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Muchai E, Lukwesa F, Aganze JM, Kuol PP, Mittal G, Emhemed MS, Phiri EC, Adrien TDE. The Field of Neurosurgery in Kenya: Challenges Faced by Early Career Researchers and Recommendations. Neurosurg Rev 2024; 47:480. [PMID: 39186072 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-024-02672-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Muchai
- Research Department, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- College of Health Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fanwell Lukwesa
- Research Department, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- School of Medicine, The Copperbelt University, Kitwe, Zambia
| | - Josué Mwambali Aganze
- Research Department, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Piel Panther Kuol
- Research Department, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Gaurav Mittal
- Department of Surgery, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Marwa SaedAli Emhemed
- Research Department, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Emmanuel Chileshe Phiri
- Research Department, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- School of Medicine, The Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Tangmi Djabo Eric Adrien
- Research Department, Association of Future African Neurosurgeons, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Technologique Bel Campus, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Çalış F, Şimşek AT, İnan NG, Topyalın N, Adam BE, Elias Ç, Aksu ME, Aladdam M, Gültekin G, Sorkun MH, Tez M, Balak N. Factors Affecting Turkish Medical Students' Pursuit of a Career in Neurosurgery: A Single Center Survey Study. World Neurosurg 2024; 185:e926-e943. [PMID: 38460813 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.02.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statistics show that over the past 2 decades, even in high-income countries, fewer and fewer students have listed neurosurgery as their top career option. Literature on medical students' pursuit of neurosurgical careers in middle- and low-income countries are scarce. The aim of this research, conducted in Turkey with a middle-income economy, was to contribute insights relevant to medical education and neurosurgery across the world. METHODS A survey was conducted with a target sample of fourth-year (167 students), fifth-year (169 students), and sixth-year (140 students) medical students (476 in total) from the Medical School at Istanbul Medeniyet University in Turkey. The response rates of the fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-year students were 62% (104/167), 53% (90/169), and 50% (70/140), respectively (in total, 266, including 147 female and 119 male). RESULTS In terms of the genuine intention, only 2.5% of men and 2.7% of women were committed to specializing in neurosurgery. This study further revealed that possible reasons for these students' low motivation to specialize in neurosurgery were their beliefs that in neurosurgery, the physical and psychological demands were high, and the night shifts were intense, meaning they would not have a social life or spare time for their hobbies; that morbidity/mortality were high; and that financial incentives were insufficient, especially in public institutions. CONCLUSION Turkish medical students did not rank neurosurgery at the top of their career choices. Possible reasons for this are socioeconomic factors and the inadequate introduction of neurosurgery to medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Çalış
- Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Göztepe Prof. Dr. SüleymanYalçın City Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Abdullah Talha Şimşek
- Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Göztepe Prof. Dr. SüleymanYalçın City Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | | | - Nur Topyalın
- Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Göztepe Prof. Dr. SüleymanYalçın City Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Baha E Adam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Göztepe Prof. Dr. SüleymanYalçın City Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Çimen Elias
- Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Göztepe Prof. Dr. SüleymanYalçın City Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Muhammed Emin Aksu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Göztepe Prof. Dr. SüleymanYalçın City Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Mohammed Aladdam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Göztepe Prof. Dr. SüleymanYalçın City Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Güliz Gültekin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Göztepe Prof. Dr. SüleymanYalçın City Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | | | - Müjgan Tez
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Naci Balak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Göztepe Prof. Dr. SüleymanYalçın City Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye.
