Donna Mendes, MD, is a distinguished vascular surgeon with over 48 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1977. Her expertise lies in vascular surgery and providing comprehensive patient care.
Donna Mendes, MD, reflects on the pioneers who paved the way before her. Her thoughts gravitate towards figures like Elizabeth Blackwell, the inaugural woman to receive a medical degree in the United States in 1849, and Rebecca Lee Crumpler, who, in 1864, shattered barriers as the first African American woman to earn a medical degree in the U.S. These remarkable women, despite the prevailing prejudices of their eras, navigated through obstacles and left a legacy that opened doors for generations of women to make their marks in history.
“I think about what I went through and the difficulties that I had. I can only think of what they had gone through, and I honor them so much for what they did for us,” said Mendes.
Over a century after their achievements, Mendes joined their ranks as the first African American woman certified by the American Board of Surgery in Vascular Surgery in 1986. What resonates with Mendes this Women’s History Month is her unapologetic embrace of herself as a Black woman surgeon. She takes profound pride in her identity, cultivating inner strength by transcending societal boundaries imposed upon her for acceptance.
“You must be proud of yourself and embrace who you are. I want to convey that, especially to younger women reading this article. Love yourself, but keep on pushing. If you want to be a surgeon, put your entire being into it,” said Mendes.
Mendes began her medical journey in 1973, enrolling in Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. She became a surgical resident at St. Luke’s in 1977 and started her vascular fellowship five years later. During her medical career, she faced challenges where her voice was not heard among her higher-ranking residents and attendees and microaggressions from those colleagues. However, Mendes confronted these obstacles head-on, emerging more substantial from the experience.
“They were not defined as micro-aggressions then, but retrospectively, that is what occurred. You had to be tough to deal with the various comments and actions, and I'm certain that made me even stronger,” said Mendes.
Mendes emphasizes the importance of enjoying one's work as a key to success. Her advice rings true as she became the first female Board-Certified African American Vascular Surgeon in the United States, which led to her induction into the Library of Congress. She served as the first chief of vascular surgery at Mount Sinai St. Luke's, received multiple Teacher of the Year awards, and held various leadership roles in different medical institutions. She is presently the vice dean of education at Lenox Hill Hospital.
In addition to her triumphs, Mendes is an active member of the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) and its philanthropic arm, the SVS Foundation. Her leadership shines through as she chaired the Diversity Committee for several years, recognizing the pivotal role diverse voices play in cultivating inclusive and dynamic environments within the medical field.
Mendes underscores the Foundation's mission, emphasizing its commitment to raising awareness about circulatory issues. For her, active group involvement and ensuring that fellow members are apprised of the fundamental aspects of her work as a physician and surgeon catalyze the promotion of awareness.
"It's a crucial initiative, and I believe we all must engage actively in this effort, fostering a broader understanding of circulatory problems," said Mendes.
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