The Sisterhood of Travelling Fellowship: Celebrating Women in Surgery

By Valissa Yap

What does it take to lead in the demanding field of Cardiothoracic Surgery? For Clinical Assistant Professor (Clin Asst Prof) Zhu Ling, Consultant in Cardiothoracic Surgery, the answer was not found in textbooks or attending lectures. It was immersing herself in the operating theatres and corridors of three European hospitals, learning from women who have walked the path.

In 2025, she was one of two recipients of the prestigious European Association for Cardio Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) Francis Fontan Fund (FFF) – Travelling Leadership Fellowship for Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery, in partnership with AtriCure. The fellowship spanned a year with three one-week placements in the European cities of Cardiff in the United Kingdom, Munich in Germany, and Cosenza in Italy.

The unique mentor-mentee model provided a platform to learn from three internationally renowned female leaders in the surgical field, namely, Prof Indu Deglurkar, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, Prof Julie Cleuziou, Deputy Clinic Director, Department of Congenital Heart Disease Surgery and Paediatric Cardiac Surgery at German Heart Centre, Munich, and Prof Franca Melfi, Professor of Thoracic Surgery at Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza.

This one-of-a-kind experience, with mentors sharing their expertise in both surgical excellence and leadership insights, has reshaped Dr Zhu’s approach in medicine.

Three Mentors, Three Cities, Endless Lessons

Each centre offered Dr Zhu a different lens on honing her surgical skills and building essential soft skills in resilience, self-awareness, critical thinking and leadership.

At the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, she shadowed Prof Deglurkar, observing her approach to complex decision-making and team dynamics. During a multidisciplinary session, she witnessed how Prof Deglurkar navigated conflicting opinions on high-risk cases with multiple medical issues.

“She would review the cases in detail beforehand, analysing the risks and benefits for surgery, before giving clear surgical recommendations,” Dr Zhu recalls. “I learnt that to tackle conflicts in clinical management, you not only need solid surgical skills and professional foundation, but also empathy, sincerity, and commitment as a clinician.”

(L-R): The first stop was at The University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom. Dr Zhu Ling during a meeting with the medical team and her mentor, Prof Indu Deglurkar.

In Munich, Prof Cleuziou at the German Heart Centre demonstrated how paediatric cardiac surgery demands both technical precision and compassionate leadership. As Dr Zhu observed, leading a team in paediatric cardiac surgery involves great attention down to the nitty-gritty details. Despite long hours in the operating theatre, Prof Cleuziou remained meticulous during daily morning case discussions and ward rounds, and never hesitated to spend time counselling families and addressing colleagues’ concerns.

“Prof Cleuziou’s motto – ‘Stay focused’ – applied not only to clinical work, but also to education and research, has stayed with me since,” says Dr Zhu. “Plan well, but be practical, and reward yourself even for small achievements.”

(L-R): The German Heart Centre, Munich, Germany was the second stop. Dr Zhu Ling with her mentor Prof Julie Cleuziou before and after a successful surgery.

Finally, at Annunziata Hospital in Cosenza, Prof Melfi showcased cutting-edge robotic thoracic surgery techniques. “I was extremely excited when I tried the robotic system for a simulation session. It was my first time trying robotic surgery and I was amazed by its intuitiveness,” Dr Zhu enthuses.

Although case volumes remain limited in that region, the experience opened her eyes to the possibilities of applying the novel technology to cardiac surgery in the local context.

(L-R): The last and final stop of the travelling fellowship was at Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy; Dr Zhu simulating the robotic system in the operating theatre; and with her mentor, Prof Franca Melfi.

A typical day during the fellowship revolved around immersing herself in diverse cases – observing major aortic operations, complex congenital surgeries and lung resections with cutting-edge robotic technology. Dr Zhu also shadowed her mentors during multi-disciplinary meetings and family-patient discussions, gaining invaluable insights into their approach to decision making, negotiation and conflict management during challenging situations.

“The most valuable experience came from the people I met in the three hospitals,” she reflects. “Despite completely different healthcare systems and cultures, their hospitality and willingness to share knowledge and exchange ideas was inspiring.”

Passing it Forward

Since returning to NHCS, Dr Zhu has a clear vision for the future – one that balances technical excellence with leadership development. She is particularly keen in advancing her expertise in mitral valve surgery, seeking broader exposure in minimally invasive surgery and robotic approaches to further enhance the mitral valve programme in NHCS.

“I hope to take on various challenges and to push boundaries in clinical services, surgical skills development and institutional projects,” she says. “I would also like to translate the skills I learnt to lead as a role model and nurture the next generation of surgeons.”

Finally, she expresses immense gratitude to the EACTS FFF programme, and her three exceptional mentors.