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When I'm a Surgeon
Girl Power!
"You can't be what you can't see." Marian Wright Edelman; Famous Female Leader.
Children assign gender stereotypes to jobs in early childhood.
These gender stereotypes are influenced by who they know, what they see on TV and media, and they define their career aspirations.
Dreams and aspirations lead to motivation, self-confidence, self-esteem and skills.
Dr Samantha Pillay, surgeon and role-model, is no stranger to overcoming adversity. She finished school at age sixteen, after starting school in a wheelchair. She believes "once children have a vision and believe in their goals - anything is possible."
A must-read for the next generation of leaders.
"You can't be what you can't see." Marian Wright Edelman; Famous Female Leader.
Children assign gender stereotypes to jobs in early childhood.
These gender stereotypes are influenced by who they know, what they see on TV and media, and they define their career aspirations.
Dreams and aspirations lead to motivation, self-confidence, self-esteem and skills.
Dr Samantha Pillay, surgeon and role-model, is no stranger to overcoming adversity. She finished school at age sixteen, after starting school in a wheelchair. She believes "once children have a vision and believe in their goals - anything is possible."
A must-read for the next generation of leaders.
38 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2021
3 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Pillay
13 books20 followersDr Samantha Pillay OAM's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Diagnosed late with congenital hip dysplasia, she underwent multiple corrective surgeries during her childhood. Despite starting school in a wheelchair, Samantha graduated at 16, graduating in medicine from the University of Adelaide in 1992. She broke new ground by becoming the first female urological surgeon in South Australia. In 2025 she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to urology.
Driven by a vision to provide specialized incontinence treatments to women in South Australia, Samantha became the first urologist in Australia to focus exclusively on female and functional urology. In 2002 she founded Continence Matters, a Centre of Excellence in women's health.
Her leadership extends beyond her practice. Dr Pillay has held numerous influential positions, including serving as Chair of the Female Urology Special Advisory Group for the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand from 2007 to 2013. She was the first woman to represent South Australia on the Board of Urology from 2003 to 2006, the first female scientific convenor for their Annual Scientific Meeting in 2007, and the first female chair of the South Australian Urology section in 2017.
As a single mother, Dr Pillay has dedicated her career to addressing incontinence, reducing stigma, and educating medical professionals and the public. She developed an online Continence Course to fill gaps in medical education and ensure that healthcare providers are well-equipped to manage this often-overlooked condition.
She is a five-time international Amazon No. 1 best-selling author. Her first book, "The No Recipe Cookbook," is a unique guide for people who don't cook, offering an intuitive approach to cooking that saves time, money, and calories.
Following this success, as a strong advocate for breaking gender stereotypes and shattering the glass ceiling for women, she authored When I'm a Surgeon, the first book in the Inspirational Careers for Kids picture book and activity book series. The series continued with the release of Book Two, When I'm an Entrepreneur, Book Three, When I'm an Astronaut, Book Four, When I'm the President, and Book Five, When I'm the Prime Minister. These books aim to inspire children to pursue their dreams regardless of societal expectations.
When I’m the President has received the following accolades:
• 2024 American Children's Fiction Award Winner
• Golden Wizard 2024 Book Prize Winner
• 2024 Firebird Book Award Winner
• Reader's Favorite Five-Star Review
• Global Book Awards 2024 Finalist
• NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite 2024
Samantha's contributions have not gone unnoticed. She was a finalist for SA Australian of the Year in 2022 and a 2023 State Finalist for the Telstra Best of Business Award in two categories: Accelerating Women and Championing Health. She was the 2024 winner of the Women in Innovation Social Impact award.
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Pillay emphasizes the importance of dreaming big. Despite her challenges, she achieved more than she ever imagined possible. Her advice to young girls is simple yet profound: "Take your dream, double it, and double it again." Through her work, Samantha Pillay continues to inspire the next generation to reach for the stars and make their dreams a reality.
Driven by a vision to provide specialized incontinence treatments to women in South Australia, Samantha became the first urologist in Australia to focus exclusively on female and functional urology. In 2002 she founded Continence Matters, a Centre of Excellence in women's health.
Her leadership extends beyond her practice. Dr Pillay has held numerous influential positions, including serving as Chair of the Female Urology Special Advisory Group for the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand from 2007 to 2013. She was the first woman to represent South Australia on the Board of Urology from 2003 to 2006, the first female scientific convenor for their Annual Scientific Meeting in 2007, and the first female chair of the South Australian Urology section in 2017.
As a single mother, Dr Pillay has dedicated her career to addressing incontinence, reducing stigma, and educating medical professionals and the public. She developed an online Continence Course to fill gaps in medical education and ensure that healthcare providers are well-equipped to manage this often-overlooked condition.
