Women in Surgery - Dr Eve Gaffney’s story shows how dedication and mentorship shape a surgical career. From her first job at Happythreads to becoming a lecturer and advocate for women surgeons, she inspires the next generation to follow in her footsteps.
Career Beginnings: From Happythreads to Medicine
Before becoming a surgical SHO and lecturer, Dr Eve Gaffney took her first steps in healthcare at just 18 - not in an operating theatre, but in Happythreads. That summer job offered her a first glimpse into the world of healthcare professionals, the people behind the scrubs she helped prepare.
Her passion for medicine was clear from the start. After earning a degree in Molecular Medicine from Trinity College Dublin, she pursued graduate medicine at the University of Limerick, combining her fascination with science and patient care.
During her intern year at Beaumont Hospital, Dr Gaffney rotated through multiple specialities, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, respiratory medicine, and cardiology, developing a deep interest in surgery and the human brain.
Specialising in Surgery: Finding Purpose in Precision
Like many aspiring surgeons, Dr Gaffney was inspired by what she saw both in real life and on screen, from medical dramas like Grey’s Anatomy to her own early experiences in operating rooms.
Her first encounter with a cadaver was, in her words, “visceral but transformative”, a defining moment that confirmed her passion for surgical science.
Today, she’s a clinical lecturer in the Department of Surgery, teaching first-year graduate students and conducting clinical exams. Through her role, she empowers young doctors to grow in confidence, especially women entering surgical training.
Teaching, Mentoring, and Building Confidence
Public speaking once intimidated her, but teaching became a powerful lesson in self-assurance. Standing before future surgeons, Dr Gaffney has learned to lead, inspire, and share her expertise, all while continuing her own growth as an educator and surgical SHO.
Her teaching combines technical skill with empathy, reminding students that surgery is as much about precision as it is about people.
Promoting Women in Surgery: Empowerment through Community
Dr Gaffney is an active member of the Association of Women Surgeons in Ireland, a non-profit founded in 2024 by senior trainees Suzanne Murphy and Laura Staunton.
The association’s mission is simple yet vital:
- To empower women in surgery, promote mentorship, and create a supportive network across Irish hospitals and universities.
With over 150 members, the group hosts both online educational events and in-person conferences, including an annual April conference celebrating the progress of women in surgery.
Dr Gaffney’s involvement highlights her belief in collaboration and visibility — encouraging young women to see themselves not just in medicine, but in leadership.
Why Women in Surgery Matters
Despite progress, gender disparity still exists in surgical specialties. Initiatives like the Association of Women Surgeons in Ireland aim to close that gap by:
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Offering mentorship and peer support
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Highlighting career pathways for women in surgery
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Sharing inspiring success stories like Dr Gaffney’s
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Encouraging inclusivity through visibility on social media
Dr Gaffney’s journey: from picking scrubs to wearing them in the operating theatre - embodies the power of perseverance, education, and representation.
Life Beyond Medicine: Balance, Focus, and Passion
Outside the hospital, Dr Gaffney’s story is just as inspiring. Students often ask how she manages life beyond medicine, and she’s proof that balance isn’t about doing less, but about doing what matters most.
While preparing for her final exams, she earned her black belt in karate, a testament to her discipline and determination. During medical school, she also got engaged, made lifelong international friendships, and stayed committed to her hobbies, each one helping her recharge and stay focused.
By setting clear boundaries and making time for what matters, she shows that a career in surgery doesn’t mean sacrificing personal joy or identity.
Check out our Healthcare uniforms and scrubs for women that support professionals throughout their careers.
FAQ
What is the Association of Women Surgeons in Ireland?
Founded in 2024, it’s a professional network supporting women in surgical careers through mentorship, events, and advocacy across Irish hospitals and universities.
How can medical students join the Association?
Students can join via social media links or directly through hospital representatives. Membership is open to all interested in promoting equality in surgery.
What inspired Dr Eve Gaffney’s career in surgery?
Her early exposure to healthcare at Happythreads and her academic journey through molecular medicine and neurosurgery shaped her path to becoming a lecturer and surgical SHO.