Role Modeling for Female Surgeons in Japan.

Area of Science:

• Medical Professional Development
• Gender Studies in Medicine
• Surgical Career Advancement

Background:

• Japan's patriarchal society presents unique challenges for female doctors pursuing surgical careers.
• Increasing numbers of women are entering surgery, requiring tailored support for career progression and work-life integration, particularly concerning family life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Japan Association of Women Surgeons (JAWS) and its mission to advance women in surgery.
• To present the concept of "remote role modeling" as a practical solution for mentorship in Japan's diverse medical community.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of the Japan Association of Women Surgeons (JAWS) focused on networking, leadership, mentorship, education, expertise, and advocacy.
• Development of a "remote role modeling" strategy involving identifying, classifying, and customizing ideal role models from multiple sources based on individual needs.

Main Results:

• JAWS provides a platform for networking and professional development for female surgeons.
• The "remote role modeling" concept offers a flexible and personalized approach to mentorship, addressing the difficulty of finding a single, perfect role model in Japan.

Conclusions:

• The JAWS initiative and the "remote role modeling" concept are crucial for supporting and advancing women in surgical careers in Japan.
• A combination of modern communication technology and in-person interactions is vital for effective role model development and mentorship.