Balancing the Scales: Dr Meghan Dares Featured by the Australian Orthopaedic Association

As part of its International Women's Day campaign, Balance the Scales, the Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA) featured Joint Vision's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Meghan Dares, highlighting her path into orthopaedic surgery and her reflections on leadership, mentorship and the evolving face of the profession.

Orthopaedic surgery has historically had one of the lowest proportions of female practitioners among medical specialties, and the AOA campaign aims to highlight the role visibility, mentorship and inclusive leadership play in shaping the future of the field.

Reflections from Dr Dares

The importance of mentorship

Early mentors played a critical role in encouraging her to pursue orthopaedic surgery, helping her recognise the impact the specialty can have on patients' mobility and quality of life.

Visibility matters

Representation plays a powerful role in shaping career pathways for young doctors. Seeing women operating, leading departments and contributing to research helps expand what feels possible for the next generation of surgeons.

Leadership beyond representation

Through her role at Joint Vision, Dr Dares has helped develop a multidisciplinary orthopaedic model that integrates surgery, imaging, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, reflecting the growing importance of team-based care and communication in achieving strong patient outcomes.

A focus on modern orthopaedic care

Her work in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery, particularly bunion correction and forefoot deformity, reflects broader advances in surgical technique designed to support recovery and patient experience.

Closing

International Women's Day is an opportunity to recognise progress within the profession, and to reflect on how mentorship, visibility and leadership continue to shape the future of orthopaedics.

Read Dr Meghan Dares' full article on the Australian Orthopaedic Association website, or see her profile.