By Julie Wood
Dahlia M. Sataloff, MD, a professor of Clinical Surgery, has served as Pennsylvania Hospital’s Chair of Surgery since 2013 – the first woman to serve in this position in the hospital’s 272-year history. While PAH, along with health care as a whole, has come a long way with female representation in clinical roles, seeing women in leadership positions was uncommon in the 1980s, when Sataloff began her career in medicine.
“It was very unusual for women to be in surgery. There was one woman who served as chief resident when I was at the University of Michigan Medical School, but that was rare,” Sataloff said. “Things have changed enormously, and in such a positive way.”
In July, Sataloff will be stepping down from her role as Chair of Surgery, but will continue clinical practice and surgery, treating patients at the hospital. While she has served as Chair for the past 10 years, her journey at PAH began when she was a surgical resident in 1983. She joined PAH’s surgical staff in 1985, and was eventually named as Director of the Integrated Breast Center and Vice Chair of Surgery in 2005. She was appointed clinical professor of Surgery in 2006.
Sataloff recalled her interest when presented with the opportunity to apply for chair in 2013, as she wanted to be a role model for other women in medicine.
“It’s important that women see themselves as potential leaders,” said Sataloff. “If you don’t see someone who’s similar to you in that role, you don’t necessarily think of yourself as being able to do that.”
“Any time I see the strength and grace of a woman in a leadership role, it makes me want to do better and be better,” said Sunilka Thompson, MSN, RN, CPXP, NE-BC, clinical director of Perianesthesia and Procedural Areas. “I’ve been so fortunate that I’ve had strong women around me in my career like Dr. Sataloff who have always supported me and uplifted others.”
As Chair of Surgery, Sataloff balances her time between the operating room and the clinic, dedicating her practice to breast surgery and the treatment and management of benign and malignant breast diseases. One of the many initiatives she is proud of during her tenure as chair is the hospital’s Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathways initiative, in which Sataloff and her team applied evidence-based interventions to accelerate recovery and improve pain management following surgeries. The program resulted in shortened lengths of stay for patients at the hospital, along with reduced complications and less opioid use.
“I like addressing a problem, finding a solution, and helping people in that manner,” Sataloff said. “I’m there for patients at a difficult time in their lives when they’re stressed. It’s meaningful to be of some sort of service during that time.”
“Dr. Sataloff has been a transformational leader as Chair of Surgery,” said Daniel Feinberg, MD, Chief Medical Officer. “She possesses a rare combination of operational excellence, thorough attention to detail, a keen eye on strategy for growth and clinical excellence, and strong mentoring of young faculty.”
In this next chapter of her career, Sataloff looks forward to maintaining connections with her patients and ensuring that they receive the best care possible. Sataloff also hopes to have more time to engage in another passion – practicing her technique as a classical pianist. (See story below.)
For the next surgical chair, Sataloff offered advice, emphasizing the importance of upholding the historical excellence of the department, and standing as a champion for staff well-being.
“Look to the future of what’s innovative and new,” she said. “Make sure your faculty feel supported, taking care of their mental and physical wellness. But also [help them] feel supported professionally, help them achieve the career trajectory that they envision for themselves.”
A Passion for Piano
Sataloff started taking piano lessons when she was 7 years old, and she continues to play today. When she was deciding on a career, she was torn between being a pianist or a physician. She decided to go in the direction of medicine, as she would still be able to do music on the side.
While in medical school at the University of Michigan, she studied with one of the professors at the music school. Sataloff gave many performances on the school's campus and elsewhere. Through music, she met a resident surgeon at Michigan who was a singer and conductor. They are now married and are practicing surgeons in the Philadelphia region.
“It seems to be common for physicians to have music as a significant interest,” said Sataloff. “I think medicine and music are both goal-oriented. The focus and preparation required for medicine are also needed for music.”