How the PWRS Program Is Empowering the Next Generation of Female Surgeons with SkinCeuticals and ReSurge —E.753
In this special episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta sat down with Erica Tan, Global Marketing Director at SkinCeuticals, and Dr. Tinga Nyoni, a surgeon and PWRS scholar, to discuss the groundbreaking PWRS (Pioneering Women in Reconstructive Surgery) Program.
The Birth of the PWRS Program
Launched in 2017, the PWRS program is the result of a powerful partnership between SkinCeuticals and ReSurge International. As the world’s leading medical aesthetic brand and part of L’Oréal, SkinCeuticals recognized its responsibility to leverage its resources for global good. The program focuses on supporting first-generation female reconstructive surgeons from low- and middle-income countries by providing surgical training, leadership coaching, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Dr. Nyoni’s Journey
Dr. Tinga Nyoni shared her personal experience with the PWRS program, explaining how it provided critical mentorship and training during her surgical education in Zimbabwe. She emphasized how the program bridges differences across countries and backgrounds, helping surgeons find common ground and shared challenges. For Dr. Nyoni, PWRS not only improved her technical skills but also strengthened her confidence and leadership abilities, enabling her to become a role model for future generations.
SkinCeuticals’ Core Values and Commitment
Erica Tan explained that SkinCeuticals’ mission goes beyond skincare; it is dedicated to promoting a more equitable world. Citing studies showing better patient outcomes with female surgeons, she stressed the importance of gender equity in medicine, especially in surgery where women are significantly underrepresented. Through the PWRS program, SkinCeuticals seeks to empower women to lead in their fields, create systemic change, and improve global access to quality surgical care.
Beyond Surgical Training: A 360° Approach
What sets the PWRS program apart is its comprehensive approach. Participants receive advanced surgical training alongside executive coaching to develop “soft skills” like conflict resolution, leadership, and communication. Each scholar is also paired with a mentor for one-on-one guidance, ensuring ongoing support. SkinCeuticals funds nearly every aspect of the program for two full years, making it one of the most intensive and impactful initiatives within the L’Oréal organization.
The Documentary: A Place at the Operating Table
To shed light on the program’s profound impact, SkinCeuticals produced a documentary, A Place at the Operating Table, featuring Dr. Nyoni and her mentee, Tandi. Rather than promoting the brand, the film focuses on the real stories of women whose lives and careers have been transformed, showcasing their resilience, leadership, and commitment to serving their communities.
A Global Ripple Effect
The numbers speak volumes: as of today, PWRS graduates and scholarship recipients have the potential to impact nearly 10 million lives throughout their careers. Each graduate not only directly treats patients but also trains future surgeons, exponentially multiplying the program’s influence.
Looking Ahead
SkinCeuticals hopes the PWRS program will continue to dismantle systemic barriers in medicine by fostering representation, confidence, and leadership among women in surgery. The long-term vision is clear: by empowering these women, the program is creating a sustainable, global shift in healthcare access and equity.
This episode of Skin Anarchy offered an inspiring glimpse into how strategic partnerships, meaningful mentorship, and true investment in human potential can change the face of medicine — one surgeon, and one community, at a time.
Check out SkinCeutical’s Instagram and website, as well as Resurge International’s Instagram and website to learn more. Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Reach out to us through email with any questions.
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