Girlstart’s Women in STEM weekly series highlights various women who are making a difference in STEM. Be inspired as these incredible women describe how they became interested in their field, provide insight into a day in the life, and share learnings from their experiences.
Rachel Medbery
Thoracic Surgeon @ Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons
Rachel Medbery is a Thoracic Surgeon @ Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons. She has a passion for being in the STEM field and loves to help others. She is the first female thoracic surgeon in Central Texas and is thrilled to lead the path for other young women. We are so grateful to have her on our blog today to discuss her experiences and hear more about what led her to a career in STEM!
What sparked your interest and made you want to volunteer with Girlstart?
I’m hopeful to influence other young women to attack their dreams and passions head-on and not to be discouraged by the fields that are mostly male-dominated. We need more women breaking glass ceilings!
What would you like to tell girls who are interested in pursuing a STEM career? What words of encouragement would you share with them?
DO NOT let anyone tell you that you “can’t” or that you “shouldn’t!” Also, do not be scared by a challenge. The challenging careers make success all the more rewarding. Keep your head down and keep your eye on your ultimate goal. Ask for help and lean on friends and family for support. Others want to help you succeed!
Was there a specific person, program, or event in your life that led you to your STEM career?
When I was in my 5th grade science class and got to dissect frogs, I just loved it! It’s funny because I was so scared that I actually asked my mother to write an “excuse note” so that I wouldn’t have to do it; luckily, she refused. I had so much fun that I went home that night and told my parents I wanted to become a surgeon. I never looked back.
What are your favorite things about your career/field?
I love the instant gratification of surgery. It is very high risk but high reward. I’m able to see patients, take them to the operating room and fix a problem. I go home at the end of the day knowing I have helped impact other people’s lives for the better.
Briefly describe your career/field.
I’m a general thoracic surgeon which means I operate on everything in a person’s chest except their heart and aorta. Approximately 70% of my practice involves removing cancers of the chest — most of which are lung cancers. I do the majority of my cases minimally invasively with the DaVinci robot.
Why is confidence in STEM important for girls?
Young women need to realize they can be and do anything their heart desires and they need female mentors to help give encouragement.
What projects/programs have you worked on?
I am the first female thoracic surgeon in Central Texas! I’m so excited to lead the path for other young women.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
I’m mostly proud of the fact that I never gave up. I had a dream and a kept on moving in a direction to make it come true. After high school, 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, 7 years of general surgery training and 3 years of cardiothoracic surgery training…I finally accomplished my dream. The road was long and challenging and I’m mostly proud of my perseverance.
