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Samantha Pillay
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When I'm a Surgeon: Dreaming is Believing: Doctor (Inspirational Careers for Kids) Kindle Edition

by Samantha Pillay (Author), Harry Aveira (Illustrator) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 79 ratings
"When I'm a Surgeon," is a visionary children's book crafted to inspire and empower young minds. In this enchanting tale, aspiring surgeons, curious minds, and anyone eager to break free from stereotypes will find a narrative that transcends conventional boundaries.

This picture book doesn't merely break down gender stereotypes—it prevents their very formation. "When I'm a Surgeon" goes beyond shattering glass ceilings; it ensures they are never constructed in the first place. Within its vibrant illustrations and eloquent prose lies a powerful message encouraging girls to dream big and reach for the stars.

The narrative reveals the diverse skills, opportunities, and roles of a surgeon. Through the lens of this book, young readers witness a world where every aspiration is attainable, regardless of gender. It imparts a mantra of affirmations, instilling unshakable self-belief in every child and charting a course for future success.

An essential addition to every young girl's library, "When I'm a Surgeon" is more than a children's book—it's a manifesto for equality, a beacon of empowerment, and a celebration of limitless potential. Gift this extraordinary tale to the young dreamers in your life and watch as their imaginations soar to new heights.

A must-read for the next generation of leaders: "You can't be what you can't see."
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Reading age
    4 - 8 years
  2. Part of series
    Inspirational Careers for Kids
  3. Print length
    36 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    July 27, 2021
  7. Page Flip
    Not Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Not Enabled
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1922675026
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From the Publisher

When I'm a Surgeon Book for Ages 4 to 8

book for girls age 4 to 8

What it Means to be a Surgeon

This book details different elements of a surgeon’s career in way that is easy for kids to understand.

Doctor going to doctor book surgeon

Inspire Kids with Actions they Can Take NOW!

From raising money for charity to imaginative play, this story shows kids that they are never too small to care for others.

brain speaking

Beyond the Operating Room

What does a surgeon do outside of the hospital? A surgeon can do many important things—they can travel the world, do public speaking . . . and be a wonderful mother!

Dream big aim high
Author Mission
When I'm a Surgeon Activity Book
When I'm an Entrepreneur
When I'm an Astronaut
When I'm the President
When I'm the Prime Minister
Customer Reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars 17
4.2 out of 5 stars 30
4.6 out of 5 stars 61
4.1 out of 5 stars 21
5.0 out of 5 stars 3
Price $6.99 $12.95 $12.99 $13.99 $13.99
Inspirational ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Encouraging ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Girl Power ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Editorial Reviews

Review

"After learning about surgery from books and practisingappendicectomies on my toy panda, I declared my intention to become asurgeon at age eight. This delightful book will surely set alightanother child's passion for a fulfilling surgical career."
  • Professor Averil Mansfield CBE FRCS FRCP
"I wholeheartedly agree with Samantha. How often are we told you"can'thave it all" and that women in surgery have to choose between motherhood and surgery? I have the privilege of taking care of vulnerable peopleand being a mother to 6 amazing individuals."
  • Professor Fiona Wood AM FRCS FRACS
"According to my mother, I declared my intention to be a surgeon at age four, andthere are probably many other little girls who have the same dreams. Ihope this charming book with beautiful illustrations will inspire thenext generation of surgeons."
  • Dr Susan Pories FACS, Chair Women in Surgery, American College of Surgeons
"This book highlights the wonderful opportunities a surgical career provides, the ability to make a difference, and how it fits with family life."
  • Dr Sally Langley FRACS, President, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
"As the current President of the nearly 4000-member internationalorganization, the Association of Women Surgeons, I am happy to endorsethis delightful book, "When I'm a Surgeon". WIAS is beautifullyillustrated and features warm and encouraging text from Dr. SamanthaPillay. Dr. Pillay is the first woman to have trained as a Urologist in Australia; and, as a woman of color in a predominantly white and malefield, she is an inspiration as both an author and a successfulpracticing surgeon and businesswoman. For all these reasons, this lovely book is a must-read for any child interested in surgery."
  • Professor Marie Crandall MPH FACS, President, Association of Women Surgeons
"It is said you can't be what you can't see. 'When I'm a Surgeon' givesgirls a powerful and compelling vision for their future professionallives. It plants the seed of ambition and makes opportunity tangible."
  • Jane Danvers, Principal, Wilderness School

From the Author

Surgical training takes commitment and determination. I hope to inspire young girls to find the passion required to pursue a rewarding career in surgery.

