“It’s the first time we’ve had an all-female surgery resident class, and that really means a lot,” Rhee explained. “I’m proud to be able to have the opportunity to train such a large number of women residents in the program. 

“Over the last couple of years, for the first time, we’ve reached over 50% women for the whole residency, which is a first — a sign that things are changing. Nationally, there’s an increase of women going into surgery, and our program definitely reflects that change.”

The tour started with an initial meeting at the crack of dawn in the “Savel room,” the resident meeting area where patients’ charts are initially checked and assessed; then to setting up various procedures, ordering blood work, training in the hospital’s simulation lab, and eventually operating on patients in need.

“We get to the hospital at around 5:30 a.m., check on all the patients in the computer, look at how they were overnight, their vitals and whatnot,” said surgical resident Dr. Tharini Gara, noting that a lot of what is often done is manning the floor.

“We tend to all the nurses’ questions, all the bedside things that need to be done — notes, orders, stuff like that — engage in ‘morning simulation training,’ where we practice the physicality of surgery,” Gara said. “And ultimately, we get to go in the operating room and do certain procedures — but under supervision, of course.” 

“As a woman in this business, I feel you have to really prove yourself,” Rhee said, adding that surgery was the only thing she could picture herself doing growing up.

“I felt incredibly passionate about it, and I love what I do; I love surgery. It’s the greatest honor to be able to have a patient trust you to take care of them while they are under anesthesia.”

With regard to surgeons, one often has this picture of a ‘mighty male surgeon,’” Rhee pointed out.

“But things have changed. And for what it’s worth, I’ll take finesse over brute strength any day,” she said.

While any of the male surgical residents working closely with Dr. Rhee will be delighted to acknowledge her finesse, it must be said that they, too, will have learned finesse and use it every day. Particularly at Maimonides, where women are making great strides in surgical accomplishments, the patient remains the most important factor in a setting where teamwork reigns.