On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, ISAPS invited me to reflect on leadership, mentoring and the future of our specialty. Here’s what I think.
Giving to Grow: Why Mentoring is the most powerful investment in Plastic Surgery.
When ISAPS asked me to participate in their International Women’s Day campaign under the slogan “Give to Gain”, I didn’t take a second to say yes. Because that slogan is not just a nice slogan: it sums up exactly the philosophy that guides my career as a plastic surgeon, researcher, mentor and promoter of young talent in Spain and internationally.
In this article I share my views on mentorship in plastic surgery, the growing role of women in our specialty, and why I believe that the most valuable professional legacy is not measured in awards, but in the impact we leave on those who come after us.
Leadership today: beyond representation
Serving ISAPS as National Secretary and Mentor is not simply a matter of representation. It is, first and foremost, a stewardship and stewardship responsibility for our specialty.
Plastic surgery is evolving at breakneck speed. With innovation comes responsibility. I firmly believe that leadership today must focus on safeguarding scientific integrity while fostering global collaboration. My mission as National Secretary for Spain is to ensure that our surgeons are not only participants in the international dialogue, but active contributors to it: through research, education and ethical practice.
Mentoring as strategic succession planning
There is a phrase I repeat often: mentoring is not altruism, it is planning for the future. If we want ISAPS to remain the world reference in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, we must intentionally prepare the next generation to lead with rigor, ethics and vision.
“Give to Gain” perfectly reflects this philosophy. When we invest in people and structures, we gain continuity, credibility and long-term impact. There is no better return on investment.
The moment that most marked me as a mentor was seeing one of my mentees present her independent research at an international conference. Not as an observer, but as a speaker, as a contributor. That is the moment when mentoring becomes a legacy: when the mentee stops depending on the guide and starts generating knowledge and mentoring others. This multiplier effect is what guarantees the evolution of our specialty.
Women in plastic surgery: from visibility to governance
In the last 5-10 years, the transformation has been remarkable: we have moved from visibility to governance. Women no longer contribute only as surgeons and speakers, but as policy leaders, researchers and institutional architects. This diversity in decision-making bodies is not just equity: it strengthens decision-making for the entire specialty.
But the real milestone is not participation; it is normalization. When leadership is meritocratic and inclusive by default – not as an exception – we will have reached maturity as a specialty. We are heading in that direction, but sustainability will depend on continued mentorship, academic productivity and structural support.
My advice to young surgeons: think long term.
If I could give only one piece of advice to my mentees, it would be this: build your career as you would build a solid institution-with a firm foundation in science, uncompromising ethics, and strategic collaboration.
Recognition is temporary; credibility is cumulative.
The ISAPS Mentoring Program: join or support it
If you are a resident or young surgeon and would like access to world-class mentors, or if you are a senior surgeon ready to contribute to the next generation, I invite you to learn about the ISAPS Mentoring Program. It is one of the most transformative initiatives of our scientific society and a real example that giving – time, knowledge, experience – is the best investment we can make.
Happy International Women’s Day to all of you who -in and out of the operating rooms- continue to build a more equitable, rigorous and brighter future for cosmetic surgery worldwide.
– Dr. Patricia Gutiérrez-Ontalvilla
Plastic Surgeon – ISAPS Mentor – National Secretary ISAPS Spain