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Jin R, Wu CHD, Giuliani M, Doll C, Ringash J, Lavigne D, Ingledew PA. Evaluation of a National Radiation Oncology Research and Mentorship Program. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024:S0360-3016(24)00465-6. [PMID: 38582234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2024.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology Annual Scientific Meeting Medical Student Research and Mentorship Award was established in 2020 to support medical students pursuing radiation oncology (RO) research and RO as a career. This study is an evaluation of the effect of this national research and mentorship award on medical students, resident mentors, and research supervisors over 3 iterations. METHODS AND MATERIALS Three separate surveys were created for medical student mentees, RO resident mentors, and attending research supervisors. These surveys were developed using best practice strategies for medical education surveys and circulated for peer review among experts in oncology medical education. The surveys were sent to the 52 individuals (18 students, 18 residents, 16 supervisors) who participated in 3 cycles of Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology ASM MSRMA (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23). After anonymization, quantitative answers were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and narrative responses were evaluated using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS There was a 90% survey response rate. For medical student mentees, the award maintained (71%) or increased (24%) interest in pursuing an RO career. Students reported receiving helpful tips for residency applications and insight into RO residency, research, and career planning advice. Only the first student cohort currently has matching results for residency, with approximately 50% matching to RO. All resident mentor respondents felt the program either maintained or increased motivation to mentor students in RO. Research project supervisors unanimously enjoyed their role in this program and would recommend and participate in this program again. CONCLUSIONS A national research and mentorship award for medical students has shown a positive effect on participants. Medical students felt this award program motivated them to continue pursuing oncology research and a potential career in RO. The program also enhanced mentorship skills in residents and research supervisors, which encourages further RO mentorship, teaching, and exposure for future generations of students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijia Jin
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Che Hsuan David Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Meredith Giuliani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, British Columbia, Canada; University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Corinne Doll
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jolie Ringash
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital and University Health Network, Toronto, British Columbia, Canada; Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Danny Lavigne
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paris Ann Ingledew
- Department of Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Radiation Oncology, University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Lin LO, Huttinger AL, Butler P, Gosman AA, Janis JE. Socioeconomic Disparities in Research Participation: Bias in Plastic Surgery Residency Match. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2024; 12:e5565. [PMID: 38313590 PMCID: PMC10836880 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000005565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Background Integrated plastic surgery residency applicants have increased at a rate disproportionate to available positions. Research productivity has become a surrogate marker for competitiveness, and many applicants pursue it to distinguish themselves. To date, no study has investigated socioeconomic disparities in extended research experience (ERE) participation. Methods A 35-question cross-sectional survey was distributed to applicants to United States-based integrated plastic surgery residency programs during the 2019-2022 application cycles. Summary tables, student t test, and chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 161 responses (response rate: 20.9%) were recorded. Fifty-nine (40.7%) respondents participated in an ERE. The most common reason for ERE participation was strengthening one's application. The most common reason against participation was avoiding delays in career progression. A greater percentage of respondents from Northeastern medical schools participated in EREs (P = 0.019). There were no significant differences in debt burden between those who did or did not participate in an ERE. A greater percentage of applicants whose parents had advanced degrees participated in EREs (P = 0.053). Conclusions There may be geographic and socioeconomic biases present in access to ERE for students interested in plastic surgery. The growing popularity of EREs may have unintended consequences for applicant diversity. As most plastic surgeons ultimately practice in nonacademic settings, applicants and plastic surgeons may consider the financial hardships and possible socioeconomic disparities in research opportunities before participating in or recommending them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence O. Lin
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Allyson L. Huttinger
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Va
| | - Paris Butler
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Amanda A. Gosman
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego Health, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Jeffrey E. Janis
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
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Carter A, Findlay MC, Earl ER, Khan M, Bauer S, Farsi K, Lucke-Wold B, Karsy M. Systematic Review of Research, Mentorship, and Career Resources for Medical Students Pursuing Neurosurgical Training. World Neurosurg 2023; 179:28-36. [PMID: 37544605 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.07.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical students are important team members and future healthcare providers in neurosurgery or other medical fields. We performed a systematic review evaluating studies assessing medical student guidance, mentorship, and career development in neurosurgery. The study aimed to identify the best practices and acknowledge gaps requiring improvement. METHODS A systematic review of 586 research studies evaluating important aspects of medical student career development in neurosurgery was performed. The studies were analyzed for evidence supporting specific strategies to foster career development. RESULTS A total of 45 studies were identified and categorized into 8 categories: 1) medical student interest groups; 2) student fellowships and institutional programs; 3) research and observership funding; 4) medical student research and scholarship; 5) student-led interest groups; 6) student mentorship; 7) educational resources; and 8) diversity, equity, and inclusion for medical students. Studies supported the significant positive effects of career resources for medical students, which often resulted in higher publication quantities, increased interest in the field, and greater ease of matriculation into a neurosurgical residency. One central gap included limited formal opportunities at many institutions, including medical schools without neurosurgery programs. Additional gaps were an absent structure for many forms of mentorship and delayed engagement of medical students in neurosurgical training, which significantly affects career interests. The currently available resources for these aspects of career development are listed. CONCLUSIONS These studies highlight the current endeavors to encourage medical student careers. However, ample gaps and missed opportunities were also identified. Further work at both institutional and national levels is needed to improve the current environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Carter
