Women surgeons in Malaysia: Past, present, and future

Women surgeons in Malaysia practice within a rapidly evolving health care system shaped by workforce pressures, sociocultural expectations, and historically male-dominated surgical cultures. Ten years ago, limited flexibility in training, scarcity of senior role models, and tolerance of hierarchical and oppressive behaviors constrained career progression for many women. Over the past decade, expanded local training pathways, increasing visibility of women surgeons, and stronger advocacy have driven meaningful, though uneven, progress. This article examines how equity in surgery must extend beyond numerical representation to encompass training quality, workplace culture, leadership access, and academic recognition. It also explores how social media has transformed mentorship, networking, and professional visibility for women surgeons, while introducing new risks related to professionalism and harassment. Finally, the article considers the emerging role of artificial intelligence in surgical training, evaluation, and service delivery, highlighting its potential to either mitigate or entrench gender inequities. Looking ahead, intentional policy, cultural reform, and equity-focused technology governance will be essential to ensuring that the next decade delivers sustainable, inclusive surgical careers for women in Malaysia.