HERnia Surgeons Alliance

Advancing gender-specific hernia care, improving outcomes for women with hernias and amplifying female hernia surgeons.

Who we are

A group of like-minded, female hernia surgeons who love talking about and treating hernias. We are a multi-institutional collaboration dedicated to advancing sex-specific hernia research, providing exceptional evidence-based clinical care and mentoring future hernia surgeons. Our goal is to optimize treatment options for women as we further innovate the field of hernia surgery.

Our focus

Gender-specific Research

Disparities exist across genders in hernia surgery and more research is needed to better understand these differences.

Advocating for Patients

Investigating best hernia repair techniques and advances to continue to improve hernia surgery outcomes.

Uplifting Women Surgeons

Building pathways for mentorship and sponsorship for aspiring hernia surgeons.

Board of Directors

  • Jenny Shao, MD

    University of Michigan
    Ann Arbor, MI

  • Jana Sacco, MD

    University of Florida Health
    Jacksonville, FL

  • Dina Podolsky, MD

    Columbia University
    New York, NY

  • Charolette Horne, MD

    Mayo Clinic
    Rochester, MN

  • Sabrina Drexel, MD

    Northwest Minimally Invasive Surgery
    Portland, OR

  • Kaela Blake, MD

    University of Tennessee Medical Center
    Knoxville, TN

Let’s work together

We are an inclusive organization and would love to collaborate with surgeons of all genders, levels of training and experience, as well as industry partners and patients.

Please complete the form below to get involved.