International Women's Day: Dr. Jennifer Quon, SickKids' first female paediatric neurosurgeon

Dr. Jennifer Quon, Paediatric Neurosurgeon, didn't expect to stay at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) after she completed her Chief Fellowship in Paediatric Neurosurgery in summer 2023.

"I never thought I'd have the opportunity to remain at SickKids, but when I was offered a position as a staff paediatric neurosurgeon, it was a chance I couldn't give up," says Dr. Quon, who is also an Associate Scientist-Track Investigator, SickKids Research Institute, and an Assistant Professor for the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto (U of T). "I already knew my fantastic colleagues, the rich academic environment and the massive history and reputation SickKids and U of T have in paediatric neurosurgery. But really, it was the people and the supportive environment that made me want to stay."

From growing up in the suburbs of New York City, to medical school at Yale University and neurosurgery residency at Stanford University, Dr. Quon's experiences have led her to become the first female paediatric neurosurgeon at SickKids.

This International Women's Day - in her own words - Dr. Quon reflects on experiences, challenges and supports that helped shape her career in the field of paediatric neurosurgery.