Q&A: How the PWRS Program and Inaugural Report is Empowering Women and Transforming Global Healthcare

Eve Arnera and Thandiwe Munaiwa, MD | Courtesy of © SkinCeuticals

In celebration of Women’s History Month, SkinCeuticals and ReSurge International are unveiling the groundbreaking PWRS Report, showcasing the life-changing impact of the Pioneering Women in Reconstructive Surgery (PWRS) Program. PWRS is fighting gender equity and expanding global access in the field of surgical dermatology by training and empowering first-generation female surgeons to provide life-changing aesthetics procedures in underserved communities.

“The skin we live in shapes how we interact with the world and how we are perceived by others. For those who have suffered great hardships, reconstructive surgery and dermatology work together to restore both function and dignity. Whether it's a woman who was attacked by acid, survived cancer, or suffered a traumatic burn injury, the healing is more than just skin-deep,” Natalie Meyers, MPH, Executive Vice President of Programs and Partnerships at ReSurge said.

Natalie Meyers, MPH, Executive Vice President of Programs and Partnerships at ReSurge | Courtesy of © ReSurge International

In a recent interview, Dermatology Times spoke to Eve Arnera, Senior Vice President of Business Development & Global Marketing at SkinCeuticals and Thandiwe Munaiwa, MD, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in the PWRS Program.

Q&A with Eve Arnera

Dermatology Times: What is the PWRS Program and the corresponding social campaign, “The PWR of Women”?

Arnera: SkinCeuticals’ PWRS Program is a partnership between SkinCeuticals and ReSurge International, designed to support first-generation female reconstructive surgeons in underserved areas. Since 2017, we have worked to increase female representation in the field by providing education and leadership opportunities. Today, there are only 3 women surgeons for every 1 million people in low-income countries, and PWRS is working to change that by training and empowering more women to enter the field, ultimately expanding access to life-changing surgical care in these underserved communities.

To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re excited to release the first-ever PWRS Report, which highlights the program’s impact and the 26 incredible women who have graduated and are making real waves in the world of surgery. Along with the report, we’re launching the "PWR of Women" social series, which features new videos every Wednesday throughout March. These videos showcase the women currently in the program and the positive changes they’re driving in their communities, celebrating their hard work and the ripple effect they’re creating in the healthcare world.

We measure the success of the PWRS Program not just by the number of women trained, but by how those women are making a real difference in their communities. Every milestone is tracked, whether it’s how many people now have access to critical surgical care because of their work, or how these women are taking on leadership roles that continue to expand healthcare resources in regions that have long been underserved. This program isn’t just about training surgeons; it’s about empowering these women to be change-makers, leaders, and catalysts for long-term healthcare transformation.

Dermatology Times: Can you expand upon this groundbreaking collaboration between SkinCeuticals and ReSurge International and its impact on global health care disparities?

Arnera: The collaboration between SkinCeuticals and ReSurge International through the PWRS program is really focused on tackling the huge healthcare disparities we see, especially in underserved regions. 5 billion people worldwide lack access to safe, timely surgical care. For those in underserved countries dealing with burn injuries or congenital conditions, something as simple as reconstructive surgery can completely change their lives. It helps them return to work, fully engage in their communities, attend school, and provide for their families—things that many of us take for granted. It’s truly transformative.

Since the program launched in 2017, SkinCeuticals has committed to donating at least $100,000 USD each year to ReSurge International to support the initiative. Through PWRS, we’ve trained 26 incredible women, helping to expand access to life-saving procedures like burn and cleft lip surgeries across 17 countries. We’ve also seen something truly inspiring—thanks to the PWRS program, seven countries across the globe now have their first female plastic surgeons, breaking barriers and bringing much-needed care to communities in ways they never have before.

Dermatology Times: What are the most noteworthy statistics found in the inaugural PWR Report? How will you use this new research to support the initiative’s long-term goals?

Arnera: The inaugural PWRS Report reveals several impactful statistics that underscore the importance of increasing female representation in surgery to address global healthcare disparities:

• Women make up only 33% of the global surgical workforce, with significant gaps in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa (7%) and India (12%).
• The program has helped elevate the first-ever female plastic surgeons in 7 countries—Bhutan, Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—and continues to impact 18 countries worldwide.
• Each PWRS surgeon can directly treat 17,100 patients, and collectively, a cohort of trained surgeons can impact 2.4 million patients, leading to a total impact of 10 million patients over the careers of 25 graduates.

These statistics really highlight the transformative impact of increasing female representation in the surgical field. Moving forward, this data will play a key role in supporting the long-term goals of the PWRS program, including training more women surgeons, expanding access to healthcare, and improving health equity worldwide. The findings from the report emphasize the importance of continued investment in gender equity within the medical field, helping to shape a more inclusive and impactful global healthcare system.

Dermatology Times: What’s next for the program? How will SkinCeuticals continue to support and amplify the voices of female surgeons?

Arnera: The PWRS program has already made significant strides in empowering female surgeons and expanding access to reconstructive care in underserved regions, but the work is far from over. Moving forward, SkinCeuticals will continue to support the program by expanding its reach, training more first-generation female surgeons, and ensuring these women have the skills, mentorship, and leadership opportunities to make a lasting impact on global healthcare.

Beyond this campaign, SkinCeuticals is committed to continuing to amplify the voices of these women by providing ongoing support and platforms to share their stories. This includes keeping the “PWR of Women” social series going and promoting our award-winning documentary, A Place At The Operating Table, which showcases the inspiring story of remarkable female surgeons in the PWRS Program, ensuring both the documentary and these women get the attention they deserve.

