Her Story
About Nandita
I took an unconventional path into surgery, crossing countries and institutions to build the career I have so far. After graduating with my MD from the American University of Antigua in 2018, I completed a thoracic surgery research year at Mayo Clinic, then pursued preliminary general surgery training followed by a burn surgery fellowship at Jacobi Medical Center. I subsequently returned to categorical general surgery residency and now serve as administrative chief resident at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.
Alongside this, I am involved in peer‑reviewed research across hernia, colorectal, thoracic, and gynecologic surgery, present at national and international meetings, and contribute to education and diversity initiatives in several surgical societies. My research centers on patient‑reported measures, and understanding how operative decisions affect patients’ quality of life. I am also completing an Executive MBA to better engage with healthcare systems and improve how surgical care is delivered.
Beginning July 1st, I will move to Toronto for a thoracic surgery and interventional thoracic surgery fellowship for my continued training in thoracic surgery.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nandita
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my family and mentors, who encouraged me to pursue my passion even when the path felt uncertain and kept me grounded.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to lean in as a woman, especially in spaces where you initially feel out of place - such as large leadership meetings or high‑stakes academic discussions. I was taught to get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable, to speak up even when self‑doubt creeps in, and to remember that my presence and perspective are needed at those tables.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering surgery to cultivate perseverance and grit, because the training is demanding, but your resilience will carry you through. Seek out mentors and sponsors who genuinely invest in your growth, say yes to opportunities that stretch you, and do not let imposter syndrome decide whether you belong - your skills and insight do.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is still trying to thrive as a woman in a specialty that has been male dominated for a long time. That shows up in the day‑to‑day life trying to balance between the intensity of surgical training and having family life outside of it, and in how often leadership pathways don’t feel designed with women in mind.
At the same time, there are more women in leadership roles, more honest conversations about work‑life integration guided by surgical organizations, and more networks that actively support women in surgery. Together, these shifts are slowly changing the surgical culture.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and determination are the values that guide me most in both work and life. Determination, for me, is about staying curious, doing the work to improve a technique or answer a research question, and continuing to move forward even when the path is unconventional. Those same values shape how I show up for the people in my life outside of medicine as well.
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