Networking: With 1700 women surgeons as members, AWS is one of the largest organizations dedicated to enhancing the interaction and exchange of information between women surgeons. Annual Meetings, the Online Member Directory, and the AWS website provide ways for members to interact and help each other. A searchable mentor database has been developed for members and AWS supports networking breakfasts throughout the year.

Resources: 

AWS Pocket Mentor: This book is sized to fit into a lab coat pocket and provides information about the basic educational strategies required to excel as a surgical resident. Click here to order a free copy.

Online Member Directory: A most valuable tool that helps to facilitate member to member communications, it is updated weekly and available online to AWS members only. Members are listed by specialty and by state. 

Newsletter: This quarterly publication contains the news and views on issues in the field of surgery. It includes articles about women in surgery, updates members on their colleagues' accomplishments and profiles outstanding female surgeons. Click here for a sample. (8MB file)

AWScope: an e-mailed publication that is sent six times a year to AWS members, this update informs members of anything new within the association or surgical field. It also helps to connect members who are looking to communicate with other women surgeons within their areas of expertise. Click here for a sample.

Sexual Harassment Resource Manual: AWS has created a compilation of reference information on sexual and gender harassment issues. The latest revision of the Manual is available in the Members Only section of the Website.

AJS: Regular AWS membership includes a subscription to the American Journal of Surgery, in addition to electronic access to the articles. Members may claim their  full-text access to the journal using their “Subscriber Number” (which is printed on the label of each issue) along with their surname. AWS members must register at the site when “claiming access” for the first time. Click here for more detailed access instructions. Residents and Students can also subscribe at a special rate of $50 per year for U.S. residents and $75 per year for international subscribers (a 50% discount).

Website: The site contains information for the female surgeon, including e-mail discussion lists and a special section for members that contains weekly updates of the Online Member Directory.

Annual Awards: AWS Foundation annually recognizes individuals who have contributed exceptional service to women in surgery. Nomination forms are available to nominate an individual you feel has made an impact on women in surgery. 

Click here to join, find out more about the requirements of membership, or contact AWS for more information. Click here to learn the medical student's perspective of why you should join AWS.