In this episode of Full Plate, Liz Ellis speaks with Dr. Rhea Liang, a trailblazing breast surgeon, medical educator, and champion for cultural change within medicine. For nearly thirty years, Dr. Liang has broken barriers—including serving as the first woman in her surgical department—while navigating the profession as an autistic woman. She reveals how her neurodivergence fosters the intense hyper-focus required in the operating room, and shares the realities of navigating motherhood and exhaustion early in her career within a rigid medical system.

Because her autism affects how she perceives internal cues like hunger and thirst, Dr. Liang relies on meticulous daily routines and specific physical indicators to stay refuelled. Beyond the clinic, she mentors senior medical students through profound milestones like their first patient death. For Dr. Liang, sharing food or a cup of tea is the primary language of her mentorship, creating a deliberate pause for young doctors while offering a comforting ritual that helps ease the pressure of masking her neurodivergence. Together, they explore the evolution of medical culture and the deeply human reality behind the traditional surgeon's persona.

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CREDITS:

Host: Liz Ellis 

Guest: Dr. Rhea Liang

Group Executive Producers: Naima Brown & Courtney Ammenhauser

Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti

Social Producer: Keeley Mercieca

Audio Producer: Thom Lion

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

In this episode of Full Plate, Liz Ellis speaks with Dr. Rhea Liang, a trailblazing breast surgeon, medical educator, and champion for cultural change within medicine. For nearly thirty years, Dr. Liang has broken barriers&mdash;including serving as the first woman in her surgical department&mdash;while navigating the profession as an autistic woman. She reveals how her neurodivergence fosters the intense hyper-focus required in the operating room, and shares the realities of navigating motherhood and exhaustion early in her career within a rigid medical system.
Because her autism affects how she perceives internal cues like hunger and thirst, Dr. Liang relies on meticulous daily routines and specific physical indicators to stay refuelled. Beyond the clinic, she mentors senior medical students through profound milestones like their first patient death. For Dr. Liang, sharing food or a cup of tea is the primary language of her mentorship, creating a deliberate pause for young doctors while offering a comforting ritual that helps ease the pressure of masking her neurodivergence. Together, they explore the evolution of medical culture and the deeply human reality behind the traditional surgeon's persona.
Win a $1000 voucher! We want to ask you a few questions about simple, fresh and easy dinner solutions&hellip; Complete our <a href="https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8831499/Woolworths-Full-Plate-BUS">3-minute survey</a> for a chance to win a gift voucher in our quarterly draw!
Discover more<a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/"> Mamamia Podcasts here</a>.
Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au
Share your story, feedback, or dilemma!<a href="https://help.mamamia.com.au/en-US/send-a-podcast-voice-note-467960"> Send us a voice message</a>, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP.
Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review.
If you want to support independent women's media, <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe/?utm_source=mamamia&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=editorial">become a Mamamia subscriber</a>. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE.
CREDITS:
Host: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lizzylegsellis/">Liz Ellis</a>&nbsp;
Guest: Dr. Rhea Liang
Group Executive Producers: Naima Brown &amp; Courtney Ammenhauser
Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti
Social Producer: Keeley Mercieca
Audio Producer: Thom Lion
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.

In your 40s, 50s or 60s? Welcome to the 456 Club. It’s just like your favourite group chat that will make you laugh, think and feel connected. Hosted by Narelda Jacobs and Cathrine Mahoney each week, we’ll discuss the topics in your world from: sex, dating, menopause, ambition, motherhood, not-motherhood and what you’re not supposed to say about ageing bodies.

In your 40s, 50s or 60s? Welcome to the 456 Club. It&rsquo;s just like your favourite group chat that will make you laugh, think and feel connected. Hosted by Narelda Jacobs and Cathrine Mahoney each week, we&rsquo;ll discuss the topics in your world from: sex, dating, menopause, ambition, motherhood, not-motherhood and what you&rsquo;re not supposed to say about ageing bodies.

456 Club

Peanut-Butter Toast, Neurodiversity & Changing The World Of Surgery 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/4f3feb73-5151-4b22-8748-b47c00612a39/transcript