Women in thoracic surgery: lesson learned from medical industry partners

Medical technology has led to important achievements in surgery as minimally invasive techniques have expanded over the past several years. These innovations have changed the dynamic between industry and surgeons towards a more collaboration relationship forming partnerships important to surgical advancement and technical training opportunities. On this backdrop of transformation is growing awareness of the gender disparity that exists within the thoracic surgery workforce where we have experienced strikingly little change. At the same time, medicine is not unique with its gender disparity. As we have benefited from important partnerships to create excellence in technical innovation, so too may we benefit from drawing upon some of the successes within the medical industry towards achieving gender equity. This paper highlights examples of female leaders in the medical industry surrounding thoracic surgery, who have demonstrated excellence in the advancement and promotion of female thoracic surgeons through fellowships, mentorships or networking.