Young M. Erben, MD, FACS, is a vascular surgeon based in Jacksonville, Florida, with a special interest in neurovascular, aortic and peripheral arterial pathology. She has been in practice for the past eight years.
Young M. Erben, MD, FACS, considers herself an early/mid-career vascular surgeon, meaning her accomplishments are still in the making. Her primary purpose and source of motivation is to coach and inspire current medical and pre-med students to pursue their passion in Medicine and the specialty they choose. She stressed how her primary intention is to keep pushing forward, even on her most challenging days, just for the students. “They are my purpose,” she said.
"As a resident and fellow, I often felt out of place and uncomfortable in my own skin, and I interpreted it as part of becoming a vascular surgeon," Dr. Erben said. "Now, looking back, if I could give advice to my younger self, I would say, 'You are doing ok; relax, do your best. You are not alone. Everything else will sort itself out.’"
Empathy and understanding were vital for Dr. Erben during her general surgery training and fellowship days at the Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education in Rochester, Minnesota. Her interest in vascular surgery came from the excellent, compassionate, kind and caring mentorship she received as a trainee from Dr. Peter Gloviczki and two fabulous women vascular surgeons, Drs. Manju Kalra and Audra Duncan. Additionally, she was also mentored by all other members of the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery including Drs. Thomas C. Bower, Gustavo Oderich and Randy De Martino.
"I feel and felt truly blessed to have mentors in my corner to give me advice professionally and personally," she said. "You recognize gems in terms of mentorship and sponsorship when they are there for you intentionally during your high-achieving moments and your lowest and most challenging experiences."
Dr. Erben works closely with the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine medical students and the University of North Florida pre-medical students as a faculty sponsor for the American Medical Women’s Association and the Association of Women Surgeons – Jacksonville chapters; so that young women can see that pursuing a surgical career can be refreshing, fulfilling and possible. Representation is essential to achieve the best medical care for patients, as she stresses how it is vital for patients to see themselves in their providers that care for them.
"There are common lived experiences and cultural nuances that help our patients relate and listen intently to the recommendations given to them. This intimate human connection improves compliance and outcomes," Dr. Erben said.
As a member since 2016, Dr. Erben has seen the Society for Vascular Surgery prioritize representation and equity among all trainees and its members over the years. What began with a diversity, equity and inclusion task force has evolved into an active committee with input in all areas of our society’s activities and processes to improve representation and equity among all committees and councils. The opportunity to participate in such a task force and committee has offered the possibility to also get to know other SVS members, who have enhanced her professional career. A few of those individuals are Drs. Ruth Bush, Sherene Shalhub, Vincent Rowe, Wei Zhuo, Amy Reed, Linda Harris, Palma Shaw, Alan Dardik, Rana Afifi and Karen Woo, among many others.
"Ten years ago, the number of women in vascular surgery was in the single digits regarding the percentage of SVS members. I can attest that the percentage of women trainees has reached 30-35 percent, which will translate into an improved percentage of SVS membership and representation," Dr. Erben said.
Dr. Erben also highlights the SVS Foundation's role in the specialty with its mission to promote vascular health, research and education to prevent and treat vascular diseases. One of the Foundation's goals is the promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to improve the vascular health of all our patients. By enhancing the demographics of the trainees, Dr. Erben believes the membership will be richer and more diverse to mirror our society.
"If I can serve to inspire one young woman to consider vascular surgery as their future career as a result of this AAPI heritage month, then I welcome the opportunity and embrace it. I feel absolutely privileged to be in my position due to all the women and AAPI SVS members that came before me. Their sacrifice and pioneering work do not go unnoticed. It is my honor to pay it forward." Dr. Erben said.
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