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All female team worthy of note at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness


By Louise Glen

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A first for Raigmore as a full female surgical team took to the wards.
A first for Raigmore as a full female surgical team took to the wards.

A photograph of an all-female surgical team making ward rounds at Raigmore Hospital has been shared on social media.

Posting the picture, Raymond Oliphant said: "All girl team on surgical rounds today in Raigmore #womeninsurgery #ilooklikeasurgeon."

The post on Twitter attracted attention from across the country, with many fellow female surgeons congratulating NHS Highland for its all-women team.

Mr Oliphant, a consultant colorectal surgeon based at Raigmore Hospital, said: “The majority of medical students that are coming through are female, but women are still significantly under-represented in surgery.

“When I arrived on the ward yesterday morning it was the first time that I can remember we have had all-female teams covering surgical rounds. The group ranged from medical students right up to advanced higher surgical trainees. It was fantastic to see.

“It’s also refreshing as surgery is historically a male-dominated field and we are trying to change that to encourage more women to think of a career in surgery. I found it inspiring.”

One man however, Ewen Pearson, asked if Mr Oliphant's reference to the team as "girls" was as empowering as the image.

"Girls? Or professional young expert women?" he asked.

Surgical registrar Laura Jayne Watson defended the use of the word "girl", and replied: "I am a female surgical registrar and do not find this in any way offensive. I instead appreciate the spirit of supporting female colleagues which was so obviously the intention. Thanks."


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