As a second-year house officer in the Bay of Plenty, I am actively working towards a career in orthopaedics. I first attended the LIONZ Forum in June 2024, and it proved to be a defining moment - reinforcing my growing passion for orthopaedics and inspiring me to explore the specialty further
During my orthopaedic rotation later that year, I had the privilege of working alongside several exceptional mentors, some of whom I first connected with through the LIONZ community. Their support - both practical and professional - has been pivotal in shaping my commitment to pursuing a career as a female orthopaedic surgeon and helped empower me to apply for my first orthopaedic registrar position next year
Given how invaluable last year’s LIONZ Forum was for me, returning this year was a self-imposed non-negotiable. In the days leading up to it, however, I felt a sense of nervousness - unsure if any other house officers would be attending, uncertain whether I’d find peers at a similar stage, and hesitant about attaching myself to more senior colleagues from my hospital. But in true LIONZ fashion, those feelings quickly faded upon arrival. I was instantly reminded of the nurturing environment the community fosters, uplifting and connecting women across all stages
Attending this year’s Forum was a genuinely enriching experience that blended deep personal reflection with hands-on learning. Sessions led by Nick Petrie, Carrie Newlands, and Fiona Moir resonated strongly with me, highlighting the human side of surgery. The speakers offered moments of introspection alongside valuable insights into emotional diversity and its role in creating safer, more cohesive working environments. The sawbones session stood out as both fun and engaging, providing exposure to equipment and procedures I have yet to encounter in the hospital context and further fueling my curiosity about the breadth of orthopaedic surgery. More than that, the less formal interactions with orthopaedic surgeons and surgical sales representatives offered a unique chance to network and learn in a collaborative setting. These experiences left me feeling more motivated, more connected, and more aware of the kind of surgeon - and teammate - I hope to become
Though I was only able to attend one day of the Forum, it concluded with a beautiful dinner at Larnach Castle, which I found to be a memorable and fitting way to close the event. Surrounded by such a historic setting, I felt a strong sense of connection to the legacy and tradition within orthopaedics. Acknowledging the incredible ladies behind LIONZ and hearing inspiring stories from esteemed health leaders left me deeply appreciative of those who have paved the way for future generations of women in medicine & orthopaedics. I was moved by Professor Sue Stott’s journey, resilience and contributions. It made me reflect on how I too, can contribute meaningfully and begin shaping the kind of legacy that I hope to leave behind.
I’m sincerely grateful to LIONZ for making it possible for me to attend this year’s Forum, and for once again bringing together an incredible event
Links to other 2025 student/HO recounts: