Girl Power! "You can't be what you can't see." -- Marian Wright Edelman; Famous Female Leader. WHEN I'M A SURGEON instils a belief in children that they can achieve greatness, fulfilling their dreams and potential. "Once children have a vision and believe in their goals - anything is possible." Dr Samantha Pillay Children assign gender stereotypes to jobs in early childhood. These gender stereotypes are influenced by who they know, what they see on TV and media, and they define their career aspirations . Dreams and aspirations lead to motivation , self-confidence , self-esteem and skills . Dr Samantha Pillay, surgeon and role-model, is no stranger to overcoming adversity. She finished school at age sixteen, after starting school in a wheelchair. When I'm a Surgeon is a must-read for the next generation of leaders. The perfect gift for your favorite little ones or class teacher. "After learning about surgery from books and practising appendicectomies on my toy panda, I declared my intention to become a surgeon at age eight. This delightful book will surely set alight another child's passion for a fulfilling surgical career." Professor Averil Mansfield CBE FRCS FRCP "I wholeheartedly agree with Samantha. How often are we told you"can't have it all" and that women in surgery have to choose between motherhood and surgery? I have the privilege of taking care of vulnerable people and being a mother to 6 amazing individuals." Professor Fiona Wood AM FRCS FRACS "According to my mother, I declared my intention to be a surgeon at age four, and there are probably many other little girls who have the same dreams. I hope this charming book with beautiful illustrations will inspire the next generation of surgeons." Dr Susan Pories FACS, Chair Women in Surgery, American College of Surgeons "This book highlights the wonderful opportunities a surgical career provides, the ability to make a difference, and how it fits with family life." Dr Sally Langley FRACS, President, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons "As the current President of the nearly 4000-member international organization, the Association of Women Surgeons, I am happy to endorse this delightful book, "When I'm a Surgeon". WIAS is beautifully illustrated and features warm and encouraging text from Dr. Samantha Pillay. Dr. Pillay is the first woman to have trained as a Urologist in Australia; and, as a woman of color in a predominantly white and male field, she is an inspiration as both an author and a successful practicing surgeon and businesswoman. For all these reasons, this lovely book is a must-read for any child interested in surgery." Professor Marie Crandall MPH FACS, President, Association of Women Surgeons "It is said you can't be what you can't see. 'When I'm a Surgeon' gives girls a powerful and compelling vision for their future professional lives. It plants the seed of ambition and makes opportunity tangible." Jane Danvers, Principal, Wilderness School Surgicaltraining takes commitment and determination. I hope to inspire young girls tofind the passion required to pursue a rewarding career in surgery. Misconceptions about a surgical career, when combined with parenting, havecontributed to low rates of female surgeons, increasing from 4 to 14% in twentyyears, despite 50% female medical students in Australia. Following an Englishtradition, male surgeons in Australia have been called Mister, dating back toearly surgeons not holding a medical university doctorate. This distinctionbecame a status symbol to distinguish surgeons from their medical doctorcolleagues. This tradition only adds to the confusion for female surgeonsretaining the doctor title, who struggle to be identified as the surgeon in themedical team. I am proud to feature two iconic South Australian buildings inthis book. The Royal Adelaide Hospital (since rebuilt) is where my father and Itrained. The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)building is home to about 700 researcherscollaborating nationally and internationally. Being a surgeon createsopportunities beyond society's perceptions of the traditional role. I amgrateful for developing skills beyond my expectations. Operating on someone tohelp them is a wonderful privilege, yet being a surgeon is so much more thanthat. I believe that the advantages for surgical mums outweigh the sacrifices.Surgery has taught me communication, leadership, wisdom, judgment, financialliteracy, stress management, decision- making under pressure, teaching andtraining others, and handlinga crisis - often in the middle of the night. What better training is there fora parent? Dedicated to children everywhere: Dream big, aim high. #whenimasurgeon Samantha finished school at age 16 years and commenced studying medicine at The University of Adelaide. Driven to take on challenges, she became the first woman in South Australia to complete the adult Urological Surgical training program