She is a five-time international Amazon No. 1 best-selling author. Her first book, "The No Recipe Cookbook," is a unique guide for people who don't cook, offering an intuitive approach to cooking that saves time, money, and calories.
Following this success, as a strong advocate for breaking gender stereotypes and shattering the glass ceiling for women, she authored When I'm a Surgeon, the first book in the Inspirational Careers for Kids picture book and activity book series. The series continued with the release of Book Two, When I'm an Entrepreneur, Book Three, When I'm an Astronaut, Book Four, When I'm the President, and Book Five, When I'm the Prime Minister. These books aim to inspire children to pursue their dreams regardless of societal expectations.
When I’m the President has received the following accolades:
• 2024 American Children's Fiction Award Winner
• Golden Wizard 2024 Book Prize Winner
• 2024 Firebird Book Award Winner
• Reader's Favorite Five-Star Review
• Global Book Awards 2024 Finalist
• NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite 2024
Samantha's contributions have not gone unnoticed. She was a finalist for SA Australian of the Year in 2022 and a 2023 State Finalist for the Telstra Best of Business Award in two categories: Accelerating Women and Championing Health. She was the 2024 winner of the Women in Innovation Social Impact award.
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Pillay emphasizes the importance of dreaming big. Despite her challenges, she achieved more than she ever imagined possible. Her advice to young girls is simple yet profound: "Take your dream, double it, and double it again." Through her work, Samantha Pillay continues to inspire the next generation to reach for the stars and make their dreams a reality.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 19, 2021
Seeing greatness in our children is the big and having our children seeing the greatness of caring for others is a gift that keeps giving. The illustrations of a little girl great aspirations of being a surgeon and how it will affect those around her will have your child seeing great things. Thinking about others and giving to others. Books like this is a ideal in starting conversations. It brings confidence and compassion. A confidence that gives to others and a compassion that acts.
A special thank you to Netgalley and the Author for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A special thank you to Netgalley and the Author for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
August 19, 2021
Written simply, with a very positive and informative message, this book walks through responsibilities and strengths of a modern surgeon; business owner, public speaker, trainer, community leader, etc.
It is also careful to point out possibilities, such as being good at all of these things plus being a good parent (mother).
The purpose is clearly empowerment, and although I don't plan to go into that field, I have some of the skills mentioned (or am working on them), and I felt uplifted and encouraged.
This book would be a great gift for anyone who values the education of girls, higher education, and continuing education. Any formal location where children have a few minutes to fill, would be ideal for this book.
Illustrator, Harry Aveira, gives the book a clean and pleasant atmosphere. But the little gray cat won me over! (It's especially adorable.)
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the preview of this forward-thinking ebook!
5/5 Stars!
#WhenImASurgeon #NetGalley
It is also careful to point out possibilities, such as being good at all of these things plus being a good parent (mother).
The purpose is clearly empowerment, and although I don't plan to go into that field, I have some of the skills mentioned (or am working on them), and I felt uplifted and encouraged.
This book would be a great gift for anyone who values the education of girls, higher education, and continuing education. Any formal location where children have a few minutes to fill, would be ideal for this book.
Illustrator, Harry Aveira, gives the book a clean and pleasant atmosphere. But the little gray cat won me over! (It's especially adorable.)
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the preview of this forward-thinking ebook!
5/5 Stars!
#WhenImASurgeon #NetGalley
August 7, 2021
I love this concept, and I like the big, bright, engaging illustrations. However, there were a couple of things that gave me pause. Firstly, while I like the career exploration element of explaining what various jobs entail, the roles eventually went a bit far afield ("When I'm a surgeon I'll be a wonderful mother" "Write children's books"???). I think I get the author's intent in including things like that, but the nuance might be lost on the intended audience.
Also, I wasn't crazy about a bit of food shaming included. I'd prefer kids to learn about food in a value-neutral way, so picking an apple over a cupcake is not an inherently "good" or "bad" decision.
With these things in mind, I probably wouldn't introduce this book in my classroom, but I wouldn't discourage a child who picked it up on their own.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
Also, I wasn't crazy about a bit of food shaming included. I'd prefer kids to learn about food in a value-neutral way, so picking an apple over a cupcake is not an inherently "good" or "bad" decision.
With these things in mind, I probably wouldn't introduce this book in my classroom, but I wouldn't discourage a child who picked it up on their own.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
August 12, 2021
What a wonderful book! I wish I had this to give to my children when they were younger to explain what Mom and Dad do for a living. We are both in medicine and the points on each page of this book are spot on! Especially as a woman in the medical field, balancing the parent and doctor lifestyle takes extra work, but is totally worthwhile. I love that this was a part of the child's dream of what her life would be as an adult, a balance between all the aspects of the career as well as home life.
