A new Australian initiative, Women in Scrubs, is connecting female surgeons with GPs and patients, with the aim to address gender disparities in surgical referral networks.

Founded by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Kate Campbell, the platform provides a comprehensive directory of female surgeons across all specialties, making it easier for GPs to make informed referrals and for patients to access skilled female surgical expertise.

“Over the years, I’ve seen how female surgeons are often overlooked in referral networks, and I knew something needed to change,” said Dr Campbell. “I believe that better connections mean better patient outcomes, and I’m excited to see this platform help surgeons, GPs, and patients make informed choices that truly make a difference.”

The platform addresses a significant gap in the healthcare system; according to the initiative’s website, female surgeons have historically been underrepresented in referral networks.1

SUPPORTING THE EVIDENCE BASE

The initiative is supported by peer-reviewed research demonstrating that diversity in surgery, particularly the inclusion of female surgeons, is associated with better patient outcomes, including lower mortality and morbidity rates, higher satisfaction levels, and more collaborative, patient-centred care.2

For Dr Tanya Trinh, an ophthalmologist supporting the initiative, the presence of women in surgery “doesn’t just change the profession symbolically; it measurably improves it”.

“The peer-reviewed literature clearly shows that diversity, and the inclusion of female surgeons in particular, is associated with better patient outcomes.”

Dr Trinh noted that the initiative represents more than just visibility. “Women in Scrubs is not about exclusion, but about balance – about creating a more level playing field where female surgeons are more visible, and where patients and GPs genuinely have a wider choice because the exposure to male and female surgeons is now more equal.”

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR REFERRAL CHALLENGES

For many practitioners, the platform addresses practical challenges in making equitable referrals. Dr Trinh highlighted her own experience: “I try to audit my own ‘tendencies’ to refer to male surgeons, and I’d like to reach a point where my own personal audit shows a much more equal distribution of referrals from me to male and female surgeons.”

However, this can be challenging because she already has “a database of male surgeons in my head – I saw them all the time as I moved through the training system”.

“Having the Women in Scrubs database of female surgeons to refer to will help,” Dr Trinh said.

Dr Tanya Trinh

The platform operates with a straightforward model: access is free for patients and GPs, while surgeons join through a paid membership that provides directory listings, referral opportunities, and increased marketing exposure. All listed surgeons are verified as registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) to ensure professional standards.

ADDRESSING LEGAL AND ETHICAL FRAMEWORKS

The platform’s values centre on equality, empowerment, integrity, and innovation, with the goal of championing gender equity while maintaining professional standards and ethical practices.

And, as Dr Trinh explained, it operates within established legal frameworks designed to promote equity in healthcare. “Under the Sex Discrimination Act, measures that aim to correct real disadvantage are lawful and recognised as special measures. These measures are designed to be purposeful, reviewed, and intended to ensure fairness – not to keep anyone out, but to make space where historically there has been little room for women.”

Women in Scrubs launched in late August. Visit: womeninscrubs.com.au.

References

 1. Women in Scrubs, homepage, available at: womeninscrubs. com.au [accessed Aug 2025].

2. Wallis CJD, Jerath A, Tomlinson G, et al. Association of surgeon-patient sex concordance with postoperative outcomes. JAMA Surg. 2022 Feb 1;157(2):146-156. doi: 10.1001/ jamasurg.2021.6339.