Empowering the Next Generation of Orthopedic Surgeons: Shriners Children’s Northern California Inspires Young Women

It was a fun-filled day focused on girl power, thanks to orthopedic surgeons at Shriners Children's Northern California, in partnership with The Perry Initiative, empowering young women to explore careers in orthopedic surgery and engineering through hands-on workshops and experiences. The Perry Initiative, a national nonprofit organization established in 2009, works to inspire high school and medical students to pursue these male-dominated fields by partnering with institutions across the United States.

This workshop welcomed over 40 high school students from the Northern California region. Participants engaged in an intensive program that exposed them to real-world medical scenarios, encouraging them to build confidence in technical skills and explore the rewarding aspects of a career in healthcare. Students experienced a blend of lectures, demonstrations and interactive surgical exercises, practicing techniques like fracture repair, suturing and knee ligament reconstruction, tasks that orthopedic surgeons perform regularly. Each station offered students a glimpse into surgical practices and helped them build hands-on skills while gaining insight into the rigorous and fulfilling work of an orthopedic surgeon.

Tackling Gender Disparities

The Perry Initiative's workshops are designed to tackle gender disparities in orthopedics and engineering, fields where women are significantly underrepresented. Studies show that women make up only about 6% of practicing orthopedic surgeons and just 13% of engineers in the United States. By introducing young women to these fields early and connecting them with role models, The Perry Initiative aims to change these statistics. For participants, the experience is both eye-opening and affirming, as it provides them with a supportive environment to envision a future in surgery or engineering.

Amanda Whitaker, M.D., a leading orthopedic surgeon specializing in cerebral palsy and pediatric orthopedics at, is passionate about changing these dynamics.

"Having a specialty that's so underrepresented, it's hard for young people to see others doing it and say 'Hey, I want to do that too,'" Dr. Whitaker explained. "It's helping fuel the next generation."

By offering opportunities to learn, grow and engage with accomplished female role models in the field, Shriners Children's is leading the way in nurturing future medical professionals.

Empowering Women in Orthopedics

For many participants, the experience was eye-opening and transformative.

Amelia, one of the students, said, "I want to go into orthopedic surgery even more now. It showed me that girls and women can do this."

For these young women, the event wasn't just about mastering medical skills; it was about realizing their potential and seeing women who have succeeded in fields where they had previously felt out of place. They left the workshop feeling empowered and inspired, knowing they could be part of a changing tide in orthopedic surgery and engineering.

"It is crucial for young people, especially women, to see others like them succeeding in the field," said Dr. Whitaker. "By breaking barriers and showing that gender is not an obstacle to success in surgery, Shriners Children's is paving the way for a future where female surgeons are as commonplace in operating rooms as their male counterparts."

Leading the Charge in Pediatric Orthopedics

Shriners Children's Northern Californiais proud to be an academic medical center that attracts some of the most qualified, compassionate and mission-driven practitioners in the world. The hospital's renowned team of specialists provides the highest standard of care for children, while also advancing the field through research and innovation. In the realm of pediatric orthopedics, Shriners Children's has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge treatments for conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida,brachial plexus injuries, and sports-related injuries. Shriners Children's team of researchers and clinicians continues to push the boundaries of what's possible, ensuring that every child receives the care and attention they deserve.

Looking Ahead: Empowering Future Healthcare Leaders

Shriners Children's Northern California remains steadfast in its commitment to serving children and families while supporting the diverse needs of tomorrow's healthcare leaders. By continuing to host events like The Perry Initiative, the hospital is not only advancing care for children with orthopedic conditions, but also working to create a more inclusive and innovative future for the field of orthopedic surgery.