As the Principal of The British College of Brazil, I am incredibly proud to share a remarkable story about two of our IB students, Helena and Clementine, who are taking action to make a meaningful impact in the world of medicine through their non-profit initiative, SpineSisters.
The field of orthopaedic surgery is one of the most innovative areas in medicine, yet it remains significantly gender imbalanced. Globally, only 7% of practicing orthopaedic surgeons are women, a statistic that surprised many of us, including Helena and Clementine.
Determined to make a difference, they applied for and were awarded the prestigious Nord Anglia Social Impact Research Grant. “This grant is an incredible opportunity to share our knowledge and ignite a passion for medicine in others.” With it, they plan to organize workshops for teenage girls at the Maria Helen Drexel Charity in São Paulo, introducing them to fundamental medical concepts and the exciting possibilities of STEM careers. They will also launch the OrthoFund, an annual essay competition that will provide financial support to a promising female student pursuing STEM study.
What inspires me most about this project is how it embodies our core values: curiosity, compassion, critical, creative, courage, and a genuine desire to make a difference. By aligning their work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of Gender Equality and Quality Education, Helena and Clementine are not only supporting their local community but also contributing to a more inclusive future in medicine.
“We hope SpineSisters will encourage more girls to believe in their potential and take their first steps towards a career in STEM,” they told me. Their passion, leadership, and determination serve as a powerful reminder of what young people can achieve when given the tools and encouragement to pursue their dreams. I have no doubt that their initiative will leave a lasting legacy, inspiring more girls to explore careers in STEM and, perhaps, even reshape the future of orthopaedic surgery.
