April 25, 2024

At Washington University Orthopedics, we take seriously the charge to make the field of orthopedics a more inclusive environment for all. Our medical specialty has long been male-dominated, and our team works diligently to create accessible opportunity for all. 

Ortho Women Surgeons Group

Female faculty, fellows and residents come together to share experiences, build camaraderie and foster connections. The group, formalized by Anna Miller, MD, in 2021, convenes outside of work to building meaningful relationships and enjoy each other's company. They can be found exploring the Missouri Botanical Gardens, the St. Louis Art Museum, enjoying garden lunches and celebrating their fellow women in orthopedics.

The group has an annual book club focused on a professional development topic and features a guest faculty member such as "Crucial Conversations," with Dr. Ann Van Heest, "Multipliers," with Dr. Serena Hu, and "Daring Greatly," with Dr. Selina Poon. 

Fireside Chat Series 

Anna Miller, MD, and Kate Gerull, MD, host "Women in Ortho: Virtual Fireside Chat Series."

In this free monthly webinar series, thought leaders in orthopedic surgery discuss critical leadership and professional development topics. This career development series aims to create an intentional space for discussion, skills development, and relationship building centered around the lived experiences of women in orthopedics.

Students, residents, and practicing surgeons of all genders and specialties are welcome to attend. This program is funded through an AAOS Diversity Advisory Board IDEA Grant.

View the list of upcoming speakers and register.

Access previous chats here. 

Research Provides Insight and Opportunity 

Kate Gerull, MD, has a research interest in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) opportunities for women in orthopedics. Her interest comes from her own experience as a medical student initially discouraged from pursuing orthopedic surgery. She wondered why fewer women pursue orthopedic residency despite being roughly 50% of the medical student population, and only making up about 20% of orthopedic residents. 

Dr. Gerull's focus turned to the concept of social belonging in orthopedics, which is where individuals feel accepted as their authentic selves within an environment. Her research studies the relationships between social belonging and concepts such as stereotypes, confidence to succeed, mistreatment and bias.