It Takes a Village: How Dom Doster, MD, MHPE, Balances Success as a Surgical Resident and Mom

Dom Doster’s decision to stay in her native state of Indiana for surgical residency was a no-brainer. After completing her undergraduate and medical school career at Indiana University, the people Doster met from her educational experience already made it seem like the perfect place for the next seven years of her training.

Doster’s decision to pursue a career as a surgeon was not one she made lightly. “Mom” is a title that Doster boasts proudly as a mother of four children. But, it was a role she worried would be challenging to balance alongside a career in surgery. Luckily, Doster looked to women faculty members and mentors within the Department of Surgery who proved to her it was possible.

“When I was a fourth-year medical student, I was really struggling with the idea that I could be both a great mom and a surgeon,” said Doster, “I was really fortunate to have a surgeon mentor who not only told me I could do it, but showed me I could by sharing her life with me.  I think those mentor relationships have been a huge piece of why I've been able to be successful in both roles.”

Success isn’t foreign to Doster. She’s currently a PGY7 General Surgery Chief Resident and will be a future Pediatric Surgery Fellow at Children’s Hospital Colorado next year. During her academic development time, she completed a surgical education research fellowship and obtained a Master’s in Health Professions Education from the University of Illinois-Chicago, the first fellow to successfully complete the MHPE program within the two-year research window at Indiana University. She also secured research grants that provided the launching point for several diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within the Department of Surgery and helped establish a national organization of surgical education research fellows (CoSEF).

All the while, Doster has navigated motherhood as a biological, foster and adoptive mom.

“What’s been so incredible about my experience at IU in the Department of Surgery is that not only have I been well-supported professionally, but my family has been cared for as well,” said Doster. “Whether that be through faculty members giving us hand-me-downs or even just asking how the kids are doing, the Department has always supported me as a resident and parent.”

Doster, who fostered and eventually adopted one of her children, also highlighted that among her chief class of eleven, two other residents have become foster parents, and three others have had biological children during training.

“I think this speaks volumes to the fact that this is a family-friendly program, not just in a traditional sense, but in a well-rounded sense,” said Doster.

Doster believes her success wouldn’t be possible without the support of her village, which consists of her loving and supportive husband, her parents and in-laws in addition to her co-residents, faculty and staff in the Department of Surgery.

“It's always important to surround yourself with people who believe in your vision for your life, both personally and professionally.” said Doster. “I've been really fortunate to have people in my corner, both within the Department of Surgery and at home who have enabled me to navigate both roles.”