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Susan C. Pitt, MD, MPHS

Media

Changing What a Surgeon Looks Like

From a single photo to a global movement — championing gender equity in surgery, mentoring the next generation, and bringing surgical care to communities around the world.

400M+

Impressions

53+

Countries

7

Continents

The Movement

#NYerORCoverChallenge

In April 2017, illustrator Malika Favre’s New Yorker cover depicted four female surgeons from the patient’s perspective. Dr. Pitt saw the cover and challenged women surgeons worldwide to recreate it.

The response was immediate and extraordinary. Within days, women surgeons on every continent were posting their own versions, creating a powerful visual statement about who belongs in the operating room.

The challenge was covered by CNN, The New Yorker, the Washington Post, CBS News, BuzzFeed, HuffPost, Elle France, and hundreds of other outlets worldwide — reaching over 400 million people across 53 countries on all 7 continents.

Journal of Surgical Research cover featuring the #NYerORCoverChallenge mosaic
The New Yorker cover alongside surgeon recreations
Women surgeons in the operating room
#ILookLikeASurgeon mosaic of women surgeons
Surgeons recreating the New Yorker cover
400M+

Impressions

53+

Countries

7

Continents

Press & Media

Featured In

Women surgeons standing together in the operating room

Leadership

Women in Medicine

Dr. Pitt is a dedicated advocate for gender equity in surgery, serving in leadership roles that advance opportunities for women at every career stage.

  • Chair, Michigan Women’s Surgical Collaborative
  • Vice Chair for Faculty Development, Department of Surgery
  • AMWA Exceptional Mentor Award (2018)
  • Endocrine Care Innovation Award, AACE (2025)
  • Published on gender equity in surgery in Academic Medicine and JAMA Network Open
  • 46+ trainees mentored across medical students, residents, and fellows
  • Founded and led the viral #NYerORCoverChallenge reaching 53+ countries

“Visibility is necessary but not sufficient. A viral moment can open doors, but only sustained effort can keep them open.”

— Dr. Susan C. Pitt

Service

Global Surgical Missions

Dr. Pitt extends her surgical expertise beyond the walls of academic medicine through international mission work, providing critical surgical care to underserved communities.

Surgery during Kenya Relief mission

East Africa

Kenya Relief

Providing essential surgical care to communities in East Africa with limited access to trained surgeons and medical infrastructure.

International Surgical Missions team in Central America

Central America

International Surgical Missions

Partnering with local medical teams across Central America to deliver surgical care and build sustainable clinical capacity.