Women of Urology (WoU) of the USI
The USI established the WoU to support, empower, and honor Women Urologists in India. The virtual inauguration of WoU occurred on 7.3.23, led by former USI president Dr. Sanjay Kulkarni, and the Hon Secretary Late GG Laxman Prabhu.
Late Dr. Lakshmi Shankaran was the first woman urologist of India. She did MCh urology in 1967-1969 from Madras Medical College, Chennai.
Dr N. Rajamaheswari serves as the current chair along with the four council members, Dr. N. Muthulatha, Dr. Sheetal Mistry, Dr. Nikita Shrivastan, and Dr. Sagorika Paul.
WoU section comprises 105 members, including 40 Trainees, 2 International members, and 15 Associate members.
Presently, female Urologists account for 2% of the Urology Workforce in India and 4% in Tamil Nadu.
WoU aims to foster a supportive and collaborative environment to address the unique challenges faced by Female Urologists.
"Vision" of WoU - USI:
- Our vision is to create a dynamic and inclusive community where women in urology flourish, lead, and innovate.
- We aspire to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote gender equality within the field.
- We pledge to redefine the landscape of urology, enrich the lives of our patients, and inspire the next generation of women to embrace the boundless opportunities within the Urology specialty profession with unwavering dedication.
WoU's Past Academic Endeavors:
- YOU conference at Goa on 9. 07. 23
- ISU - USI Resident Smart Learning Program webinar 1. 8. 23
- WoU @ USICON 1. 2. 24
- Women's Day celebration webinar on 8.3.24
Future Academic endeavors:
empWouher 1.0, Mumbai 25, 26 May 2024
"Women of Urology" (WoU) of USI, proudly announces the first inaugural meet and a unique live operative workshop on May 25 th and 26th, 2024 to be held in KEM Hospital Mumbai. This operative workshop will be performed exclusively by eminent women urologists in India. Various urological surgeries on male & female patients will be demonstrated. The workshop will be jointly participated by urologists of both genders from India & neighborhood countries.
Being the first operative workshop performed by women urologists, the first program organized by WoU, and the first educational program that involves all the Women urologists of our country, it becomes an exceptional event that equally inspires the medical fraternity, policymakers, administrators, diplomats, bureaucrats & people of all walks of life.
Five-point developmental goals of WoU:
1. Professional Perception:
Opting for specialty courses has been a glass ceiling for Indian Females on the personal and professional front. WoU of USI will aim to eradicate the bias against females in choosing surgical specialties.
2.Prohibiting Pigeonholed Practice:
WoU chiefly aims to encourage females to pursue Urologic subspecialties of their choice not restricted to “ Female Urology”.
3. Propagating Urology specialization:
Though the number of Female Urologists has been on an increasing trend in the recent past, currently Female Urologists constitute only 2 % of the total Urologists in the country. There is a dire need to increase Women Urologists in our country. Because a more equal and diverse workforce will be an asset to the specialty and patients for generations to come.
WoU chiefly aims to encourage females to opt for Urology by offering proper mentorship, advocacy, and support.
4. Promoting Progress:
Implementing equal opportunities for Females during Urology residency and thereafter to succeed in career progress.
WoU will aim to discourage the trend of Manels in various professional arenas and encourage the participation of female faculties and residents.
5. Pursuing work-life balance:
Encouraging organizations and medical institutions to support female Urologists during pregnancy & postpartum to pursue Urology as a career with an emphasis on work-life balance.
Pragmatic objectives of WoU :
- Motivate female Urologists to excel in academics.
- Encourage female Urologists to actively participate in USI.
- Foster networking opportunities at both national and international levels.
- Obtain global recognition for female Urologists from India.
- Acknowledge the unrecognized achievements of female Urologists.
- Encourage women residents to choose a career in Urology.
- Provide a platform to express our viewpoints.
- Assist members in overcoming professional challenges, hurdles, and difficulties.
Diversity is not about how we differ.
Diversity is about embracing one another's uniqueness. - Ola Joseph.