Misconceptions about a surgical career, when combined with parenting, have contributed to low rates of female surgeons, increasing from 4 to 14% in twenty years, despite 50% female medical students in Australia.

Following an English tradition, male surgeons in Australia have been called Mister, dating back to early surgeons not holding a medical university doctorate. This distinction became a status symbol to distinguish surgeons from their medical doctor colleagues. This tradition only adds to the confusion for female surgeons retaining the doctor title, who struggle to be identified as the surgeon in the medical team.

I am proud to feature two iconic South Australian buildings in this book. The Royal Adelaide Hospital (since rebuilt) is where my father and I trained. The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) building is home to about 700 researchers collaborating nationally and internationally.

Being a surgeon creates opportunities beyond society's perceptions of the traditional role. I am grateful for developing skills beyond my expectations. Operating on someone to help them is a wonderful privilege, yet being a surgeon is so much more than that.

I believe that the advantages for surgical mums outweigh the sacrifices.Surgery has taught me communication, leadership, wisdom, judgment, financial literacy, stress management, decision- making under pressure, teaching and training others, and handling a crisis - often in the middle of the night. What better training is there for a parent?

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09BDHY4S2
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Samantha Pillay
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 27, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 7.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 36 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1922675026
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ Inspirational Careers for Kids
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 79 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Samantha Pillay

Samantha Pillay

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Dr Samantha Pillay's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Diagnosed late with congenital hip dysplasia, she underwent multiple corrective surgeries during her childhood. Despite starting school in a wheelchair, Samantha graduated at 16, graduating in medicine from the University of Adelaide in 1992. She broke new ground by becoming the first female urological surgeon in South Australia.

Driven by a vision to provide specialized incontinence treatments to women in South Australia, Samantha became the first urologist in Australia to focus exclusively on female and functional urology. In 2002 she founded Continence Matters, a Centre of Excellence in women's health.

Her leadership extends beyond her practice. Dr Pillay has held numerous influential positions, including serving as Chair of the Female Urology Special Advisory Group for the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand from 2007 to 2013. She was the first woman to represent South Australia on the Board of Urology from 2003 to 2006, the first female scientific convenor for their Annual Scientific Meeting in 2007, and the first female chair of the South Australian Urology section in 2017.

As a single mother, Dr Pillay has dedicated her career to addressing incontinence, reducing stigma, and educating medical professionals and the public. She developed an online Continence Course to fill gaps in medical education and ensure that healthcare providers are well-equipped to manage this often-overlooked condition.

She is a five-time international Amazon No. 1 best-selling author. Her first book, "The No Recipe Cookbook," is a unique guide for people who don't cook, offering an intuitive approach to cooking that saves time, money, and calories.

Following this success, as a strong advocate for breaking gender stereotypes and shattering the glass ceiling for women, she authored When I'm a Surgeon, the first book in the Inspirational Careers for Kids picture book and activity book series. The series continued with the release of Book Two, When I'm an Entrepreneur, Book Three, When I'm an Astronaut, Book Four, When I'm the President, and Book Five, When I'm the Prime Minister. These books aim to inspire children to pursue their dreams regardless of societal expectations.

When I’m the President has received the following accolades:

• 2024 American Children's Fiction Award Winner

• Golden Wizard 2024 Book Prize Winner

• 2024 Firebird Book Award Winner

• Reader's Favorite Five-Star Review

• Global Book Awards 2024 Finalist

• NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite 2024

Samantha's contributions have not gone unnoticed. She was a finalist for SA Australian of the Year in 2022 and a 2023 State Finalist for the Telstra Best of Business Award in two categories: Accelerating Women and Championing Health.

Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Pillay emphasizes the importance of dreaming big. Despite her challenges, she achieved more than she ever imagined possible. Her advice to young girls is simple yet profound: "Take your dream, double it, and double it again." Through her work, Samantha Pillay continues to inspire the next generation to reach for the stars and make their dreams a reality.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
79 global ratings

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When I'm a Surgeon
5 out of 5 stars
When I'm a Surgeon
When I'm a Surgeon by Samantha Pillay is a great book for beginning readers. Children may need help with some of the bigger words. However the layout of the text will not give younger readers what I call reading anxiety with the amount of text on a page. Be sure to checkout the free coloring pages, resources, and, read-along video. The information can be found in front of the book. Pillay will start a series of this type of books.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Grady Harp
    5.0 out of 5 stars ‘Dream big, aim high’ – A superb new children’s book, and author!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Australian author Samantha Pillay earned her medical degree from The University of Adelaide and became a Urologist who specializes in female and functional urology in South Australia. She has served as Chair of the Female Urology Special Advisory Group for the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand. Born with congenital hip dysplasia, Dr. Pillay has overcome the odds and now, as a successful surgeon, she shares her enthusiasm with children, especially little girls, in this her second book – WHEN I AM A SURGEON. The excellent illustrations are by Harry Aveira.

