JAMMU: To empower and represent women Otolaryngologists in India and recognize their voices and contributions in the field, Apollo Hospitals conducted a national conference around empowering women medical practitioners. The conference was part of WAOI’s first of a kind initiative under Dr Kalpana Nagpal, Senior Consultant, Ent and Robotic surgery and attended in large numbers.
This will focus on eradicating gender stereotypes, boosting emotional well-being, expanding technology and research, prompting awareness and importance of adequate training of women medical practitioners, encouraging and counselling young medical students to pursue Otolaryngology as a speciality. The conference aims to facilitate professional development through workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs, including initiatives connecting experienced otolaryngologists with early-career professionals.
Additionally, it aims to foster a supportive network for members, encouraging collaboration with other medical associations. Engaging in community outreach programs, like health camps and awareness campaigns, promotes ear, nose, and throat health among women and underserved communities. The conference laid additional importance on supporting research led by women otolaryngologists and encouraged innovative solutions.
Advocacy efforts address specific challenges faced by women in otolaryngology, including work-life balance and legal assistance for medicolegal cases. The national conference has a strong emphasis on innovation, professional growth, research, and community involvement. It also laid importance of engaging in community service by actively assisting, screening, or treating individuals and by conducting public awareness lectures.
The national conference also involves into empowering women practitioner in minority and prompting the usage of new technology and medical advancements achieved across different specialties. Addressing at the conference, Dr Kalpana Nagpal, Senior Consultant and Robotic Surgeon, Department of ENT Head and Neck Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, said, “In the current times, there are a lot of barriers on the path of success for women medical practitioner.
Empowering women in surgery is not just a mission, but a commitment. “We strive to illuminate the truth that women surgeons are not only equal to their male counterparts but often excel even further. Our mission spans community service through active healthcare involvement and public education, uplifting our women colleagues who are a minority in our profession, and fostering emotional well-being for all. We embrace innovation and research, encourage the next generation to explore and achieve, and offer unwavering support in the face of challenges,” she said.
Dr Kalpana Nagpal and her organizing committee consisting of Dr Chanchal Pal, Dr Sharmela Sondhi, Dr Abha Bhatnagar and Dr Ashima Saxena plans to conduct training programs and expand the horizon for the upcoming women Otolaryngologists.