Q&A with Thandiwe Munaiwa, MD

Dermatology Times: Can you describe your personal experience participating in the PWRS program?

Munaiwa: Participating in the PWRS program was a transformative experience that profoundly impacted my personal and professional growth. The program brought together talented and dedicated women in reconstructive surgery from different parts of Africa, Europe, and Asia, providing a unique platform for networking, mentorship, and skill-building. It has been the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Throughout the program, I was inspired by the stories and experiences of my colleagues, who are pushing boundaries and breaking glass ceilings in our field. It was striking to note the similarities in our journeys. The program's emphasis on leadership development, advocacy, and community engagement resonated deeply with me, and I appreciated the opportunity to explore these topics in a supportive and collaborative environment.

One of the most poignant moments of my life occurred at the ReSurge International fundraising gala, where I was overcome with emotion and tears. It was surreal to find myself in a room filled with renowned surgeons and accomplished individuals in America. Growing up in Zimbabwe’s poorest suburbs, I was accustomed to scarcity—even basic necessities like electricity were a luxury. I relied on candlelight to study, and my academic pursuits were nearly derailed by financial constraints. Yet, here I was, surrounded by excellence, and they were listening to my story.

The program's focus on empowering women in reconstructive surgery to take on leadership roles and drive change in our field was particularly impactful, as it has empowered me to take on new challenges and pursue opportunities I may not have otherwise considered.I feel so honored to have been chosen to be a part of the program, as it has equipped me with tools that are transforming my team and the lives of my patients. I was inspired by the program's emphasis on creating a community of supportive peers who can uplift and advocate for one another. The program has also expanded my professional network, providing me with a global community of peers and mentors who share my passion for transforming lives through reconstructive surgery.

Dermatology Times: What inspired you to pursue a career in plastic and reconstructive surgery?

Munaiwa: Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of inadequate burn care in my community. In 2005, one patient left an indelible mark on my memory: a young epileptic girl from my neighborhood who suffered severe burns to her face, chest, and both hands after falling into a fire during an epileptic fit, with no one nearby to help. She was only rescued after the flames had caused significant damage. The injury left her with severe hand contractures, severely limiting her ability to wash, eat, or write. She had become crippled by the injury and, as a result, was now an outcast.At the time, I had no medical background, but I knew that something could be done to help. I vowed to dedicate my career to providing patients with the care they need, to help restore their function, and to enable them to find their place in society once again.

This experience ignited my passion to pursue a career in plastic and reconstructive surgery. My goal is to increase surgical capacity in my country, focusing on restoring form and function to those affected by burns and other debilitating conditions. By doing so, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients and address the significant unmet need for specialized surgical care in my community.

The PWRS program has also helped me develop a stronger sense of purpose and direction. Through its focus on empowering women in reconstructive surgery, I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our field. I am now more committed to using my skills and expertise to make a positive impact on my community and to advocate for the needs of underrepresented groups.

Dermatology Times: What are some of the challenges you face as a woman in this field? How can the industry continue to address these problems, here in the US and around the world?

Munaiwa: As a woman in the field of plastic surgery, I face a unique set of challenges, both personal and professional. One of the most significant obstacles is the lingering presence of gender bias and stereotypes. Despite progress in recent years, women in surgery still encounter skepticism, doubt, and, at times, outright discrimination. I've had patients question my abilities or express a preference for a male surgeon.

Another challenge is achieving a work-life balance. As a single mother of two, there have been times when I missed my children’s important school activities because a patient had a life-threatening injury that required urgent attention. However, I'm grateful that my children understand my commitment. My family has been incredibly supportive in helping me raise my children during times when I’ve had to put my patients first. As a surgeon, the demands of the job can be intense, and the pressure to perform can be overwhelming. Women in surgery often carry a disproportionate burden of caregiving responsibilities, making it even harder to balance personal and professional obligations.

Additionally, there is a lack of representation and mentorship for women in surgery. Women make up a small percentage of the surgical field, and it can be difficult to find role models or mentors who understand the unique challenges we face.

To address these challenges, the industry must continue to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion. This can be achieved through a variety of strategies, including mentorship programs, leadership development, inclusive policies, unconscious bias training, and global outreach.

Dermatology Times: What’s your biggest piece of advice for a female clinician who is just beginning their career, especially in this specialty?

Munaiwa: My biggest piece of advice for a female clinician just beginning her career in plastic and reconstructive surgery is to be confident, assertive, and cultivate a strong sense of self-awareness, resilience, and community.

Firstly, self-awareness is crucial. Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and passions will help you navigate the challenges and opportunities that come your way. Knowing what drives you, what you stand for, and what you want to achieve in your career is key to staying focused and making intentional decisions.

Secondly, resilience is essential in overcoming the obstacles and biases that women often face in male-dominated fields like surgery. Develop coping strategies, prioritize your well-being, and learn to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Remember that resilience is not just about enduring hardships but also about bouncing back stronger and more determined.

Lastly, community is vital. It provides support, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Seek out female role models and mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement. Join professional organizations and networking groups to connect with other women in the field. Don’t hesitate to lift up and support your peers—together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable environment.

Believing in yourself and your abilities cannot be overstated. Continued professional development, even after qualifying, is crucial to stay up to date with the latest advancements and best practices in our field.Stay focused, stay committed, and most importantly, stay true to yourself.