A New Chapter in Surgery and Sisterhood: My Residency Journey at Duke Begins

Stepping into this new chapter of my life as an Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery resident at Duke University feels like both the culmination of years of hard work and the thrilling beginning of something even greater. It’s a transition filled with purpose, reflection, and deep gratitude.

Residency marks the moment I’ve moved from training to doing—where I’m no longer just studying medicine, but living it. This chapter is where everything I’ve prepared for becomes real, where every patient encounter is a chance to grow, and where each day is a new opportunity to serve, learn, and lead.

And perhaps most meaningfully, I begin this journey surrounded by history in the making. I’m honored to be part of the first all-female Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery resident cohort at Duke. We are six women from different corners of the country, each with our own stories, our own strengths, and our shared drive to excel in this demanding, beautiful field. The significance of this moment is not lost on me—and I feel proud to be part of a community that celebrates progress, inclusivity, and excellence in equal measure.

From Athlete to Surgeon-in-Training

The roots of my path to surgery stretch back long before medical school—back to my years as a competitive athlete. For 15 years, I was a Women’s Epee fencer. Fencing gave me structure, discipline, and a sense of identity during some of the most formative years of my life. As a three-time Junior World Team member, I traveled internationally, representing the United States and earning a silver medal at the Bratislava World Cup in 2013.

It was on the fencing strip that I first learned how to perform under pressure, how to recover from mistakes quickly, and how to stay focused and composed when everything is on the line. These are lessons that continue to guide me—now in the operating room, in critical moments of patient care, and in the quiet challenges of daily growth.

Even after I stepped away from elite fencing, my passion for pushing limits continued. I began endurance training and discovered CrossFit. In 2018, I completed the GoRuck Tough event in New York City, honoring the sacrifices of 9/11 first responders. In 2023, I competed in the Asbury Park Games after a year of focused CrossFit training. These experiences, too, taught me the power of resilience and mental strength—qualities that form the bedrock of a surgical career.

Finding My Passion in Otolaryngology

During medical school at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson, I gravitated toward Otolaryngology almost instinctively. The field combines so many of the elements I value—precision, complexity, and a human connection that goes beyond clinical metrics. The head and neck are central to how we express ourselves, how we communicate, how we live in the world. To help patients regain their voice, their hearing, their ability to breathe or swallow—these are deeply personal and profoundly impactful interventions.

I was drawn in not only by the technical beauty of the surgeries but also by the patients—their stories, their courage, and the privilege of walking with them through some of their most vulnerable moments. Otolaryngology isn’t just about treating disease; it’s about restoring identity and quality of life. That responsibility motivates me every day.

Throughout my clinical years, I was fortunate to be mentored by passionate, innovative, and supportive surgeons who challenged me to grow and encouraged me to pursue this path. They showed me that a great surgeon is not only skilled with their hands but also grounded in empathy, collaboration, and humility. I carry those lessons with me as I begin this next phase of training.

Why Duke—and Why This Moment Matters

When I was preparing for residency, I was looking for more than a name. I was searching for a place where I could thrive as both a clinician and a human being. Duke felt like home the moment I interviewed. The people, the energy, the commitment to excellence and inclusion—it all resonated with the kind of doctor I want to become.

And now, to be here, training alongside five other extraordinary women, is more than I could have hoped for. Being part of Duke’s first all-female Otolaryngology cohort isn’t just a milestone—it’s a meaningful symbol of progress. We are here because we are capable, prepared, and ready. Our presence is a reflection of how far the field has come and a reminder of how far we still have to go.

I see this group of residents not just as colleagues, but as collaborators and future leaders. We support one another, challenge one another, and inspire each other every day. In a specialty that has historically lacked female representation, we are helping to change the narrative—and that feels powerful.

Embracing the Challenge Ahead

Residency is not meant to be easy. It demands long hours, emotional endurance, and a willingness to live in the discomfort of constant learning. But I embrace that challenge wholeheartedly. I’ve trained my body and my mind for high-stakes performance, and I bring that same discipline into the hospital every day.

There’s something beautifully humbling about waking up each morning knowing that I have the privilege of helping patients, of being entrusted with their care. Whether I’m assisting in a complex surgery, managing a post-op recovery, or just sitting and listening to someone’s fears, I know that every interaction matters. Every moment is a chance to grow into the physician I aspire to be.

More Than a Career—A Calling

Outside of the hospital, I continue to find joy in movement, exploration, and connection. Traveling with my partner and family, discovering new cuisines, and taking time to stay grounded in the things that bring me joy—these are all part of how I stay balanced and present. I believe that to care for others well, I must also care for myself.

This new chapter is not just a continuation of my medical education—it’s the beginning of my life as a surgeon, a teammate, and a leader. It’s a chapter filled with responsibility, yes, but also with joy, curiosity, and purpose.

Every step I’ve taken—from New Jersey to the world stage in fencing, from medical student to Duke resident—has led me here. And I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

— Audrey Abend

Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Resident

Duke University