Surgeon, Specialist, Stavanger, Norway

As a proud friend, I’ve followed Dr. Astrid Smedvig’s transition from a medical student to a skilled surgeon. I admire the way Astrid re-built her life in different countries, survived heartbreaks and overcame disappointments. Astrid quieted Hungarian misogynists who attempted to knock down her confidence and she steadily pushed on and triumphantly reached her goal.

In her personal life, Astrid became a step-mom to three teenagers, which I think is medal-worthy. I imagine the only way to earn teenage girl’s respect is through the unwavering, consistent and, at times painfully one-sided, show of love. Astrid’s patience, unconditional love and persistence have been paying off; the girls have developed a beautiful connection with their new brother, Astrid’s son. They respect and admire their step-mom.

Can women be all that we can? The way young women are treated, nurtured and en/discouraged depends on which geography they find themselves in. Astrid experienced this first hand throughout her medical training in Hungary. I am thankful to her for writing about her experiences and shining a light on the glass ceiling experienced by other women in other parts of Europe.

1. Name

Astrid Smedvig.

2. Where is your hometown?

Stavanger, Norway.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like?

I am a medical doctor and a specialist in plastic surgery. I work at the Stavanger University Hospital in the department of Plastic and Hand surgery.

I can’t describe a typical day, because my tasks differ from day to day. I switch between minor and major surgeries, make rounds at the ward, the outpatient clinic and work at the emergency room etc. I always start my day, fueled by lots of coffee, with my first meeting of the workday, at 7:15 AM. I usually try to leave work around 4:00 PM, but it of course depends on the length of the surgery, or whether I’m still on call. I consider myself fortunate that I look forward to work each morning.

I enjoy a variety of tasks and surgeries. I work on burn victims, hand trauma patients, breast cancer patients in a need of reconstructive surgery, skin cancer patients, males with hypospadias, just to name a few.

For the last year, however, I’ve been on a maternity leave. My son’s name is Ask. He is a happy and social kid; thankfully he is adorable, because he hates to sleep. This week he is starting kindergarten, and I’m going back to work. It’s a time for change and readjusting of routines.

4. What did you study in school?

I studied medicine at the Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the moment for you that changed your life (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?

At the end of high school, I knew that I wanted to study medicine, inspired by my sister who studied medicine in Denmark. I think the studies seemed interesting and I always liked helping people. The problem was that I didn’t have high enough grades to study in Norway, but there were many options in Europe. Many Norwegians were studying abroad and I found the idea exciting.

I knew that after my studies, I would be working a lot for the rest of my life. I decided to experiment a bit, took random jobs and then travelled for almost two years before commencing the studies. I believe that both studying abroad and my solo travels were some of my best decisions in life. I started dreaming about travelling since I was 14; the need for adventure was strong. One of the best memories are from the months I spent skiing in Chamonix, France. I also worked in a bar at the Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

Medical school was more challenging at the beginning then I first expected. New country (Hungary), demanding curriculum and lectures in a foreign language (English) were overwhelming at first. I had to essentially learn a new language to be able to communicate with my patients; I was also missing my family and friends back in Norway. I had a really tough period during the third-year exams. My professor in one of my oral exams made me question myself and I somehow lost my confidence, entering a negative thought spiral. I’m usually a very realistic person, but for some reason I felt terrified about taking my oral exams.

I passed my exams, thanks to the support of a really good friend and my family. I managed to build my confidence back up. I am still so grateful for their support and care, and feel so lucky to be surrounded by so many caring people. When I finished medical school, I felt very proud. It was probably one of my proudest moments in life, especially because I know how easily I could have given up in the third year of studies.

After my internship, I started residency in a more “family-friendly” path. I don’t know how I ended up on that track, but somehow my thoughts drifted to accommodating my career to a family I was expecting to soon have. But as life usually happens, my situation changed suddenly and unpredictably; I found myself single.

