A consultant surgeon at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust has been featured in a national exhibition celebrating women in the profession.
Manuela Cresswell, a consultant ear, nose and throat surgeon at Derriford Hospital, is included in the Insight: Portraits of Women in Surgery exhibition at the Royal College of Surgeons of England. The exhibition is being held at the Hunterian Museum in London.
The project showcases women surgeons from across the UK and explores the experiences that influenced their careers.
Ms Cresswell is the first female ENT consultant appointed at Derriford Hospital.
As the first ever female ENT consultant at Derriford Hospital, the project is close to Manuela’s heart. She said:
“Women only make up an estimate of 17 per cent of surgeons worldwide, so there is still work to be done in showing people that women can be a multitude of things, including mothers, wives and surgeons.”
She said she felt humbled and privileged to be part of the initiative and highlighted the importance of increasing visibility for women in surgery.
Reflecting on her own path into medicine, she described witnessing a serious road traffic collision as a teenager. Her parents, both doctors, were among those who responded at the scene.
“…Watching their calm triage, teamwork, and difficult decision-making left a lasting impression on me. I realised I wanted the skills to help in moments of crisis.”
She also encouraged aspiring surgeons to focus on steady personal development.
“Early in training it is easy to compare oneself to senior consultants and feel like an impostor,”
“The focus should be on personal growth, learning from experienced colleagues and practising self-kindness.”
Paige Nolan, communications officer at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, photographed Ms Cresswell for the exhibition.
