Women in Medicine and Science – Leeann Qubain, MD

Practicing at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, Leeann Qubain, MD, is in her third year as an orthopedic surgery resident with the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.

Completing her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Dr. Qubain went on to join the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix’s Class of 2023. As a medical student at the college, she discovered her interest in orthopedics.

“During my clinical rotations, I was drawn to orthopedics because of the combination of complex problem-solving, hands-on technical work and the ability to make a significant and immediate impact on patients’ lives,” Dr. Qubain said.

She also noted that orthopedics is a fast-evolving field that is aiming to improve patient outcomes, and each subspecialty has its own research focus. 

For example, on her current sports rotation, she’s frequently involved with other residents and colleagues in discussions about optimizing patient care — such as ensuring better patient outcomes after total shoulder replacement, addressing periprosthetic fractures around shoulder replacement and what post-operative protocols should be after surgeries like an ACL reconstruction.

To address those issues, Dr. Qubain works hard to effectively communicate with patients to provide the most helpful post-surgery care instructions, ensuring they have appropriate expectations.

“At this point in my career, I am focused on participating in many different research projects to evaluate surgical outcomes and techniques for clinically significant factors that may shed light on the best practices to use,” Dr. Qubain said.

While there are many milestones in a surgeon’s career that are indicative of major accomplishment, Dr. Qubain finds true success in striking the balance between honing her technical skills to be competent and efficient in the operating room and effectively training the next generation of surgeons through patience, care and confidence.

“Success along the way, at any level, can be defined as finding a good work-life balance that prevents burnout, promotes professional and personal growth, and allows you to give your all to work and family,” Dr. Qubain said. 

Through her role, Dr. Qubain hopes to share her experiences with the next generation of female physicians and researchers, helping them make informed decisions within their own careers. 

“I was lucky to have mentors that were very encouraging of my path into orthopedics, and I aim to pay that forward by answering questions and providing reassurance to women who are interested, yet unsure or intimidated,” Dr. Qubain said. “I want to help make the path for women in surgery a little bit easier.”

Collaborating with fellow women in medicine and science is so important for Dr. Qubain; she feels women face unique challenges with balancing career demands with personal life or overcoming implicit biases in the workplace.

“Having a supportive community of women who understand these issues firsthand can make all the difference in achieving success and breaking down barriers for the next generation,” Dr. Qubain said.

For the future of orthopedics, Dr. Qubain envisions a field that is more inclusive, where all surgeons are treated with respect and given an equal opportunity to learn and succeed.

“I hope to see more female mentors, researchers and surgeons in orthopedic leadership to help create a culture that fosters equality and, above all, focuses on achieving the best possible outcomes for patients,” Dr. Qubain said.