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Matthew C Findlay
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Emma Rose Earl
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Majid Khan
- Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Sawyer Bauer
- Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Koorosh Farsi
- Global Neurosciences Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Michael Karsy
- Global Neurosciences Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Ismail M, Algburi HA, Al-Khazaal YM, Daily SK, Mohsin HE, Jaafar H, AbdulWahid J, Andaluz N, Hoz SS. Academic productivity of Iraqi medical students in the field of neurosurgery: A literature review. Surg Neurol Int 2023; 14:52. [PMID: 36895240 PMCID: PMC9990791 DOI: 10.25259/sni_1018_2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The interest in clinical research is growing worldwide, and the involvement of medical students in academic and clinical research is increasing. Medical students in Iraq have started to focus on academic activities. However, this trend is in its infancy due to limited resources and the war burden. Their interest in the field of Neurosurgery has been evolving recently. This is the first paper that aims to assess the status of the academic productivity of Iraqi medical students within the neurosurgical field. Methods We searched the PubMed Medline database and Google scholar between January 2020 and December 2022 with a different combination of keywords. Additional results were obtained by individually searching for all the medical universities in Iraq that participated in the neurosurgical literature. Results Between January 2020 and December 2022, 60 neurosurgical publications included Iraqi medical students. 47 Iraqi medical students from 9 universities (the University of Baghdad 28 students, followed by 6 students from the University of Al-Nahrain, and others) were involved in these 60 neurosurgery publications. The topics of these publications are "vascular neurosurgery" (n = 36) followed by "neurotrauma" (n = 11). Conclusion Academic productivity of Iraqi medical students in the field of Neurosurgery has surged in the last 3 years. In the past 3 years, 47 Iraqi medical students from nine different Iraqi universities contributed to sixty international neurosurgical publications. However, there are challenges that are required to be tackled to establish a research-friendly environment despite wars and restrained resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Ismail
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Baghdad, College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Hagar A Algburi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Baghdad, College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Younus M Al-Khazaal
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Al-Nahrain, College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Sadik K Daily
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Baghdad, College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Huda E Mohsin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Baghdad, College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Huda Jaafar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Baghdad, College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Jaafer AbdulWahid
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Al-Nahrain, College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Norberto Andaluz
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Samer S Hoz
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, United States
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Hemal K, Reghunathan M, Newsom M, Davis G, Gosman A. Diversity and Inclusion: A Review of Effective Initiatives in Surgery. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2021; 78:1500-1515. [PMID: 33879396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Surgery lacks women and racial minorities that are underrepresented in medicine (UIM). This systematic review evaluates interventions used to promote diversity in surgery. DESIGN The PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies (1) describing interventions for increasing UIM and gender diversity, (2) within surgery, and (3) targeting any learner prior to residency. SETTING Nine surgical specialties were searched: general, neurosurgery, plastics, orthopedics, otolaryngology, urology, cardiothoracic, vascular, and ophthalmology. RESULTS Of the 982 studies identified, 16 were included. Awards, clerkships, and workshops were each described by three studies; awards funded research or travel to national meetings, clerkships referred to a third- or fourth-year rotation that provided exposure to surgery, and workshops were hands-on skills sessions for learners. Two studies proposed a holistic review of residency applications, which involves emphasizing an individual's attributes and life experiences rather than strictly academics. Two studies detailed a longitudinal mentoring program comprised of mentorship throughout medical school plus opportunities for research, lectures, and workshops. One study described a combination of interventions and the remaining 2 presented interventions that were characterized as "other." Longitudinal mentoring programs significantly increased the likelihood of women and UIM applying to surgical residency, while holistic review significantly increased the numbers of women and UIM being interviewed and ranked by residency programs. One award increased the number of female residents matriculating into surgical residency. Clerkships significantly increased the number of women applying to surgical residency. The mere mention of diversity initiatives on a program's website was associated with more female surgical residents, but not UIM residents. Workshops led to a higher, but not statistically significant, proportion of women applying to surgery. CONCLUSION Holistic review and longitudinal mentoring programs are the most effective interventions for increasing UIM and female representation among surgical trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kshipra Hemal
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Meera Reghunathan
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Megan Newsom
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Greta Davis
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Amanda Gosman
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of San Diego, San Diego, California.