The illustrations are adorable as well. I love the development from the girl's bedroom to an imagined office or travel experience to come later. Precious and well done!
Highly recommend for children everywhere, even if it is to break the stereotype of doctors/surgeons only being men or for that child who might be considering this for themselves.
#whenimasurgeon #NetGalley. #SamanthaPillay #HarryAveira
The illustrations are adorable as well. I love the development from the girl's bedroom to an imagined office or travel experience to come later. Precious and well done!
Highly recommend for children everywhere, even if it is to break the stereotype of doctors/surgeons only being men or for that child who might be considering this for themselves.
#whenimasurgeon #NetGalley. #SamanthaPillay #HarryAveira
September 24, 2021
This is a wonderful book showing all the things the young girl is going to do when she becomes a surgeon. My favorite is “When I’m a surgeon, I’ll be an inspirational leader.” It shows that many different hats are worn as a surgeon.
The author speaks from her own experience as a urological surgeon. She overcame many hardships as a young child and novice surgeon. Her enthusiastic nature comes out in this book. I love that the sentences are simple and easy to read but convey such a profound message.
The illustrations are wonderful. The characters are cute with big eyes. The backgrounds are full and colorful.
I received an ARC from Samantha Pillay through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.
The author speaks from her own experience as a urological surgeon. She overcame many hardships as a young child and novice surgeon. Her enthusiastic nature comes out in this book. I love that the sentences are simple and easy to read but convey such a profound message.
The illustrations are wonderful. The characters are cute with big eyes. The backgrounds are full and colorful.
I received an ARC from Samantha Pillay through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.
September 14, 2021
This is such a wonderful and inspiring children's book. Medicine and surgery especially are such a male dominated professions so I thought it was wonderful to have a little girl as the main character of this book. I loved that the book started off focusing on the things most people would associate with a career in medicine but also touches on many other roles and characteristics of a medical professional such as being a leader in the community. My favourite part is the title "when I'M a surgeon", this is a determined little girl who's not dreaming of being a surgeon but rather knows she will be. "Dream big, aim high" - When I'm a Surgeon.
A special thank you to Netgalley and the publiisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A special thank you to Netgalley and the publiisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
October 6, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and the author for a copy of "When I'm a Surgeon" in exchange for an honest review.
The main points that this book teaches children is that they should dream big and aim high. The graphics are brilliant and colourful. A young girl dreams of all the things she will do as a doctor. She wants to stitch people better, work with robots, deal with emergencies, care for community, train and teach others, make good decisions, always be learning, make scientific discoveries, travel the world, be a great public speaker, manage a business, be an inspirational leader, be a wonderful mother and write children's books.
This is a great conversation start with children - asking them what they would like to be when they grow up and what they might be able to do in that career.
The main points that this book teaches children is that they should dream big and aim high. The graphics are brilliant and colourful. A young girl dreams of all the things she will do as a doctor. She wants to stitch people better, work with robots, deal with emergencies, care for community, train and teach others, make good decisions, always be learning, make scientific discoveries, travel the world, be a great public speaker, manage a business, be an inspirational leader, be a wonderful mother and write children's books.
This is a great conversation start with children - asking them what they would like to be when they grow up and what they might be able to do in that career.
August 19, 2021
Samantha Pillay has created a book for young children about the many roles a surgeon plays. She has talked about how a surgeon not only does important things in a operating room but also in a lab or a meeting. The illustrations show the equipment in a operating room made out of house hold tools that can make more sense to young children. It is interesting to know that this book was based on a real person. It shows that any one can do these things if they work hard on it. I think would be a good book for preschool or younger elementary children and would make a great addition to classroom or school library. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.
October 25, 2021
My two year old son loved this book. As a parent that wants the best for my child I appreciate the concept of introducing great career options to get him thinking about from the very start. I love that this book is specifically about being a surgeon and not just a generic doctor.
The illustrations aren't my personal favorite style but they were cute enough and my son found them very engaging which is what really matters.
The true test of a book for my toddler is if the messaging is good and if my toddler wants to reread it often. This story passed both tests with flying colors. My son made me reread this to him six times in a row. I call that a success.
Five stars.
The illustrations aren't my personal favorite style but they were cute enough and my son found them very engaging which is what really matters.
The true test of a book for my toddler is if the messaging is good and if my toddler wants to reread it often. This story passed both tests with flying colors. My son made me reread this to him six times in a row. I call that a success.
