Miriam Mutebi: What it takes to succeed in medicine and surgery
Miriam Mutebi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Last week at AHAIC 2025, the conversation on gender equality and health equity took center stage.
The final plenary session was a powerful reminder that true progress requires action, allyship, and cultural transformation.
A moment that resonated deeply for many was Vedastina Shumbusho’s question: ‘When do the women rest?’ – a stark reflection of the unpaid labor burden millions of women carry.
On International Women’s Day (IWD), I had the privilege of speaking directly to young health workers – mainly women – about what it takes to succeed in medicine and surgery.
At the Global Africa Women in Medicine Webinar in Nigeria, I joined incredible colleagues like Chichi Anne-Menakaya, to discuss the role of women in the health workforce and the paths ahead for female surgeons.
Meanwhile, at my alma mater, the University of Nairobi, the Gender and Equity Initiative in Global Surgery Africa Panel explored the challenges and opportunities for women in surgery and oncology, with insights from Dr. Michael Mwachiro (AORTIC-Africa Education Committee co-chair) and Dr. Huwaida Bulhan.
Key takeaways for young health workers:
- Believe in yourself – self-doubt holds many back before external challenges even arise.
- There’s no substitute for hard work – success requires dedication, skill-building, and persistence.
- Prioritize what matters to you – define your goals and stay committed to them.
- Build strong networks – connections open doors to opportunities, mentorship, and growth.
- Seek out mentorship and sponsorship – guidance from those ahead of you can fast-track your journey.
Across these discussions, one truth stood out: hard work, mentorship, and strong networks are key to success.
As I wait for my turn in the OR, I’m thinking: indeed, change starts with us – let’s continue to lift as we climb.”
More posts featuring Miriam Mutebi.
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Challenging the Status Quo in Colorectal Cancer 2024
December 6-8, 2024
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ESMO 2024 Congress
September 13-17, 2024
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ASCO Annual Meeting
May 30 - June 4, 2024
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Yvonne Award 2024
May 31, 2024
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OncoThon 2024, Online
Feb. 15, 2024
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Global Summit on War & Cancer 2023, Online
Dec. 14-16, 2023