Association of Women Surgeons


The Association of Women Surgeons is a non-profit educational and professional organization founded in 1981. With over 2,000 members in 21 countries, both women and men, AWS is one of the largest international organizations dedicated to supporting, enhancing the interaction, and facilitating the exchange of information between women surgeons at various stages in their careers. The organization's mission statement reads: "To inspire, encourage, and enable women surgeons to achieve their personal and professional goals".

History

The AWS was founded in 1981 when Dr. Patricia Numann posted a sign inviting any woman surgeon to a breakfast at the October meeting of the American College of Surgeons in the San Francisco Hilton Hotel. The AWS was incorporated in 1986.

Chapters

The association counts with five local chapters:
In addition, there are over 50 AWS Medical Student Chapters nationally and internationally. Many institutions also have institutional chapters for their female surgical residents.

Key collaborations and partnerships