Myths and Truths: A Medical Student Perspective of Neurosurgery
Janine S. Hsu, MD Diana Ghinda, MD, PhD Neurosurgery is undeniably one of the most intriguing, challenging and rewarding specialties. It is also considered one of the most competitive specialties — as a result, many medical students self-exclude from neurosurgery based on preconceived notions of the field. This is especially true of female trainees, who […]
Our 500th Blog Post: Amplifying Neurosurgery’s Voice
For the past decade, Neurosurgery Blog: More Than Brain Surgery has investigated and reported on how health care policy affects patients, physicians and medical practices. Posts have discussed the state of neurosurgical sub-specialties and promoted key health care policy and advocacy initiatives to ensure patients’ timely access to care, improve neurosurgical practice and foster continued […]
Highlighting the Global Influence of Women in Neurosurgery
From time to time on Neurosurgery Blog, you will see us cross-posting or linking to items from other sources that we believe are relevant to our audience. Since this week featured International Women’s Day, we wanted to bring your attention to the March 2021 Neurosurgical Focus issue on International Women Leaders in Neurosurgery: Past and Present […]
Diversity in Neurosurgery: Forcing Change Leads to Greater Success
Should we take a stand to increase diversity? Yes! As neurosurgeons, we should talk about diversity in neurosurgery. If we don’t urge, even force change, it will not happen, or it will happen unbearably slowly. One hundred years into the history of neurosurgery, only 5% of all board-certified neurosurgeons are women. African-Americans are also underrepresented. […]
The Use of Social Media in Addressing Gender Disparities in Neurosurgery
The importance of social media in neurosurgery, and medicine in general, has increased significantly over the past several years. As searched on PubMed, academic publications that include the search terms “social media neurosurgery” have increased over the last 10 years. Through various social media platforms, neurosurgeons can participate in educational endeavors, share scientific findings, build […]
Women in Neurosurgery — A Legacy of Achievement and Breaking Barriers
The past century has demonstrated tremendous progress in all disciplines of medicine. Parallel to this progress, and often a direct contributor to breakthroughs and achievements, has been the increasing role women have played in the profession. Neurosurgery is no exception. Although their ranks are small, especially compared to other specialties, the women of neurosurgery have […]
Progress Incremental: Understanding Sexual Harassment in Neurosurgery
Under the table, his hand landed uncomfortably high on my thigh. Our conversation had drifted from our mutual interests in molecular biology research of brain tumors to books and music. Until that moment, I had felt really positive about our connection. It was 1984, and my infatuation with neurosurgery had led me to try and […]
WINS 30th Anniversary: Reason to Celebrate
Authors note: On Oct. 22, WINS celebrated its 30th anniversary with a remarkable Zoom Happy Hour. As part of that evening, I was asked to make a few comments that I am pleased to share with a broader audience. I can’t express how Women in Neurosurgery (WINS) has supported me, shaped my career and inspired […]
WINS: Celebrating Women in Neurosurgery
“Gender diversity is not just good for women; it’s good for anyone who wants results.” Melinda A. Gates Modern neurosurgery recently crossed the century threshold as a medical discipline. The profession has a rich history, and women have played critical roles throughout the development of the specialty. The role of women in neurosurgery began with […]
Women in Neurosurgery (WINS) Spotlight: Promoting Women Leaders in Organized Neurosurgery
Dr. Kicielinski Recently, Young Neurosurgeons Committee (YNC) WINS Liaison Kimberly P. Kicielinski, MD, MPH sat down with WINS chair, Ann M. Parr, MD, PhD, FAANS, FRCSC, to discuss women in neurosurgery and the role WINS plays in promoting women leaders in organized neurosurgery. Kimberly Kicielinski: Tell me more about your position at Minnesota and your position […]