March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of women and inspire the next generation of leaders. At University Orthopedics, hand and upper extremity surgeon Dr. Vanessa Lund is doing just that—sharing her passion for orthopedic surgery and encouraging young women to explore careers in medicine.

Dr. Lund specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery, treating conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, and nerves of the upper extremity. For her, the field of orthopedics is not just a profession—it’s a privilege.

“I think I have one of the best jobs in the world,” says Dr. Lund. “It’s a privilege and I feel grateful all the time that I get to do this as my job.”

A Career That Combines Science, Skill, and Problem Solving

Orthopedic surgery focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles. Within this field, Dr. Lund’s specialty—hand and upper extremity surgery—allows her to restore movement and function to patients’ hands and arms.

For individuals who enjoy working with their hands and solving complex problems, orthopedics can be an incredibly rewarding career.

“It’s such a beautiful physical field where you’re using your hands to help other people,” Dr. Lund explains. “If you like puzzles, fixing things, and making things work again, this is a great field for you.”

Advice for Young Women Interested in Medicine

For young women considering a career in medicine or orthopedics, Dr. Lund emphasizes the importance of exploration and hands-on experience.

Her advice: Dive in early and learn as much as possible about the field.

Students can gain valuable insight by:

• Shadowing physicians in clinical settings

• Observing procedures or surgeries when possible

• Watching surgical videos to better understand the work surgeons perform

• Asking questions and learning about different medical specialties

These experiences can help students decide whether medicine—and specifically orthopedics—is the right path for them.

“Really try to figure out if medicine is something you’d be interested in,” she says. “Once you’re in it, it’s going to consume a lot of your time, so it’s important to know it’s the right fit.”

The Importance of Mentorship

Another key factor in building a successful medical career is finding the right mentors.

Dr. Lund encourages aspiring physicians to seek guidance from experienced professionals who are willing to share their knowledge and support their growth.

“It doesn’t matter if they’re a man or a woman—anyone who is generous with their time and willing to teach you can be a great mentor,” she says.

Mentors can provide advice, share career insights, and help students navigate the challenges and opportunities within medicine.

Going All In

For students who decide orthopedics is the right path, Dr. Lund recommends fully immersing themselves in the field.

That means gaining as much experience as possible during training—observing surgeries, learning from different physicians, and exploring the many subspecialties within orthopedics.

“Jump in as much as you can—work with as many doctors as possible and learn everything you can about the field before you’re in practice on your own.”

Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Orthopedics

While orthopedics has traditionally been a male-dominated field, more women are entering the specialty and helping to shape its future.

Dr. Lund hopes her message encourages young women considering medicine to take that first step.

“I love being a doctor. I love being in medicine, and I certainly love orthopedics,” she says. “I hope young women who are considering it give it a shot and learn as much as they can about the field.”

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, stories like Dr. Lund’s highlight the importance of representation, mentorship, and passion in inspiring the next generation of physicians.