My dear friend from residency encouraged me to think about and pursue plastic surgery. I can honestly say that I was afraid at the time and very uncertain whether I would be good enough for this path. But I applied, took a chance, and got the job. There were several negative remarks from one of my male colleagues who wanted the job, it was his jealousy talking. Still, it’s a mystery to me that even in today’s times, when a woman gets a dream job, people think it must have been because she “slept with the boss.”

I was very proud of myself when I finished my specialization last year.

In my personal life, things changed four years ago when I met my partner, Olaf. It was very clear from the beginning that this was the man I wanted to spend my life with. But getting serious wasn’t an easy decision; he had three daughters from a previous relationship. It was scary to imagine entering an already “set” family. I was used to thinking of myself and worrying only about my career. Getting serious with Olaf would change everything as suddenly four other individuals would have to come first.

But I took a chance and I found myself being a stepmom to three lovely girls. They embraced me with open arms and made me feel like I have been a part of their family forever. I couldn’t ask for more loving, understanding and patient stepdaughters.

I must admit that the transition was at first overwhelming, the learning curve extremely steep. Of course, it was an adjustment for all of us. But I am proud to say that we have really balanced it correctly, with the challenges that such a union brings along. I won’t deny that of course, there have been (and continue to be) many times when there is way too much estrogen under one roof. Three teenagers, girls in one house. We take it one day at a time and deal with problems as a unit.

Taking this leap was one of my best (and most scary) decisions in life. I suddenly had something that I didn’t know I was missing: a beautiful full family. The happiness was complete when our little son was born last year. The girls adore him, and loves them so much; he is lucky to essentially have four moms now.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

When I was 20, I already decided that I wanted to become a doctor, so that didn’t change. But I never thought I would be a surgeon and live in my hometown. At 20 I was very certain that I didn’t want kids, so I definitely didn’t imagine that I would be a stepmom to three adorable girls and mother to a son.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

Yes, for sure there have been many difficult moments in my life, both during my studies, then at work and in my personal life. I’m lucky that I have been surrounded by loving supporting family and friends. They are always there for me and help me get through life’s adversities.

I learned that it’s ok to allow myself time to process the hardships, feel and get over the pain. It’s important to take the necessary time to be able to find positives and understand the lessons learned.

8. Advice for other women?

Don’t be afraid to take a chance, it might be challenging and tough at times, but I think you will be rewarded. I know I was.

9. Knowing what we know now in a current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

Here, we pretty much enjoy equality of male and female gender roles, in both professional and domestic settings. Norwegian women have so many opportunities because our society facilitates the ease of combining a family life with the career. Of course there are still areas where males dominate, but it’s not impossible for a woman to succeed there as well.

Norway as an outlier became painfully obvious to me during my time in medical school in Hungary. At the end of my studies, I started to dream out loud of becoming a surgeon. I mentioned this to my male professors and they laughed at me. They told me that this would never happen, surgeries were for men only.

I think I only met one female surgeon during my time in Hungary. She worked at least twice as hard as her male collogues and pretty much gave up all hope of starting a family and becoming a mother. I felt sorry for her, such an incredible woman, fighting this unreasonable and unnecessary fight in the 21th century. I also felt guilty because here I was, able to go back to Norway where these struggles were unheard of.

Gender inequality and feelings of injustice made me so frustrated, I also remember feeling a hopeless sensation. I knew that I couldn’t change anything in Hungary, but luckily, I became even more determined to make it as a surgeon. I vowed to also fight for the most qualified person to get the job. I of course also wanted so badly to prove those fossil Hungarian professors wrong.

10. Where in the world do you feel the “tallest” (i.e., where is your happy place)?

I feel at peace and extremely happy whenever I’m in the mountains. I prefer for these mountains to be covered with snow, and have the ideal ski conditions. But a good hike in the fall or summer is also quite soothing for my soul. I also love being on the water. I spent most of my childhood summers on our sailboat, and almost every weekend skiing.

11. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

I’m proud of my work and what I do to help my patients. I work long hours, and the rest of my time is spent with family and friends. I don’t seem to find too much time to do extracurricular things, as spare time is scarce.

