Intelligence in Patient Care51:28 Self-Care and Burnout Prevention55:58 Breaking Glass Ceilings and Belonging01:13:14 The Power of Mentorship and Community Follow & Connect with Dr. Akanksha Srivastava on Instagram! Follow & Connect with The Female Surgeons on Instagram! Follow & Connect with Dr. Paige Moorhead on Instagram!

  4. Aug 24

    Surgeon Spotlight: Dr. Lindsey Pennington, MD | Facial Plastic Surgeon

    Dr. Lindsey Pennington, a facial plastic surgeon specializing in deep plane facelifts, shares how her journey inspired a personal value to lead by example. Her story highlights the importance of female camaraderie in surgical fields, as well as the tenacity and fortitude it often takes to excel when faced with gender-based perceptions, navigating pregnancy & motherhood, and taking on business ownership. Dr. Pennington shares insights on the emotional and logistical challenges of being a working mom and the importance of finding a supportive community of female surgeons. She also discusses the identity shift from being a surgeon to being a parent and the need for self-compassion and balance in both roles. Additionally, she emphasizes the significance of believing in oneself and finding a career path that aligns with one's passion and identity. Dr. Pennington also reflects on the growth of her practice and the impact of female leadership in the field of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Takeaways Female camaraderie is crucial in the field of surgeryThe journey of a female surgeon involves overcoming isolation and seeking support from like-minded individuals Supportive female communities are essential for working moms in surgical careersBelieving in oneself and finding a career path that aligns with your passion and identity are crucial for success in surgery Chapters 00:00 Journey to Specialization02:28 The Range of Surgeries04:34 The Challenges of Being a Female Surgeon06:08 Building a Practice and Seeking Camaraderie32:57 The Impact of Female Leadership34:18 Balancing Career and Motherhood35:25 The Identity Shift36:23 The Challenges of Being a Surgeon and a Parent51:04 The Journey to Success in Surgery01:01:05 Believing in Oneself and Finding Passion_____ Connect with Dr. Lindsey Pennington: Instagram: @penningtonfacialplastics Website: penningtonfacialplastics.com Shreveport, LA Connect with Dr. Paige Moorhead and The Female Surgeons: @dr_paige_dds@the_female_surgeons

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr. Paige Moorhead, DDS
  • Show Website
    The Female Surgeons

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