Women in Neurosurgery: Final Frontier of Career Women's Movement

Corley, Jacquelyn; Williamson, Theresa

doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2017.12.086

Cited by 33 publications

(22 citation statements)

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“…7,8 Similarly, American data suggest that women are more likely to leave neu- rosurgical residency training, with an attrition rate of 17% among women compared to 5% for men. 9 There are multiple gender-specific obstacles that women must overcome to become and remain neurosurgeons. Because women will soon make up most of the medical workforce, 10 it is imperative for the field to identify both facilitating factors and obstacles preventing women from entering or working in neurosurgery to continue to attract the best and brightest candidates to this specialty, regardless of their gender.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cross-sectional analysis of women in neurosurgery: a Canadian perspective

Veilleux

Samuel

Yan

et al. 2021

Neurosurgical Focus

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OBJECTIVEAlthough the past decades have seen a steady increase of women in medicine in general, women continue to represent a minority of the physician-training staff and workforce in neurosurgery in Canada and worldwide. As such, the aim of this study was to analyze the experiences of women faculty practicing neurosurgery across Canada to better understand and address the factors contributing to this disparity.METHODSA historical, cross-sectional, and mixed-method analysis of survey responses was performed using survey results obtained from women attending neurosurgeons across Canada. A web-based survey platform was utilized to collect responses. Quantitative analyses were performed on the responses from the study questionnaire, including summary and comparative statistics. Qualitative analyses of free-text responses were performed using axial and open coding.RESULTSA total of 19 of 31 respondents (61.3%) completed the survey. Positive enabling factors for career success included supportive colleagues and work environment (52.6%); academic accomplishments, including publications and advanced degrees (36.8%); and advanced fellowship training (47.4%). Perceived barriers reported included inequalities with regard to career advancement opportunities (57.8%), conflicting professional and personal interests (57.8%), and lack of mentorship (36.8%). Quantitative analyses demonstrated emerging themes of an increased need for women mentors as well as support and recognition of the contributions to career advancement of personal and family-related factors.CONCLUSIONSThis study represents, to the authors’ knowledge, the first analysis of factors influencing career success and satisfaction in women neurosurgeons across Canada. This study highlights several key factors contributing to the low representation of women in neurosurgery and identifies specific actionable items that can be addressed by training programs and institutions. In particular, female mentorship, opportunities for career advancement, and increased recognition and integration of personal and professional roles were highlighted as areas for future intervention. These findings will provide a framework for addressing these factors and improving the recruitment and retention of females in this specialty.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cross-sectional analysis of women in neurosurgery: a Canadian perspective

Veilleux

Samuel

Yan

et al. 2021

Neurosurgical Focus

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“…4 Other authors have substantiated this claim and detail direct and indirect prejudices and gender-based discrimination that have created barriers to success. 1,[5][6][7]9,11,14 Indeed, many women have had to overcome these hurdles. One such woman, Dr. Ruth Kerr Jakoby, attended Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, then completed a neurosurgical residency in 1959 at George Washington University, where Hugo V. Rizzoli was chairman.…”

Section: Women As Neurosurgeonsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…3,18 Many women have identified obstacles to entry and success in neurosurgical practice, such as lack of mentorship and role models, systemic barriers that make pregnancy and child-rearing difficult or impossible, and frequent sexism among colleagues and patients. 1,[4][5][6][7][8]26,11,14 These injustices affect women of color the most; underrepresentation, institutional bias, and daily microaggressions rooted in both sexism and racism are compounded in their paths.…”

Section: Women Neurosurgeons In Leadership In Contemporary Societymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Men have traditionally dominated the field, but there have been organized and systematic efforts to recruit more women to the workforce. 1,4,7,9,11,14 It should be recognized that women have had increasing presence and responsibility in neurosurgery. By paving the way for today's female neurosurgeons and diversifying the workforce, a host of women have made noteworthy contributions.…”

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confidence: 99%

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One hundred years of neurosurgery: contributions of American women

Corley

Kim

Philips

et al. 2021

Journal of Neurosurgery

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The end of the first 100 years of any endeavor is an appropriate time to look back and peer forward. As neurosurgery celebrates its 1st century as a specialty, the increasing role of women neurosurgeons is a major theme. This article documents the early women pioneers in neurosurgery. The contributions of these trailblazers to the origins, academics, and professional organizations of neurosurgery are highlighted. The formation of Women in Neurosurgery in 1989 is described, as is the important role this organization has played in introducing and promoting talented women in the profession. Contributions of women neurosurgeons to academic medicine and society as a whole are briefly highlighted. Contemporary efforts and initiatives indicate future directions in which women may lead neurosurgery in its 2nd century.

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“…Although progress has been made over the past 20 years, in 2018 women only represented 4% of full professors in the field of neurosurgery and 18% in anesthesiology . A lack of gender diversity in senior faculty and academic leadership not only constricts the development and innovation of the field but also discourages younger generations of women from pursuing careers in the specialties . Limiting diversity in labs and networks also limits our knowledge and advancements in science .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%