Dr. Caroline Scott

By: Dr. Caroline Scott

‍

I am the only active female orthopaedic surgeon at Scarborough Health Network and proud to represent women in my field. Across North America, only 6% of orthopaedic surgeons are women, and even fewer specialize in hip and knee surgery like me. It has taken grit and determination to get here, and I am honoured to be part of a highly skilled, caring team in Scarborough that promotes diversity within our surgical specialties. Scarborough Grit means striving for excellence despite adversity or challenges.

I grew up spending time at SHN’s Birchmount Hospital because my mother, Dr. Christine Young, was a trailblazing Scarborough orthopaedic surgeon. I have fond memories as a child making rounds at “the Grace” campus with her, asking questions at the nursing station, and even helping the nurses occasionally. I was proud of what my mother accomplished and proud of where she worked. I sensed a happy comradery among the staff while they cared for patients. Community is important—not only for our patients, but also for the staff, who are a team. Scarborough Grit is also about supporting your colleague, your co-worker, and your neighbour.

Many Scarborough patients come in with their whole families. I am lucky to treat their grandmother, mother, husband, and son. I feel like part of their family, which is very rewarding. Getting to know patients and their families instills a greater level of trust. I am privileged that patients trust me and my team, and I also know that people from Scarborough work hard to be part of their own recovery. Scarborough Grit is in all of us, working together even in the face of an orthopaedic condition or other challenges.

By investing in healthcare in Scarborough, you’re investing in the future of Toronto. The people of Scarborough are some of the hardest workers in the city. Your donations help make SHN a premier destination for excellence in care while improving the health of the entire city.

On balancing motherhood and surgery

Women in male-dominated fields still face unique work-life balance pressures. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the mental load of running a household create additional demands. I am lucky to have a supportive husband, and both our families nearby. It’s important to talk about work-life balance with friends and colleagues. At SHN, especially in orthopaedics, many of us are parents, and discussing both patient cases and daily life challenges is accepted and encouraged.

Advice to women considering medicine or orthopaedic surgery

It’s rewarding and fun to fix orthopaedic problems. As a woman and young mother, you bring a unique and valuable perspective. Women are naturally attuned to comforting patients, listening closely, and addressing concerns. Diversity in medicine adds to the excellence of care by fostering better patient understanding and compassion.