Intuitive Hosts Women in da Vinci Surgery Symposium

Intuitive, a developer of robotic surgical systems, hosted its fifth annual Women in da Vinci Surgery Symposium in San Diego, California, in May 2023. The event gathered nearly 200 women, comprising robotic surgeons and hospital executives.

The symposium, now in its fifth year, aims to foster community and networking among women in the surgical field. Unlike traditional conferences, this event featured no clinical tracks or accredited courses. Instead, the program focused on personal stories from participants detailing career challenges, successes, and personal journeys, seeking to create a space for open dialogue and mutual empowerment.

The core purpose was to build a community where female surgeons can share experiences, learn from one another, and develop confidence. Speakers like Dr. Sharona Ross shared accounts of working in a male-dominated field, including instances of discrimination and personal struggles. She highlighted the need for women to often work harder to achieve equal recognition.

Community, connection, and mentorship were central themes. Dr. Laila Rashidi advised attendees to know themselves, respect themselves, and recognize their worth. The event provided a forum for safe discussions on challenges, such as work-life balance, and shared practical solutions and tools, including the My Intuitive application.