Surgery has historically been a male-dominated field, but today, women are leading the way. At Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center, four talented female surgeons are transforming patient care through expertise, leadership and compassion.
Maseray Kamara, MD, and Julie Kilpatrick, MD, have recently joined the team, alongside established Bon Secours surgeons Joanne Glanville, MD, and Melissa Marinello, MD, who continue to set a high standard for surgical excellence. Together, they are redefining what it means to provide high-quality surgical care close to home.
“This team of surgeons is transforming surgical care in Chesterfield and across the Richmond region,” said Joe Wilkins, president of Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center. “With Drs. Kamara and Kilpatrick joining Drs. Glanville and Marinello, our patients benefit from expert, compassionate care close to home. These physicians provide advanced procedures and patient-centered care, and are continuing to push the envelope in a traditionally male-dominated field.”
Breaking barriers in surgery
Women continue to make strides in surgical specialties across the country. At St. Francis, this team brings both experience and fresh perspectives, providing patients with expert, empathetic care.
- Joanne Glanville, MD: “Women make up about 75 percent of the health care workforce, yet they still represent a smaller percentage of health care leadership positions. Specifically, the surgery division has mainly been dominated by men. However, tides are changing, and more and more women are now becoming surgeons. I feel a duty to mentor the younger generation and show them that it is possible to be a surgeon and a woman and to be a leader at the institutions where we work, so our points of view and voices can be heard.”
- Maseray Kamara, MD: “Representation in medicine matters, and representation in surgery matters. When women bring their expertise, empathy and leadership to the field, it strengthens the care we provide to our patients and inspires the next generation of physicians.”
- Julie Kilpatrick, MD: “In under a year of serving this community, I’ve already had multiple instances of meeting people for the first time and having them say things like, ‘Oh, you did surgery on my mom. She had such a positive experience.’ Those moments mean the world to me.”
- Melissa Marinello, MD: “As a female surgeon who has now spent more than 20 years in the operating room, I believe that part of my responsibility is not only to care for patients but also to reshape the culture of our profession. By challenging stereotypes and mentoring younger surgeons, we help ensure that talent, not tradition, defines who thrives in our field.”
Comprehensive surgical care close to home
Modern surgical techniques have transformed patient experiences. Minimally invasive procedures, robotic-assisted surgery and enhanced recovery protocols reduce complications, shorten recovery times and improve overall outcomes. The St. Francis surgical team emphasizes collaboration and personalized care, ensuring patients receive treatment that meets their individual needs.
At St. Francis Medical Center, these surgeons provide a wide range of general surgical services, including:
- Adrenal surgery
- Cancer surgery
- Colonoscopy/endoscopy
- Colorectal surgery
- Gallbladder surgery
- Hernia surgery
- Hiatal hernia/antireflux surgery
- Laparoscopic/robotic surgery
Mentorship and inspiration
Each of these surgeons draws inspiration from women in medicine who paved the way. They also recognize the importance of mentorship for the next generation of surgeons, helping young women see that a career in surgery is both achievable and fulfilling.
- Joanne Glanville, MD: “I did not have an inspirational figure that I aspired to be when I decided to pursue surgery. However, now, looking at the powerhouse that women surgeons are and the community we have built and how we all support one another, that is my inspiration. Hopefully, I am part of that and can inspire others as well.”
- Maseray Kamara, MD: “I’ve had the privilege of learning from several strong and dynamic women mentors throughout my training and career. They are mothers, wives, sisters and daughters and, on top of it all, exceptionally talented surgeons. Their example gave me permission to take up space in this field, and that inspiration continues to drive me to do this work and positively impact others.”
- Julie Kilpatrick, MD: “I’m fortunate to have had excellent training right here in Richmond, and doubly so to have joined such a supportive practice in which we all work and learn together so well. I see it benefit our patients daily.”
- Melissa Marinello, MD: “I can’t say that I have one female surgeon who has inspired me, rather it is a number of female surgeons I worked with in medical school and residency training who showed that, yes, you can be a great surgeon and a mother and achieve your goals both inside and outside the operating room. It is important to me that I continue to provide that example to the next generation of female surgeons and physicians.”
Patients at St. Francis benefit not only from the technical expertise of these surgeons but also from their dedication to compassionate, patient-centered care.
By combining the experience of established leaders with the fresh perspectives of new team members, Drs. Kamara, Glanville, Marinello and Kilpatrick demonstrate that excellence and empathy go hand in hand, and that gender diversity in medicine enhances care for everyone.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our general surgeons, visit Bon Secours Surgical Specialists at St. Francis Medical Center.
Learn about the general surgery services we offer at Bon Secours.
