Ranks of female surgeons on the rise

Work knowledge

Wang Yangyun, 37, an associate chief doctor of urology surgery at Shanghai No 5 People's Hospital and director of the hospital's pelvic floor dysfunction and andrology diseases medical center, said male patients have never declined to consult her because of her gender.

"In cases where a male doctor himself has not experienced sexual dysfunction, he relies on his professional knowledge and clinical experience to help a patient," Wang said.

On her first day as a resident in the department, her tutor said that doctors don't examine a patient's gender — only his or her medical condition.

Wang has a relatively tight work schedule. She once received a record 128 patients during a consultation session at a morning outpatients clinic that lasted until 2:30 pm.

The only woman among the 20-plus doctors in the department, Wang holds 58 national patents, the highest number in the department. Some of the patents have been transformed into products that have been used clinically for years.

She said the fact that she is a woman working in such a discipline may make more doctors remember her, but her work does not come with any privileges.

"I don't feel that I have an advantage in promotion or in receiving professional awards due to my gender. In our job, performing professionally is what matters most," Wang said.