NHS Practitioner Health
NHS Practitioner Health
Redefining Surgical Culture: Women, Leadership and Wellbeing with Dr Stella Vig
Redefining Surgical Culture: Women, Leadership and Wellbeing with Dr Stella Vig
Redefining Surgical Culture: Women, Leadership and Wellbeing with Dr Stella Vig
Sunday 8th March 2026
Explore women's evolving roles in surgery with Dr Stella Vig. Gain insights into leadership, wellbeing, and breaking barriers.
36 minutes
Inspiring
Encouraging
Informative
Hopeful
Supportive
About this podcast
Author:
NHS Practitioner Health
Overview:
Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Healing Relationships
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
56 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Redefining Surgical Culture with Dr Stella Vig
Episode Overview
- Women now make up over half of surgical patients accessing Practitioner Health.
- Cultural shifts are making surgery more accessible for women.
- Role models play a crucial role in encouraging women to pursue surgical careers.
- Support networks are vital for mental health and career progression.
- "Just say yes" to opportunities as a guiding principle.
"If someone asks you to do something or you get an opportunity, just say yes."
What drives someone to carve out a career in surgery, especially as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field? Dr Zaid Al-Najjar and Prof. Stella Vig tackle this question head-on in an engaging episode of the Practitioner Health Wellbeing Podcast. With over 30 years of experience, Dr Vig shares her journey from a young girl determined to fix her grandmother's sight to becoming a leading figure in UK surgery.
She candidly discusses the challenges faced by women in the surgical field, the importance of role models, and how societal shifts are making it easier for women to pursue such careers. The episode highlights a significant shift in Practitioner Health data, showing more female surgeons seeking help, a trend that has accelerated since COVID-19.
Dr Vig reflects on how the culture of surgery has evolved from a male-dominated environment to one that increasingly acknowledges the importance of mental health and wellbeing. She shares personal anecdotes about her mentors and how they encouraged her to reach for the stars despite the odds. The conversation also touches on broader themes such as work-life balance, the need for supportive networks, and the breaking down of myths surrounding women in surgery.
Dr Vig's advice is simple yet profound: "Just say yes" to opportunities, a mantra that has guided her through her remarkable career. Whether you're a budding surgeon or someone interested in the evolving dynamics of healthcare professions, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. So, what does it take to redefine surgical culture? Perhaps it's time to find out.