On June 7, 2025, the Women in Orthopaedics (WORTH) Workshop brought together over 100 inspiring female-identifying and gender-diverse high school students for an engaging day filled with hands-on learning and invaluable mentorship. Hosted by UBC Orthopaedics and BC Children’s Hospital, this dynamic event aimed to spark curiosity and instill confidence in the next generation of orthopaedic professionals.
The day began with a land acknowledgment, recognizing the unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples. This was followed by an inspiring keynote from Clinical Associate Professor Dr. Carrie Kollias, a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon and co-director of Mentorship and Wellness at UBC Orthopaedics. Dr. Kollias shared her personal and professional journey, encouraging students to embrace discomfort and push their limits in pursuit of growth.
Throughout the morning, students rotated through five interactive, small-group workshops designed to introduce core orthopaedic skills and concepts:
- Research Jeopardy: Led by Research Associates Dr. Bryn Zomar and Dr. Harpreet Chhina, this session used a fun, competitive format to teach students about orthopaedic research fundamentals.
- Orthopaedic Devices: Nurse Practitioners Alyssa Robinson and Nikki Kandola, along with Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Devyn Hamilton, guided students through surgical tools and a timed “scrub-in” challenge.
- Suturing Skills: Using bananas as practice models, orthopaedic resident Dr. Taylor Crown and pediatric orthopaedics clinical fellow Dr. Clariz Patricio taught students the basics of suturing techniques.
- Knot-Tying Techniques: Dr. Kollias and orthopaedic resident Dr. Gabby Levesque demonstrated surgical knot-tying, giving students hands-on practice.
- Saw Bones Simulation: Orthopaedic residents Dr. Alice Wang and Dr. Kaid van Kampen, along with Stryker representatives, led a session where students used synthetic bones and surgical tools to simulate real orthopaedic procedures.
In the afternoon, participants joined two of five rotating career panels, featuring professionals from across the orthopaedic care spectrum: surgeons, trainees, researchers, nurses and nurse practitioners, and physical and occupational therapists. These sessions offered candid conversations about career paths, daily responsibilities, work-life balance, and personal journeys—helping students envision their own futures in healthcare.
The WORTH Workshop created a vibrant, supportive space where students could explore orthopaedics, connect with mentors, and gain hands-on experience. The energy, enthusiasm, and engagement from both participants and presenters made the event a resounding success—planting seeds of inspiration for the next generation of orthopaedic leaders.
Special thanks to the volunteers, career panelists, and workshop facilitators for supporting this initiative and making this event possible!
For more details about our initiatives and upcoming workshops, please visit the WORTH webpage.
