Progress or stagnation? Is neurosurgery remaining a men's world?

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Education
• Gender Studies in Medicine

Background:

• Increasing number of female medical students contrasts with underrepresentation in neurosurgery.
• Significant gender gap persists in leadership and scientific roles within neurosurgery.
• Existing disparities may deter women from pursuing surgical specialities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess reasons for female neurosurgical residents leaving training.
• To identify gender-specific disadvantages preventing medical students from choosing surgical careers.
• To evaluate work-life balance, stress, and childcare challenges in neurosurgery.

Main Methods:

• Questionnaire-based data assessment.
• Inclusion of former and current neurosurgical residents.
• Inclusion of first-year and final-year medical school students.

Main Results:

• Significantly more female residents left neurosurgical training (p=0.05).
• Female residents reported more gender-based inequalities (p<0.001).
• Fewer final-year students would choose surgical careers compared to first-year students (p<0.001).
• Key barriers include poor work-life balance, stress, and childcare difficulties.

Conclusions:

• Gender-based inequalities contribute to higher attrition rates for women in neurosurgery.
• Work-life balance and family care are significant deterrents for pursuing surgical careers.
• Continued support is crucial for women in surgical and scientific neurosurgery careers.