Life in Her Hands: The Inspiring Story of a Pioneering Female Surgeon

by Averil Mansfield

'A great read. I am honoured to have worked with such a legend' David Nott 'A role model for women' Independent 'A wonderful read' Julian Fellowes 'Remarkable' Lauren Laverne 'Charming' Guardian We were occasionally expected to travel by ambulance to a serious case and would always have a kit of tools and drugs ready for emergency calls. On one occasion, we were responding to a man who had fallen into the hold of a grain ship and broken his leg. I was expected to go down a pole into the ship to administer analgaesia before he could be rescued. The 'audience' of shipworkers delighted in telling me that there were rats the size of dogs down in the grain. The other problem was that this was the era of the mini skirt, and you can imagine what that meant. Following the incident, I instituted the purchase of some 'Casualty Officers Emergency Dungarees' as an addition to the kit. Averil Mansfield established herself as a pioneer in every sense of the word when she qualified as a surgeon in the early 1970s. At the time just two per cent of her colleagues were female, and she was often met with surprise, bordering on disbelief and amusement, when telling people what she did. But time and again, Averil proved herself more than capable of the role which had been her greatest dream since the age of eight. After a formidable operating career in Liverpool and London, during which she made many enduring friendships, she went on to became the UK's first ever female professor of surgery. Life in Her Hands is the remarkable story of a truly trailblazing woman. Averil's account shines light on a medical and societal world that has changed beyond measure, but which - as she shows through her experiences - still has a long way to go for the women finding their place within it.

Genres: Medical, Medicine, Nonfiction, Memoir

272 pages, Hardcover

Published February 23, 2023

Reviews

[Linz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like ultimately this book was written for a certain audience, meaning mostly people she knows or people that might be in her line of work.

It was well written, it was just a slog of a read at times and had it not been a book group read I probably wouldn’t have finished it.

It’s nice that everything was wonderful and everyone lovely for her, can’t imagine what that’s like 😅

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟

Incredible insight into the life of not only a surgeon, a woman in medicine, a wife and a step mother.

Informative, interesting and at times emotional. Averil achieved incredible things in her field, made even more incredible by the fact she was a woman entering medicine in a post war Britain.

Thoroughly enjoyable.

[Claudia Liang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring life story of the first female vascular surgeon in the UK, with some funny and touching anecdotes throughout her life. Loved the collection of photos at the end of the book.

[Jane Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book more than Avril will ever know ! She is an amazing human being. I wish I had the ability to write a review worthy of her achievements .

[Zara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life in Her Hands is a captivating book about an inspiring woman. Averil Mansfield is a trailblazer in the field of medicine.

In the early 1970s, she qualified as a surgeon, specialising in vascular surgery, at a time when just two per cent of her colleagues were female and it was very much a world dominated by men.

After an amazing surgical career in Liverpool and London, she went on to become the UK’s first-ever female professor of surgery.

In her memoir, Averil shares her experiences of being committed to her profession and fighting against the norms of society. Her story is full of triumphs, and it's inspiring to read about her journey.

Averil's life story is fascinating, even for someone who doesn't usually read memoirs. Her career, especially how surgery has evolved over the years, is captivating. The book is filled with engaging anecdotes, both amusing and heart-warming, making it an enjoyable read.

She is an inspiring figure and an excellent role model to many.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational memoir of a remarkable lady, surgeon and wife. It has invigorated my passion for working healthcare and to above all be alturistic and compassionate to all.

[Daisy Mallick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book!! This is about a female vascular surgeon finding her way through a male dominated field. Incredibly inspiring :)