'It's a real privilege,' says surgeon.
Elaine Burns enjoys speaking to young people about her work as a colorectal surgeon and says seeing women in the role shows anything is possible.
“I don’t bang the drum about women’s rights but I am a firm believer that you can do anything you put your mind irrespective of gender. It is possible to have a family and be a full time consultant surgeon."
Surgery remains largely a male dominated profession but the gender imbalance is being redressed with more women joining the profession. The St Mark’s colorectal surgical and gastroenterology departments have very strong senior female leadership
Elaine added: “I certainly don’t see myself as a pioneer. It’s just something I wanted to do. It’s a phenomenal career and I hope students have the self-belief to think ‘I can do that too’.”
Elaine is part of the small surgical team at St Mark’s Hospital which specialises in treating colorectal cancer. Half its surgeons are women.
“We’re talking about major life-changing surgery so people skills are essential to help patients on that journey. It can be tough but it’s also incredibly rewarding and a real privilege.”