Gender Differences in the Pediatric Neurosurgical Workforce: Professional Practice, Work-Life Balance, and Beyond.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Specialties
• Gender Studies in Medicine

Background:

• Female neurosurgeons encounter unique workplace challenges, including limited career progression, work-life balance issues, harassment, and discrimination.
• The impact of these challenges on the gender disparity in neurosurgery is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gender-based differences in professional and nonprofessional activities and responsibilities among pediatric neurosurgeons.
• To identify factors contributing to the gender gap in the field of neurosurgery.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to 495 pediatric neurosurgeons, with a 49% response rate (n=241).
• The survey assessed professional activities, work-life balance, family dynamics, career satisfaction, and experiences with workplace discrimination and harassment.

Main Results:

• While workload and professional responsibilities were similar, women reported greater domestic care duties and experienced more racial and sexual discrimination.
• Women were more likely to take call, anticipate earlier retirement, and express dissatisfaction with call schedules.
• Men were more likely to work in academia and receive external salary support; they also reported higher rates of marriage and having children.

Conclusions:

• Despite comparable professional workloads, female neurosurgeons bear a greater domestic burden and face increased workplace discrimination.
• The study found no significant gender differences in reported work-life balance or workplace support.
• These findings suggest that gender-specific challenges, particularly discrimination and domestic responsibilities, may perpetuate the gender disparity in neurosurgery.