Work

Exploring the gender gap in neurosurgery: A cross‐sectional analysis of preresidency publications among neurosurgery residents

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Background and Aims While the number of female physicians has increased since the 1970s, there continues to be a lack of female surgeons compared to their male counterparts, with the gender gap more prominent in surgical subspecialties such as neurosurgery. While surgical subspecialities have accelerated initiatives to close the gap, potential disparities in research opportunities may position women at a disadvantage, particularly in neurosurgery, where academic publications are an indicator of residency match success. In this paper, we sought to investigate whether gender disparities exist in preresidency neurosurgery publications among current neurosurgery residents. Methods The present study selected residency programs from the top 25 neurology and neurosurgery hospitals in US News & World Report's 2022 Ranking. A database of neurosurgery residents and their publications was created using PubMed, neurosurgery residency program websites, and supplementary search. Articles published between the time of birth and December 31st of the year of graduation (medical degree) were used to determine publications before residency. Results Our research indicates that 25.7% (n = 135/526) of US neurosurgery residents at top 25 hospitals are women and 74.3% (n = 391/526) are men. Men (n = 391) had a median of 7 (interquartile range [IQR], 3–14.5; range, 0–129) publications before residency, and women (n = 135) had a median of 7 (IQR, 4–11.0; range, 0–74) publications before residency. There were no significant differences in the median number of publications between genders (p = 0.65). Conclusion In conclusion, our research indicates there is no gender disparity in preresidency publications among neurosurgery residents. To improve women's representation in the field, further study is needed to better understand gender inequality among neurosurgeons, particularly in the earlier stages of medical training.

Source: Health Science Reports

DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.70054

Authors: Taimur Hassan, Akash Kakkilaya, Annie Huang, Apoorva Kakkilaya, Kristen Downey, Kerrington Powell

Institutions: Texas A&M University, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Language: English

Topic: Diversity and Career in Medicine

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,120