The Future Leaders in Surgery Symposium for Underrepresented Students (FLXSUS) held its highly anticipated 2nd Annual Symposium, bringing together aspiring surgeons from diverse backgrounds for an immersive experience in various surgical fields. Focusing on Neurosurgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Otolaryngology, and Plastic Surgery, the symposium aims to inspire, empower, and equip students with the resources and support they need to become successful surgeons. Event volunteers and panelists included Dr. Muhammad Abd-El-Barr, Dr. Melissa Allen, Dr. Megan Badejo, Dr. Amy Behman, Dr. Olumide Danisa, Dr. Melissa Erickson, Dr. Rory Goodwin, and Dr. Lauren Seo.
A Grassroots Initiative with a Strong Mission
The symposium was founded by Antoinette Charles, a passionate leader dedicated to creating opportunities for underrepresented students in the medical field. Dr. Melissa M. Erickson, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke, has been actively involved as the orthopaedic faculty sponsor, supporting the event for the past two years. She highlights the grassroots nature of the event, with students taking the reins of the symposium while receiving guidance from faculty and mentors. This year’s symposium, which attracted most female and underrepresented minority students, featured hands-on surgical stations, insightful panels, and networking opportunities to help attendees envision themselves in the medical field.
Building the Pipeline for Future Surgeons
One of the primary goals of the symposium is to increase diversity in surgical fields by offering exposure and mentorship to students who may not have access to these opportunities otherwise. Many attendees, often the first in their families to pursue medicine, benefit from meeting surgeons who look like them and come from similar backgrounds. Dr. Erickson reflects on her experiences with mentors who encouraged her to reach her goals and offered essential advice on navigating the field of orthopaedic surgery. She is optimistic that the symposium will continue to grow, expand into more subspecialties, and inspire students to return as mentors in the future.
Hands-On Experience and Networking
For the students, the symposium offered more than just lectures and panels. Participants had the chance to engage in hands-on lab experiences, using surgical tools and learning skills such as suturing. They also received a professional headshot in a white coat, an excellent resource for future applications to medical school or residencies. The event’s atmosphere was encouraging and empowering, with mentors from various surgical specialties guiding me in pursuing a surgical career.
Dr. Melissa Allen, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke, emphasizes the value of firsthand exposure to surgical specialties. She notes that many students were surprised by the diverse range of work performed by orthopaedic surgeons, and that the symposium sparked excitement and motivation to pursue a medical career.
The Power of Mentorship
Mentorship is a central theme throughout the symposium. Dr. Rory Goodwin, a key figure in the event’s organization, shares his experience as a first-generation surgeon. He acknowledges the challenges faced by underrepresented individuals in the medical field and underscores the importance of showing students that they belong in surgery, regardless of stereotypes. He recalls how, as a child of a physician, he had early exposure to medicine but understands the need for mentorship programs to address the barriers many students face. His perspective on diversity is echoed by Dr. Olumide Danisa, who emphasizes the importance of challenging the stereotype that surgeons must fit a specific mold. By seeing surgeons of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, students gain the confidence to envision themselves in surgical specialties.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Evolution
The FLXSUS symposium is just beginning to reach its full potential. The event is set to grow and evolve with continued support from faculty, mentors, and volunteers. Including more surgical subspecialties, expanded content, and a greater variety of student experiences will only enhance its impact. The ultimate vision is to see attendees, who started as students at the symposium, return as surgeons to guide the next generation.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As Dr. Danisa points out, participation in the symposium allows students to see a broad spectrum of surgical specialties and to meet surgeons who can provide guidance and support. For students who may not have had the chance to interact with surgeons who look like them or share similar life experiences, the FLXSUS symposium represents a critical step toward empowering future leaders in surgery. Diversity and mentorship are the pillars on which the symposium stands, and as it continues to grow, its impact will undoubtedly shape the future of surgery.