In March 2021, the Journal of Neurosurgery (JNS) Neurosurgical Focus published a monumental edition entitled International Women Leaders in Neurosurgery: Past and Present. This issue consisted of 19 articles which showcased many of the accomplishments of women neurosurgeons around the world, as well as some of the present challenges. As a lovely welcome into this issue, the front cover pictured Dr. Alexa Canady interacting with a pediatric patient at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, as they shared a tranquil moment with a plush toy. Although this photo symbolizes many of the tender moments which women neurosurgeons share with their patients, the duality of their experiences is embodied in the tribulations lived by many.
These tribulations served as a unifying chord among women neurosurgeons worldwide. From Canada, to the United Kingdom, to Africa, to Asia, and to the United States, there has been a slow but undeniable inclusion of women in the field of neurosurgery. Not only have women been present, but they have also been impactful. Their impact has been demonstrated by the legacies of Dr. Yoko Kato, Dr. Linda Liau, and numerous other trailblazing pioneers who have been etched in the annals of neurosurgery globally.
Collectively, women neurosurgeons have also been instrumental in shaping the landscape of neurosurgery. To this point, the JNS issue highlighted the remarkable 30-year history of the Women in Neurosurgery (WINS) organization. During each decade since its inception in 1989, WINS experienced joys, sorrows, achievements, challenges, growth, and progress. From the humble beginning of three women (Drs. Deborah Benzil, Karin Muraszko, and Gail Rosseau) meeting each other for the first time at the 1989 AANS Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, an unstoppable movement began. Fueled with determination and resiliency, WINS aimed to create a safe haven in which women neurosurgeons could communicate, network, mentor, encourage, grow, empower, and thrive. Over the years, numerous recipients benefitted from WINS awards and scholarships, prominent speakers served as WINS Louise Eisenhardt lecturers, important WINS journal articles and books were published, and the number of board-certified U.S. women neurosurgeons more than doubled. Among the scores of personal accomplishments among WINS members, Dr. Karin Muraszko became the first woman to chair an academic neurosurgical department in the United States, Dr. Odette Harris became the first Black female to obtain a tenured neurosurgery professor position in the United States, and Dr. Shelly D. Timmons became the first female neurosurgeon to serve as President of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
Although great strides have certainly been made, we are cognizant of the reality that there are still mountains to climb. From family planning and workplace culture, to the disproportionately low number of Hispanic and Black women neurosurgeons, to increasing grant and fellowship funding awarded to women neurosurgeons, to narrowing the gender gap in academic authorship and conference presentations, and to addressing the gender disparities in academic advancement, there are hurdles yet to overcome. In light of these challenges, effective strategies, unity, and perseverance are crucial to empower, uplift, and successfully position women neurosurgeons for generations to come.