A trailblazer among surgeons at Ipswich Hospital is working to give rising female doctors and medical hopefuls greater visibility of female mentors in the operating theatre.

Dr Susan Bell became the first female general surgeon to join Ipswich Hospital on a permanent basis when she joined West Moreton Health in 2017. She is among a strong line-up of female health carers and leaders to inspire others during Queensland Women’s Week and International Women’s Day this month.