1001 Cuts explores the experiences of women in the high-stakes professional world of surgery. These women, the daughters of Title IX legislation passed in 1972 banning gender discrimination in higher education— benefited from unprecedented access to workplaces historically controlled by men. Dozens of surgeons who are women share their experiences from years of routine gender harassment and discrimination, and offer hope and insights for the creation of a more inclusive future.
Since 2003, half of American medical students have been women. Despite persistent gendered cultural perceptions about what a surgeon looks like, nearly half of the physicians training in surgical fields today are women. Yet surgical culture remains masculine with leadership disproportionately and predominantly male. Stereotypes and gender-based discrimination persist within the workplace due to a top-down environment that often overlooks women's needs. Sexual harassment is treated as the norm, and surgical tools and infrastructure are designed to accommodate male bodies. Despite these challenges, ample evidence demonstrates that women are just as good — if not better — at delivering care. Within surgery, the failure to implement cultural change has wide ranging impacts on the careers of women, some of whom are forced out of their profession, and ultimately harms patients with less qualified and dedicated medical professionals actively participating in the workforce.
For as many women who shared their stories in this documentary, there were many more who chose anonymity for fear of retaliation in their workplace. The surgeons and medical students featured in 1001 Cuts represent the untold numbers of extraordinarily dedicated physicians who work every day to improve the health and lives of their patients despite innumerable barriers.
"This thoughtful, engaging film would make for a wonderful introduction for any group discussion on gender inequality or health care culture. Highly Recommended." — Kay Hogan Smith, Educational Media Reviews Online
"Temkin's documentary is insightful and unique in how Temkin uses the lens of a physician who herself experienced the brutal ways women surgeons are treated by their colleagues and the medical system. This is a documentary for anyone who wants to have the best US medical system because it sheds light on how this goal is severely compromised by the way gender inequity is part and parcel of that system, yet is commonly ignored." — Theresa Morris, PhD, Professor of Sociology / Director & Professor, Women's and Gender Studies, Texas A&M University
"A powerful film that gave a face and a voice to issues of inclusivity in surgical professions. Through bringing issues of inclusion, bias and mistreatment out of the shadows, this film provides an important platform to bringing about meaningful change for women surgeons." — Washington University in St. Louis Women in Surgery Collaborative Group
"1001 Cuts is a masterwork in gender equity in surgery. The film brings to light just how deep issues like gender harassment, the discrimination inherent in the built and physical environment of surgery and gender bias have soaked into the surgical soil. This should be required watching for any person with a body who may one day require an operation." — Jason Keune, MD, practicing surgeon
"Dr. Temkin skillfully uses the voices of a diverse group of women surgeons to highlight the underlying struggles women face in pursuing and maintaining careers in surgery... Watching the film evokes a range of emotions, from pride in surviving the journey to disbelief at the obstacles we continue to face. What stands out most is how little has changed in the past several decades. The subtle, yet pervasive, challenges women surgeons endure on a daily basis are often overlooked, but 1001 Cuts brings them into sharp focus. This film is not only essential viewing for our male colleagues, but also for hospital administrators. It offers an important opportunity for them to understand how women surgeons are 'cut' in ways that are often invisible but deeply impactful." — The Association of Women Surgeons
Citation
Main credits
Temkin, Sarah M. (filmmaker)
Temkin, Sarah M. (film producer)
Chisholm, Richard (film producer)
Mayers, Ryan (film producer)
Other credits
Director of photography, Richard Chisholm; editing, Ryan Mayers.
