The Status of Women in Academic Medicine, and Particularly in Neurosurgery, in a Developing Country, Türkiye

Women have always faced inequality in academic medical careers in Türkiye as well as the rest of the world. However, to date, no definitive data has been published regarding the representation rate of women in academic medicine in Türkiye. The aim of this study is to reveal the status of women in faculty and leadership positions in academic medicine in Türkiye.

This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted through websites of the Council of Higher Education in Türkiye, and medical faculties accredited by the Council of Higher Education as of October 2025.

There were 132 medical schools in Türkiye. Women constituted 41% of all faculty members, 37% of professors, 42% of associate professors, 44% of assistant professors, 57% of lecturers, and 50% of residents in medical faculties in Türkiye. Among leadership positions, there were 26 (21%) women deans and 98 (46%) women vice deans. Women comprised 35% of the faculty administrative committees and 35% of faculty boards. Twenty-five percent of chairpersons of medical sciences divisions, and 35% of department heads were women. Regarding women in neurosurgery, only 6% (n = 25) of faculty and 5% (n = 5) of department heads in neurosurgery were women. Among neurosurgery faculty, women comprised only 2% (n = 3) of full professors, 6% (n = 5) of associate professors, 9% (n = 14) of assistant professors, and 27% (n = 3) of lecturers. There were 45 (28%) female residents in neurosurgery.

Gender equity has not yet been achieved in academic medicine in Türkiye. More effective policies promoting gender equality should be implemented by the authorities.