Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 1st Woman Surgeon-in-Chief at Connecticut Children's

Christine Finck, MD, FACS is the first woman to hold the position of surgeon-in-chief at Connecticut Children’s and is one of six women surgeon-in-chiefs at 45 children’s hospitals around the country. Dr. Finck is also the health system’s chief of the Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery. She specializes in neonatal surgery, diseases of premature newborns, and lung abnormalities, among other conditions

Christine shares her thoughts on becoming a surgeon, her advice for young women, and what she likes most about Connecticut Children’s. She’s one of six women surgeon-in-chiefs at 45 children’s hospitals across the country.

What inspired you to become a surgeon?

Dr. Finck: I was inspired to become a surgeon ever since I can remember. As a child, I always enjoyed working with people, I enjoyed science a lot, and I always knew I was going to go to medical school. My parents used to make fun of me because I would always look at taking the anatomy classes. I loved science. I always got charged up when I would be able to do some of the anatomical dissections on the worms. When I was pre-med in college, I loved all of the courses and I particularly loved volunteering in the hospitals. What I loved about that the most was the fact that I got to help people. All I did was deliver supplies here and there but I got to talk with people and try to help them on their journey when they were ill.

What women in history served as role models for you?

Dr. Finck: Obviously, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell was very important as one of the first female physicians. I went to Syracuse University for medical school, which was founded in her honor so she was definitely somebody in history that inspired me. In my training, Dr. Patricia Numann, who became one of the first women to be the president of the American College of Surgeons, was a very strong mentor for me. Her dedication to caring for her patients, while rising up to a leadership position within our quintessential organization during a difficult time is very inspiring.

What message do you have for girls or young women as they determine their future career paths?

Dr. Finck: My message would be to follow your heart and follow your dreams. Never say you can’t do something because with dedication and tenacity you can do anything you want.

What do you like most about being part of the Connecticut Children’s team?

Dr. Finck: What I really love most about Connecticut Children’s are the people. The people are who I get up for every day and come to not only serve but to work among, and our patients that we care for, I couldn’t think of a better job.

What books focused on women’s issues would you recommend to team members?

Dr. Finck: There are so many books to choose from. Here are a few that I enjoyed:

• “My Own Words” by the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
• “On Women in Leadership” which is a compilation of articles published by the Harvard Business Review
• “Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace: A Practical Guide for Employers and Employees” by Gill Hasson and Donna Butler