“Each year, more women are entering the field of surgery, and the progress has been incredible. Being a surgeon is one of the most rewarding careers in the world, and it’s inspiring to see so many women not only pursuing it but thriving in it.” - Mary McCarthy, MD.
On March 11, the Department of Surgery hosted the inaugural Boundless Ladies in Surgical Specialties (BLISS) event in honor of March being Women’s History Month. This event fostered connection, addressed shared challenges, and enabled women in surgery to continue to thrive and lead in their respective field.
“BLISS is dedicated to empowering women surgeons by fostering professional growth, leadership development, and career fulfillment,” said DuyKhanh (Mimi) P. Ceppa, MD, IU Surgery Vice Chair of Strategic Engagement and a key organizer of the inaugural BLISS conference. “Our lasting impact will be seen in stronger recruitment, greater retention, and the continued success of women in surgical careers.”
Alongside Ceppa, Megan Coughlin, MD, Kyla Joubert, MD, MPH, and Katelyn Makar, MD, MS, collectively led the BLISS retreat program committee, helping bring this event to fruition.
“I am a thoracic surgeon, which is a field of surgery made up of about 10 percent women,” said Joubert. “It was a program such as this one, that gave me the courage to pursue a career in a male-dominated field. It is so important for me to pay it forward, and why I believe that it is essential for us to provide this opportunity at IU.”
BLISS keynote speaker, Mary McCarthy, MD, knows what it’s like to be a pioneer for women surgeons. As the only woman in her surgical residency class, McCarthy played a big role in breaking down barriers and blazing a trail for future female surgeons for years to come.
The lack of female representation in surgery inspired McCarthy to support the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) to connect women surgeons and inspire others to pursue a path in surgery.
“If you don’t see other women doing it, you might think it’s not possible,” said McCarthy. “AWS created a space where women surgeons—many of whom are also mothers—can share insights on balancing career and family, from finding after-school care to making time for their kids on weekends. These conversations are just as vital as networking, because sharing experiences helps us all find sustainable ways to thrive.”
One of the biggest disparities addressed by McCarthy and additional speakers during the conference was the challenge of balancing a family and caregiving responsibilities with a demanding career in surgery.
“Disparities in pay, work-life balance, and caregiving responsibilities—whether for children or aging parents—remain some of the biggest challenges for women in surgery,” said McCarthy. “A significant portion of these responsibilities still fall on women, yet there is limited societal support, particularly in our country, to help balance these demands. Without better support systems, it becomes even more difficult for women to sustain their careers while caring for their families.”
By creating spaces where women can connect, share experiences, support each other, and develop leadership skills, the Department of Surgery’s BLISS event helps shape the future of surgery and ensure that more women have the opportunity to thrive at every stage of their careers.
"Events like BLISS play a crucial role in guiding women toward professional growth and advancement," said Ceppa. "They enhance visibility, inspiring the next generation of surgeons. It's equally important that these events focus on leadership development, helping to place more women in positions of leadership, influence, and decision-making."