Five stars.
October 26, 2021
When I'm a Surgeon by Dr. Samantha Pillay is a beautifully illustrated book about the opportunities that could arise if a young reader were aspiring to become a surgeon. It started off with relevant material and then I felt it got a little more personal about the author towards the end. I think it should have been a bit more clear at the beginning of the book that it was specifically about Dr. Samantha Pillay.
I wasn't a fan of the page about correlating becoming a surgeon making someone a wonderful mother. Another page that felt too personal to the author was the page about becoming a surgeon and writing a children's book about it but kudos to the surgeon/author for becoming both. It truly is inspirational.
I'm a big fan of inspiring children to have medical aspirations and I would recommend this one for young readers. Thank you to Net Galley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't a fan of the page about correlating becoming a surgeon making someone a wonderful mother. Another page that felt too personal to the author was the page about becoming a surgeon and writing a children's book about it but kudos to the surgeon/author for becoming both. It truly is inspirational.
I'm a big fan of inspiring children to have medical aspirations and I would recommend this one for young readers. Thank you to Net Galley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2021
The concept and artwork are really nice, but the actual writing content is super lackluster. With sentences like "When I'm a surgeon I'll make good decisions" (Okay about what?) and "When I'm a surgeon, I'll always be learning" (Again, about what?), I found that this book really isn't that insightful or inspiring for children to want to grow up and be a surgeon.
Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2021
I loved this book!!
Not only does it have beautiful illustrations but it tackles gender stereotypes formed at an early age head-on. The open-ended description of the many roles of a surgeon not only allows childrens' imagination to flourish but shows them that being a surgeon isn't just about surgery. A wonderful book that I'm sure will inspire many children and teach them to believe in themselves and fulfil their dreams.
Not only does it have beautiful illustrations but it tackles gender stereotypes formed at an early age head-on. The open-ended description of the many roles of a surgeon not only allows childrens' imagination to flourish but shows them that being a surgeon isn't just about surgery. A wonderful book that I'm sure will inspire many children and teach them to believe in themselves and fulfil their dreams.
October 8, 2021
I received an electronic copy from Samantha Pillay through NetGalley.
This young girl dreams big in all ways. She shares her career plan with readers and offers them a look at what being a surgeon will involve. We see how she plays and plans in the present and dreams for the future. Her dreams span a variety of careers wrapped around being a surgeon. I love that she already understands she also will have a life beyond her career.
This young girl dreams big in all ways. She shares her career plan with readers and offers them a look at what being a surgeon will involve. We see how she plays and plans in the present and dreams for the future. Her dreams span a variety of careers wrapped around being a surgeon. I love that she already understands she also will have a life beyond her career.
November 10, 2021
The concept and artwork are really nice, but the actual writing content is super lackluster. With sentences like "When I'm a surgeon I'll make good decisions" (Okay about what?) and "When I'm a surgeon, I'll always be learning" (Again, about what?), I found that this book really isn't that insightful or inspiring for children to want to grow up and be a surgeon.
Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review
December 14, 2021
Very cute book with fun illustrations. The book is aimed toward a younger audience with easy to read sentences. It highlights a little girl who has the dream to become a surgeon and everything she wants to do when she is one. Ranging from traveling, public speaking, helping others, learning, having a family, and so much more. Great book to help show kids that you can do anything, and how much you can do within your life and dreams you have as well.
August 30, 2021
Dream and dream big.
I like it. The story is simple, to the point and with beautiful illustrations.
One thing I didn't get. How choosing an apple over a cupcake is considered "making good decisions"!! Kids love sweets so we can't shaming them for that choice.
PS. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange of a review.
I like it. The story is simple, to the point and with beautiful illustrations.
One thing I didn't get. How choosing an apple over a cupcake is considered "making good decisions"!! Kids love sweets so we can't shaming them for that choice.
PS. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange of a review.
October 5, 2021
I adored this book! The illustrations are incredible and I love how every pages smashes through gender inequalities. I was proud to share this one with my daughter and I hope the author creates more like it!
February 14, 2022
I picked this up on a whim and I love it! Its so cute and its such a great message for kids with amazing pictures!
I gave it to my brother to read and he also loves it!!
Get this for yourself or a kid:)
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley.
I gave it to my brother to read and he also loves it!!
Get this for yourself or a kid:)
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley.
August 12, 2021
Excellent children’s book
Simple message showing all a surgeon does. Great illustrations. Very encouraging for children. I Would recommend for girls and boys
Simple message showing all a surgeon does. Great illustrations. Very encouraging for children. I Would recommend for girls and boys
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews