Female Pioneers in Neurosurgery in the Caribbean

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical History
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Neurosurgery in the Caribbean faces challenges in infrastructure, training, and gender representation.
• Despite limitations, women have emerged as leaders in the field.
• Historical and contemporary perspectives on female neurosurgeons are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the contributions and career trajectories of female neurosurgeons in the Caribbean.
• To document the achievements of pioneering women in neurosurgery across the region.
• To examine disparities in neurosurgical training and representation.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature.
• Direct outreach to gather information from female neurosurgeons.
• Documentation of the first female neurosurgeons in several Caribbean nations.

Main Results:

• Identified pioneering female neurosurgeons in Curaçao, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Guyana, Saint Lucia, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Puerto Rico.
• Highlighted achievements including surgical innovations like percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy and leadership roles.
• Examined persistent disparities affecting women and underrepresented minorities in neurosurgery.

Conclusions:

• The resilience, mentorship, and advocacy of female neurosurgeons are crucial for progress in this male-dominated field.
• Documenting these contributions amplifies visibility and inspires efforts towards equity and diversity.
• Further initiatives are needed to promote gender and minority representation in Caribbean neurosurgery.