The latest installment of Houston Methodist Hospital's "Women in Surgery" webcast features a lively discussion between Chief Physician Executive Dr. Shlomit Schaal and vascular surgeon Dr. Linda Le.

The episode highlights the unique challenges and advancements in the field of vascular surgery, as well as the personal experiences and insights of both doctors.

Dr. Le likens vascular surgeons to firefighters who respond to a variety of emergencies, such as carotid disease, peripheral arterial disease and aneurysms. In addition to the life-saving nature of the work, she emphasizes the diverse array of conditions treated, often involving older patients with complex health issues.

The discussion touches on gender dynamics within vascular surgery. The historically male-dominated field — 85% of the surgeons are male — now features a 50-50 split among resident and fellowship trainees. Dr. Lee attributes the trend to a more supportive community, with both male and female mentors championing diversity and leadership opportunities for women.

The influx of female participation in vascular surgery has brought attention to gender disparities in clinical trials and improved patient comfort levels, particularly female patients who may relate more to female doctors.

Another key topic: balancing demanding career and personal life. Dr. Le shares her perspective on managing her professional responsibilities while raising a young child, acknowledging the challenges but also expressing her commitment to both her family and career. Dr. Schaal offers her own experiences and advice, emphasizing that career progression is not a race and that opportunities will arise when the time is right.

The episode also delves into Dr. Le's video series, "Sisterhood in Surgery," which she co-hosts with Dr. Palma Shaw, a vascular surgeon in New York. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, the show covers a range of topics, from academic discussions to personal and social issues. One intriguing episode tackled divorce and featured insights from Houston Methodist's chair of cardiovascular surgery.

"Divorce is something that happens to physicians, and nobody talks about it," Dr. Le notes. "I think it's really important for doctors to be able to open up about these real-life experiences that impact them. It's beneficial for their own mental health and possibly other people out there going through the same things."

Dr. Le expresses excitement about the advancements in her field, particularly the integration of robotics. She highlights the benefits of robotic surgery, including enhanced visualization and precision, which result in less invasive procedures and quicker recovery times.

For aspiring surgeons, Dr. Le emphasizes the importance of finding mentors and demonstrating interest and dedication to the field. She encourages medical students to be proactive and seek out opportunities to learn and engage with mentors, underscoring the value of visibility and active participation.

Dr. Schaal and Dr. Le conclude the episode by talking about how surgeons can shape the future — mentoring, leading by example, direct teaching in the operating room and providing opportunities for mentees to shine.