Growing up in Cyprus, Elena Theophilidou always felt a disconnect from the stereotypical image of what a girl should be. While other girls gravitated towards skirts and conventional pursuits, Elena was captivated by math and biology and preferred the comfort of trousers.

Her journey into medicine was significantly influenced by a family tragedy; her parents lost their first child, a boy with Down syndrome, at the tender age of four. This pivotal event instilled in Elena a determined desire to enter the medical field. "It has always been on my mind," she reflects.

Today, Elena serves as a consultant surgeon at one of England’s busiest trauma units, where she faces both triumph and adversity in her noteworthy career. Despite her achievements, she often finds herself reminding patients, "I am the surgeon." An unsettling reality, it speaks to the stereotypes that persist within the medical community.

Elena’s path to becoming a surgeon was far from smooth. Juggling A-levels while adapting to a new country, she relocated to London at 18 to pursue her medical studies. With sheer determination, she navigated the challenges of a rigorous academic environment. However, her surgical placements were rife with hurdles; she encountered bullying and toxic behavior from some supervisors who adhered to outdated mentalities.

"Things have improved significantly," Elena asserts, acknowledging the greater awareness and changed attitudes around professionalism today. Still, she recognizes that being a woman in surgery often subjects her to unspoken biases. "Many female trainees would agree that they too face difficulties that may not be apparent to their male counterparts."

In her current role, Elena is part of a major trauma team and takes charge of patients with acute surgical needs. Interestingly, while she has not directly encountered misogyny, the need to assert her authority as a surgeon underscores a persistent stereotype: the notion that surgeons are predominantly "grown men."

In a refreshing turn, Elena highlights the positive changes occurring in medicine. "This past year, I’ve had female medical students approach me and express surprise that a woman can be a consultant surgeon," she notes. This discourse illustrates the necessity of visibility—it's crucial for aspiring doctors to see female role models in leadership positions.

Elena reminisces about hearing comments during her childhood that questioned her capability as a future surgeon. "I was often told, 'You won't have time for your family if you pursue this career.' Those thoughts lingered," she admits. Despite this, her resolve remains firm: "If this is your passion, pursue it wholeheartedly."

As a mentor and role model to young female aspiring surgeons, Elena encourages them to embrace their ambitions. "Your career is long, spanning decades, so it’s vital to engage in work that brings you joy." Armed with her passion for medicine, she is determined to redefine the landscape for future generations of female surgeons.

Elena Theophilidou stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration in a field historically dominated by men, proving that barriers can be shattered, and stereotypes challenged. As she continues to break the mold, she inspires countless young women to follow their dreams in medicine, one surgery at a time.