Spotlighting Women in Cosmetic Surgery, Part 2: Dr Jane Petro

Recently, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) announced the creation of the Women in Cosmetic Surgery (WICS) Section. The WICS will support the professional and personal development of female cosmetic surgeon members of AACS, offering opportunities to network, connect through a mentorship, develop leadership skills, and more. In part two of this Q&A, WICS cofounder Jane A. Petro, MD, FACS, FAACS, shares why the WICS was created.

Dr Petro is professor emeritus of surgery at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY. She previously served as president of the AACS.

How competitive is the specialty of cosmetic surgery?
Medicine is not a competition. Years ago, when I joined the faculty at the Westchester Medical Center, a local plastic surgeon (who some years later I joined in practice) invited me to dinner and explained that there were already five plastic surgeons in the community and that another one would be hard pressed to succeed. Of course, I persevered, and both my practice and those of everyone else continued to grow. This echoes a historical memory of one of the pioneer plastic surgeons: in the 1930s, Sir Harold Gilles told one of his trainees not to stay in England as there were already three plastic surgeons in practice.

Cosmetic surgery and cosmetic medicine are unique in that they overlap many different medical specialties. There is no ownership of any technique, procedure, or practice, only the need to be well educated, well trained, and experienced.

Where do female surgeons fit in the future of the specialty? 
Although surgical specialties are represented by less than 25% women, even while medical schools now exceed 50% female applicants, women in all specialties are seeing increasing representation. Obsterics-gynecology (OB-GYN) was once dominated by male surgeons, even while 100% of their patient base was female. Now, women are the dominant gender in OB-GYN practice.

Now, while 90% of cosmetic patients are female, the number of women in practice is still low, but this is changing. Dermatology, general surgery, plastic surgery, otolaryngology, etc are all seeing increases in their female practitioners, and this is a trend that will continue. 

What is the significance of forming the WICS?
We are emulating other surgical specialties, many of which have had women’s sections for more than 30 years. The largest women’s surgical organization, the Association of Women Surgeons, which has existed for 40 years, is a role model. Members serve as role models and mentors, and have provided training and educational programs, leading to a substantial increase in women on committees and boards as well as serving as chairs of surgery departments across all areas of surgical training. 

How can physicians get involved in WICS?
Very easy: just sign up through the AACS.

Are there any other thoughts that you would like to share with peers and colleagues in dermatology and aesthetic medicine?
We are all in this together, and the overlapping interests of all the specialties involved in cosmetic surgery and medicine serve to enhance the practice, safety, and success of the field.