Assoc Prof Wong shares how women can be confident and reach their goals in the medical and scientific arena.
By Associate Professor Tina Wong,
Senior Consultant, Glaucoma Department,
Singapore National Eye Centre
Assoc Prof Tina Wong is a successful clinician scientist and educator. Apart from her clinical duties, she heads a research group at the Singapore Eye Research Institute and holds faculty appointments at Duke-NUS Medical School and Nanyang Technological University. She has nationally funded research grants amounting to $5m and holds nine patents to her name. She's also a devoted wife and mother.
Assoc Prof Wong shares how women can be confident and reach their goals in the medical and scientific arena.
I come from a family of four girls and one boy but my father never treated us differently. In fact, he encouraged all of us to pursue our dreams and become successful, independent professionals in the world no matter what challenges are placed in front.
As history can testify, cultural traditions and societal expectations have led to the different roles the two sexes have, but this is rapidly changing for the better for women. There are now more opportunities for us to go as far as, and even further than men, than what would have been conceiveable only a couple of generations ago.
But as women, we must play a part in our own success by first removing invisible barriers we place on ourselves and stand on an equal footing with men. Without self-confidence, women may avoid competition, feel less competent or shy away from opportunities.
More women in medicine now
Until recently, medicine and science have been male dominated fields with long-held gender stereotypes. As a junior doctor in England, I had been mistaken by a patient for a staff nurse, a scenario which other female doctors may have encountered too.
But that patient was an elderly gentleman who grew up in post war Britain, an era where women did not hold full time jobs, let alone be a doctor. Patients these days generally do not mind the gender of their doctors. In fact, there is a growing number of women in medicine now. In 2015, there were more female students than male students studying to become doctors in the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
Some subspecialties, such as orthopaedic and general surgery, had traditionally been male dominated. In these fields, women have to actively make the effort to be involved and learn to be vocal to be given the same opportunity as their male colleagues.
I learnt this during my time in medical school – my male student colleagues were automatically selected to assist in surgeries but we had to speak up to get a chance to assist the consultant surgeons.
"As women, we must play a part in our own success by first removing invisible barriers we place on ourselves and stand on an equal footing with men.
Without self-confidence, women may avoid competition, feel less competent or shy away from opportunities."
Women working in medicine and science add a touch of soft skills. This is highly essential and increasingly recognised as important in the workplace, especially in fields that necessitate interactions with individuals from different walks of life.
I believe that leaders who have better soft skills or a higher emotional quotient can relate better to and build stronger relationships with their colleagues and staff, thereby attracting and retaining talent. This is a definite strength that women bring into any organisation, especially in healthcare where more than half of the workforce are female.
Strength and sacrifices
Regardless of gender, success requires hard work. Today, we see many successful women in the workplace taking on professional jobs and leadership positions. Behind their success, I know that they have had to work much harder, and had to make more sacrifices than men. And for that, I respect them.
Often, women have to privately make tough choices between family and career, as the perception of care-giving responsibilities being on our shoulders still exists. Our male counterparts on the other hand, have negligible disruptions to their career due to family.
I have yet to see a male colleague bring his child to work during the school holidays but have lost count of the number of times I see female colleagues' son or daughter at their desk whilst the mother is at work in the clinic or office. I very much welcome to be corrected!
I have been asked on many occasions how I manage to "have it all", being a doctor, surgeon, researcher, mentor, daughter, wife and mother. Well, it would appear that I am a superwoman!
But the truth is, I have to manage my time very well between different priorities and stay extremely focused on getting each task done, without (hopefully) too many distractions. It's no easy task. It takes a lot of discipline, but it can be done.
Supportive family network goes a long way
One person who helps me succeed in doing what I can is my long suffering husband. Joking aside, he is very supportive, respects me for who I am, is my cheerleader and is very understanding when it comes to my work commitments and my career.
We have been together since I was a medical student and he is the only person who has seen me through tough times and is always there to pull me through. As a modern-day man, he is also a hands-on father and that is just wonderful. Without this strong relationship, it would be much more difficult or even impossible for me to pursue the multi-faceted job I do.
Not everyone is so lucky to have such a strong supporter of their career. Years ago, a younger doctor I know wanted to pursue a career as a clinician scientist. She went to the US to pursue her PhD. She did so well that at the end of it, she was offered a clinician scientist position at the university. Unfortunately, her husband was not in favour and expected her to join him in taking over a family private practice. It was a tough decision but she decided to pursue her dreams and the couple parted ways.
For partners to understand and support each other's goals, there needs to be communication and compromise. Many women are happy and contented to devote themselves to their family. But for those who want to develop a career, you should discuss this as a team with your family or partner to know that you are well supported.
"A supportive family network, being disciplined with time management and finding good mentors who champion you in your career makes a
big difference in how smoothly you can achieve your professional goals."
A good mentor is a mentor for life
Finally, apart from having a supportive family network, and being disciplined with time management, finding good mentors who champion you in your career makes a big difference in how smoothly you can achieve your professional goals.
Since I was a medical student, I was fortunate enough to have had good mentors who guided me and believed in me. When what you do at work is recognised and supported by your mentors, it reinforces the fact that you are doing something meaningful and important, and this in turn makes you feel worthy and valued. This positive relationship creates more opportunities and potentially opens new doors for you.
My advice to those seeking a mentor: When you are at work, interact with people, look out for their strengths and know who you can learn and benefit from. Find a mentor who understands you and is willing to speak up and stand up for you. Like any relationship, this will take time. Find a mentor who is a fan of you!
My greatest and most significant mentor, Professor Sir Peng T. Khaw, is the person I still look up to for advice from time to time. I have him to thank for this opportunity to work in Singapore and do all the things I've always wanted and more in my career. I will always be indebted to him for his support and belief in me since I was an aspiring ophthalmology resident in London looking to do a PhD in 1998. Not only is he my mentor, he is a good friend and colleague.
It's now my turn to pay it forward and support upcoming residents and my junior colleagues in their professional careers. To young female doctors who are or will be juggling family and career choices, know that you are not alone out there.
"To young female doctors who are or will be juggling family and career choices, know that you are not alone out there."
Go for your goals
As mentioned, many of the barriers to women working in medicine and science, or in any career, are invisible and self-imposed. I truly hope that my experience and thoughts here will give you the inspiration and courage to achieve your career aspirations.
Whatever the opportunity is at work, believe in yourself and manage your time well. Having a supportive partner and mentor eases the journey. In today's world, there is no reason why women cannot be successful. The choice is ours to make.
