Neurointervention-from entry to expertise: Examining gender bias across different training access routes in Europe

Background/purposeGender bias in academic medicine has been widely described. In Europe, training and career pathways in neurointervention (NI) are heterogeneous. We hypothesize that the access route to neuroradiology specialty and NI subspecialty may correlate with the proportion of women in the field and with their career progression.MethodsAn online survey consisting of 18 questions was distributed through European professional societies and several online social platforms. A total of 422 responses from 54 different countries were collected and statistically evaluated.ResultsAccess routes to specialty and subspecialty did not correlate with the number of women practicing NI. However, men were significantly more likely to have children, to occupy leading positions, to have more clinical experience and higher weekly workload both in diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology. Female gender significantly affected career progression.ConclusionThis study reflects a positive change in European reality concerning gender bias. Distinct training access routes do not seem to affect the proportion of female neurointerventionalists. However, gender differences still negatively impact women NI careers, leading to lower workload, having less children, and a limited access to leading positions in NI.