    The goal of motivating and inspiring youngsters to think big and aspire to dreams is made so poignantly clear in this excellent book. The primary character is a little girl who greets the reader with ‘When I’m a surgeon I’ll be called doctor.’ She continues sharing her expectations as “I’ll stitch people better, work with a robot, deal with emergencies, care for the community, teach and train others, makes good decisions, always be learning, make scientific discoveries, travel the world, be a great public speaker, manage a business, be an inspirational leader, and a wonderful mother…and write children’s books! Each idea is beautifully illustrated with the little girl’s toys and pets and friends, making the information entertaining as well as inspirational.

    Not only is this an exceptional book to add to the library for children, it also is an illustrated biography of Dr. Samantha Pillay – a very important new children’s book author! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, August 21
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Kent/Gail Gibson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cute book
    Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    We loved the story but the book was very abused. I sent the first one back and the replacement was worse. The binding edge was bent in more than one place. The quality would have been great if it hadn’t been smashed.
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  • laurabellk
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cute, inspiring book but lacks detail
    Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I got this for my daughter who wants to be a doctor some day. It’s a sweet story, inspiring message, great illustrations. I only wish there was more details about actual surgery and that particular job. My 5 year old still enjoyed it but it didn’t tell her much that’s specific to being a surgeon vs being any other type of doctor.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Designerrose
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and beautifully illustrated!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    My 6yo granddaughter loves this book and anything to do with medicine.
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  • BooksRBrainFood
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for children aspiring to have medical careers and balance!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2021
    Format: Paperback
    What a wonderful book! I wish I had this to give to my children when they were younger to explain what Mom and Dad do for a living. We are both in medicine and the points on each page of this book are spot on! Especially as a woman in the medical field, balancing the parent and doctor lifestyle takes extra work, but is totally worthwhile. I love that this was a part of the child's dream of what her life would be as an adult, a balance between all the aspects of the career as well as home life.
    The illustrations are adorable as well. I love the development from the girl's bedroom to an imagined office or travel experience to come later. Precious and well done!
    Highly recommend for children everywhere, even if it is to break the stereotype of doctors/surgeons only being men or for that child who might be considering this for themselves.
    #whenimasurgeon #NetGalley. #SamanthaPillay #HarryAveira
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Terrie Case
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story; Wonderful illustrations.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2021
    Format: Paperback
    This is a wonderful book showing all the things the young girl is going to do when she becomes a surgeon. My favorite is “When I’m a surgeon, I’ll be an inspirational leader.” It shows that many different hats are worn as a surgeon.

    The author speaks from her own experience as a urological surgeon. She overcame many hardships as a young child and novice surgeon. Her enthusiastic nature comes out in this book. I love that the sentences are simple and easy to read but convey such a profound message.

    The illustrations are wonderful. The characters are cute with big eyes. The backgrounds are full and colorful.

    I received an ARC from Samantha Pillay through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Elizabeth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dream Big!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2021
    Format: Paperback
    Very cute book with fun illustrations. The book is aimed toward a younger audience with easy to read sentences. It highlights a little girl who has the dream to become a surgeon and everything she wants to do when she is one. Ranging from traveling, public speaking, helping others, learning, having a family, and so much more. Great book to help show kids that you can do anything, and how much you can do within your life and dreams you have as well.
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  • Beth Hommes
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nice introduction to the many roles of a surgeon
    Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2021
    Format: Paperback
    Samantha Pillay has created a book for young children about the many roles a surgeon plays. She has talked about how a surgeon not only does important things in a operating room but also in a lab or a meeting. The illustrations show the equipment in a operating room made out of house hold tools that can make more sense to young children. It is interesting to know that this book was based on a real person. It shows that any one can do these things if they work hard on it. I think would be a good book for preschool or younger elementary children and would make a great addition to classroom or school library.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Limoncello
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for all school girls
    Reviewed in Australia on October 8, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Well written simple book that shows girls can do anything
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