Women in Neurosurgery: A Young Italian Neurosurgeon's Perspective

Several differences distinguish brain functioning and behavior of women and men. This article addresses how gender features influence the way one behaves in the workplace, in particular, in neurosurgery. Women experience impostor syndrome, which is a persistent fearing of impropriety, by tending to point out their own fears and express their flaws, underrating themselves. At the same time, women show more caution and more care for details than their male counterparts, emphasize teamwork and research, and show greater aptitude in surgical and medical practices. According to several authors, female neurosurgeons represent an important component for the future of the discipline and are essential to the field's growth. Nevertheless, young women feel a tension between the "women can have it all" movement and a realistic view of themselves as mothers, partners, employees, and leaders. As a young neurosurgeon, I think that our future is in our hands, it depends on our enthusiasm, on our energy but, above all, it will be bright, since we all are neurosurgeons.