Biographies of international women leaders in neurosurgery

Abstract

We received so many biographies of women neurosurgery leaders for this issue that only a selection could be condensed here. In all of them, the essence of a leader shines through. Many are included as “first” of their country or color or other achievement. All of them are included as outstanding—in clinical, academic, and organized neurosurgery. Two defining features are tenacity and service. When faced with shocking discrimination, or numbing indifference, they ignored it or fought valiantly. When choosing their life’s work, they chose service, often of the most neglected—those with pain, trauma, and disability. These women inspire and point the way to a time when the term “women leaders” as an exception is unnecessary.—Katharine J. Drummond, MD, on behalf of this month’s topic editors

Commentary: Dr Dorothy Kenke Nash: The First Woman Neurosurgeon in the United States

“…Nevertheless, the proportion of female surgeons, including female neurosurgeons, continued to lag, as it does to this day. 8,13,[20][21][22][23] Today, women make up more than half the student body of North American schools but only around 12% of neurosurgeons in the United States and Canada. 6,21,24 There is still a great deal more to do.…”

“…8,13,[20][21][22][23] Today, women make up more than half the student body of North American schools but only around 12% of neurosurgeons in the United States and Canada. 6,21,24 There is still a great deal more to do. The contributions of women like Dr Nash, who defied social norms and harsh opposition to become pioneer female neurosurgeons, must be neither forgotten nor neglected.…”

Role and contributions of women in revolutionizing neurosurgery

“…She was the president-elect of the Indian Society of Peripheral Nerve Surgery for term 2021–2022 and has served as the co-chair to the WFNS Committee on Peripheral Nerve Surgeries. 50 …”

Lessons from the life of Asia’s first female neurosurgeon for modern neurosurgical trainees and educators worldwide

“…Thereafter her career flourished, covered in greater detail elsewhere. [2][3][4] She and her colleagues performed the first neurosurgical operations in India for tremors, epilepsy, behavioral disorders, psychiatric disorders, and spasticity, leading MIN to become a center of international repute (Fig. 3).…”