12. Have you travelled solo? If so, which were some of the most memorable destinations and why? Why do you travel and would you recommend it to women?

I have travelled a lot, but never completely alone. I wouldn’t mind to, but it just never happened. I moved to Hungary alone, just knowing one other person in the university.

I do recommend travel to women. I think some of the best things for young women would be to see new places, meet different people, talk about different ideas, experience other cultures, eat and drink great food and just understand more about themselves and the world.

13. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I hope I will always remain eager, keep learning and evolving my surgical skills in order to become an even better surgeon and a caretaker for my patients. I also hope that I will contribute with the research to aid in the future treatments for our patients. We can always do better.

14. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

The fear of not being good enough, both as a surgeon and as a mother/stepmother.

15. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

Probably not, as all my experiences have led me to where I am today. I can’t imagine being happier or more content with life than I already am.

16. What/who inspires you?

• Strong, independent and kind people.

• My brilliant colleagues who take care of each other and make sure that everybody gets treated with respect. Especially my strong female colleagues who inspire me every day.

• My older sisters who inspire and support me. They make me want to consistently be a better version of myself.

17. What are you hopeful about?

Advancements in medical treatments.

18. What are some ingredients to having a good life?

• Being kind to everybody you meet. You don’t know their secret struggles.

• Try to find a positive side to everything that happens in your life; it’s a much better view point to take.

• Trying new things in life, even if you’re afraid, and surprising yourself. I believe that life doesn’t throw anything at you that you can’t handle.

• Good wine.

19. How did the global pandemic and war in Ukraine change your perspective about the world, about your life, your goals and dreams?

It has made me realize how lucky I am. So many people lost their loved ones, homes, jobs, many ended up with various psychiatric disorders due to the isolation. I’m feeling the frustration in my hospital which still hasn’t been able to catch up with the waiting list due to COVID backlogs.

20. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why? What are your superpowers?

• I think one of my best qualities is always trying to see the positives in people and in situations. I try to be kind to everybody.

• I put my loved ones needs before my own; if they are happy, I am too.

• I am good at making sure that my friends and I find time for each other. I prioritize them.

My superpower would be my perceptiveness. I am good at noticing other people’s needs, whether it’s my patients or my friends and family.

21. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? What advice would your 14-year-old self give you in return?

Stop being so hard on yourself concerning your looks and appearance. You will come to appreciate yourself the way you are. Spend a little more time studying!

Don’t think too much about what others say, just do what feels right for you. Please know that happiness can come in many different forms (and not in the form you probably imagine for yourself).

22. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

I usually only have time to read scientific articles and non-fiction. I`m currently refreshing my knowledge in breast reconstruction by Elisabeth Hall-Findlay. But for easy reading, I like authors Lucinda Riley or Sarah Lark.

23. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, about why you admire them?

Ester Pfeifer, Elisabeth Jaathun, Solveig Smedvig and Margrethe Smedvig. They are strong, independent, hardworking and intelligent women. I admire them greatly as they managed to beautifully combine fulfilling careers, motherhood, married life as well as maintain friendships. Their jobs are challenging in male-dominated fields, but they face the challenges head on. These ladies profoundly care for their loved ones and seem to always do the right thing, even if it’s not popular with others around them. I respect these WOW Women so much.

24. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

Facebook and Instagram

Bonus Quick Round Questions

1. What and who is worth suffering for? Injustice. Family. Friends.

2. What would you do if you knew that nobody would judge you? Start a band and sing.

3. Who are your mentors? My sisters, female colleagues and friends. 

4. If you didn't have to work anymore what would you do with your days? The exact same thing I do now, but in a free clinic wherever in the world there was a need.

5. If you could be anyone for a day who would you be? Maybe a famous talented singer, so I could experience what it feels like to be on stage and sing in front of a massive audience.

6. If you could relive one year in your life, which one would it be? The year before I started medical school, when I travelled around the world with my best friend, without a care in the world.

7. What bothers you most about people? Jealousy and greed. What do you love most in people? Kindness and honesty.