I am a trained gynaecologist. I gave up work to look after my two children. I am now considering going back to work part-time but certain issues worry me.
1) Is it permissible for me to work in an environment which has men around as doctors and other hospital staff?
2) I sometimes need to expose my arms up to my elbows to scrub before operating. Is that allowed if men are around?
3) I have my husbands permission to work part-time mainly to keep up my skills so that I don't completely lose my skills. If work is permissible, what is better and more rewardable for me-working or staying at home?
Please answer my questions with all the evidence, may Allaah reward you. I have had lots of conflicting answers. All I want is to do what is pleasing to Allaah and which will bring me reward in the Hereafter.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

It is permissible for a woman to work as a doctor. It may even be desirable or obligatory if the society is in need of her speciality and there is no one else to do this type of work. There is no doubt that gynaecology is one of the important specialities that women must do instead of men, as it requires seeing the private parts of other women. However, for a woman to work as a doctor, it has to be in conformity with the Islaamic requirements some of which are stated here:

a)   Wear Hijab in places where men are present, and do not go out wearing perfume, as the Prophet said: "If a woman uses perfume and passes by people who could smell her odour, it is as if she has committed fornication or adultery." [Ahmad and An-Nasaa'ee].

b)   Do not be alone with a marriageable man as the Prophet said: "A man should not be alone with a woman except in the presence of her Mahram (non marriageable men)." [Al-Bukhari]

c)   Avoid as much as possible mixing with men, but if you are obliged to talk to male doctors, that should be only according to the need. Allaah says (interpretation of meaning): {…then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire,…}[33:32].

d)   Going to work should not be a cause for the children being misled or neglected, such as leaving them with a housemaid who is not trustworthy regarding her religion, like a non-Muslim or dissolute woman, as that could lead to spoil their religion and moral conduct.

e)   Seek the permission of your husband when going out, as it is not permissible for you to go out of your home for work, etc. without his permission.

As regards exposing the arms up to the elbow in front of men, this is not permissible, as Allaah says (interpretation of meaning): {And not to show off their (believing women) adornment except only that which is apparent...}[24:31]. You can wash your hands before the operation far from the sight of men, this is an easy matter and not impossible.

The above are some conditions which permit you to work as a doctor. So if these conditions are met, it is permissible to work, otherwise staying at home is better than resorting to prohibitions and doubtful matters. 

Allaah knows best.