We’re saying byeeeeeee to 2020 with the super lovely Rachel Robertson, a soon-to-be surgical trainee and one of our mentees. She shares her experiences about the Wāhine Connect programme, gender stereotypes and, crucially, whether fruit in a salad is ever acceptable.
KŌRERO with Rachel Robertson
Mentee and surgical trainee
Hello Rachel! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm currently a junior general surgery registrar and have just been accepted for surgical training! I grew up in Nelson and studied in Auckland. I enjoying baking, running and tramping and anything floral really.
How did you first hear about Wāhine Connect?
On the ‘Women in Medicine’ Facebook page and through work emails.
What made you apply for a women-only mentorship programme?
I was about to apply for surgical training and decided talking to more female surgeons about the journey couldn't hurt. Inspiration from those ahead of you is always encouraging.
What would a meeting with your mentor mostly look like?
Two of the meetings were over the phone but the other one was in person as the mentor was in my hometown, which I was visiting at the time. That was great!
Have you found the process easy?
Very easy.
Is the process more or less formal than you expected?
It’s very professional. I didn't have many expectations but they were exceeded.
What difference has mentoring made for you at work?
I was raised as though I could do anything and was never limited to a role that was traditionally women-only. I only came across gender stereotypes in my clinical years at medical school, and then on my elective overseas I was told surgery was ‘not a woman's job’. Hearing from women who have gone through something as hard as surgical training is always encouraging and inspiring, and reiterates that if you love it and you're passionate about it, why can't you do it?!
What would be your top tip for getting the most out of the process?
Go into it wanting to listen and learn.
What would you like 2021 to have in store for you?
Gillespie Pass tramping with my siblings.
Favourite human (alive or not)? My husband. He's great fun, spritely to the days and a never-ending encourager.
Podcast picks? Getting Better - A Year in the Life of a Māori Medical Student by Emma Espiner
Pineapple on pizza or no? Yes, but Hawaiian only. Fruit is generally not for savoury things - nothing worse than fruit in a salad unless it’s an actual fruit salad.