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Huq S, Kortz MW, Johnson JN. Medical Student Research Fellowships in Neurosurgery: A Primer for Applicants and Mentors. World Neurosurg 2021; 154:39-43. [PMID: 34298137 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.07.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sakibul Huq
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael W Kortz
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jeremiah N Johnson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
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Behmer Hansen RT, Silva NA, Cuevas R, Cerasiello SY, Richardson AM, Mammis A, Nanda A. Fellowship, gender, and scholarly productivity: trends among academic neurosurgeons in the US. J Neurosurg 2021; 135:185-193. [PMID: 32858514 DOI: 10.3171/2020.5.jns20577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current data on fellowship choice and completion by neurosurgical residents are limited, especially in relation to gender, scholarly productivity, and career progression. The objective of this study was to determine gender differences in the selection of fellowship training and subsequent scholarly productivity and career progression. METHODS The authors conducted a quantitative analysis of the fellowship training information of practicing US academic neurosurgeons. Information was extracted from publicly available websites, the Scopus database, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments website. RESULTS Of 1641 total academic neurosurgeons, 1403 (85.5%) were fellowship trained. There were disproportionately more men (89.9%) compared to women (10.1%). A higher proportion of women completed fellowships than men (p = 0.004). Proportionally, significantly more women completed fellowships in pediatrics (p < 0.0001), neurooncology (p = 0.012), and critical care/trauma (p = 0.001), while significantly more men completed a spine fellowship (p = 0.012). Within those who were fellowship trained, the academic rank of professor was significantly more commonly held by men (p = 0.001), but assistant professor was held significantly more often by women (p = 0.017). The fellowships with the largest mean h-indices were functional/stereotactic, pediatrics, and critical care/trauma. Despite more women completing neurooncology and pediatric fellowships, men had significantly greater h-indices in these subspecialties compared to women. Women had more industry funding awards than men in pediatrics (p < 0.0001), while men had more in spine (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS Women were found to have higher rates for fellowship completion compared with their male counterparts, yet had lower scholarly productivity in every subspecialty. Fellowship choice remains unequally distributed between genders, and scholarly productivity and career progression varies between fellowship choice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole A Silva
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Rebecca Cuevas
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Samantha Y Cerasiello
- 3Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Angela M Richardson
- 5Department of Neurosurgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Antonios Mammis
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Anil Nanda
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
- 4Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health, Livingston, New Jersey; and
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Junior LSB, Lemos NB, Vianna JDA, Silva JG, Sanchez LMF, Silva ACV, de Azevedo HRC. Female insertion in neurosurgery: Evolution of a stigma break. Surg Neurol Int 2021; 12:76. [PMID: 33767880 PMCID: PMC7982110 DOI: 10.25259/sni_817_2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Utilizing the Brazilian Medical Demography analysis and a literature review, we evaluated how women choose to become neurosurgeons in Brazil and around the world, specifically citing the Europe, the USA, India, and Japan. METHODS We utilized the Brazilian Medical Demography prepared by the Federal Council of Medicine and the Regional Council of Medicine of the State of São Paulo (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018). We also included an evaluation of 20 articles from PubMed, the Scientific Electronic Library Online, and National Health Library databases (e.g., using descriptors "Women in neurosurgery" and "Career"). RESULTS In Brazil in 2017, women comprised 45.6% of active doctors, but only 8.6% of all neurosurgeons. Of 20 articles identified in the literature, 50% analyzed the factors that influenced how women choose neurosurgery, 40% dealt with gender differences, while just 10% included an analysis of what it is like to be a female neurosurgeon in different countries/continents. CONCLUSION The participation of women in neurosurgery has increased in recent years despite the persistence of gender inequality and prejudice. More women need to be enabled to become neurosurgeons as their capabilities, manual dexterity, and judgment should be valued to improve the quality of neurosurgical health-care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nilson Batista Lemos
- Unifacisa University Center, College of Medical Sciences, Campina Grande, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ana Cristina Veiga Silva
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Hospital da Restauração Governador Paulo Guerra, Recife, Brazil
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Lulla T, Behmer Hansen RT, Smith CA, Silva NA, Patel NV, Nanda A. Women neurosurgeons around the world: a systematic review. Neurosurg Focus 2021; 50:E12. [PMID: 33789239 DOI: 10.3171/2020.12.focus20902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gender disparities in neurosurgery have persisted even as the number of female medical students in many countries has risen. An understanding of the current gender distribution of neurosurgeons around the world and the possible factors contributing to country-specific gender disparities is an important step in improving gender equity in the field. METHODS The authors performed a systematic review of studies pertaining to women in neurosurgery. Papers listed in PubMed in the English language were collected. A modified grounded theory approach was utilized to systematically identify and code factors noted to contribute to gender disparities in neurosurgery. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows. RESULTS The authors identified 39 studies describing the density of women neurosurgeons in particular regions, 18 of which documented the proportion of practicing female neurosurgeons in a single or in multiple countries. The majority of these studies were published within the last 5 years. Eight factors contributing to gender disparity were identified, including conference representation, the proverbial glass ceiling, lifestyle, mentoring, discrimination, interest, salary, and physical burden. CONCLUSIONS The topic of women in neurosurgery has received considerable global scholarly attention. The worldwide proportion of female neurosurgeons varies by region and country. Mentorship was the most frequently cited factor contributing to noted gender differences, with lifestyle, the glass ceiling, and discrimination also frequently mentioned. Future studies are necessary to assess the influence of country-specific sociopolitical factors that push and pull individuals of all backgrounds to enter this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Lulla
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey; and
| | | | - Cynthia A Smith
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey; and
| | - Nicole A Silva
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Nitesh V Patel
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey; and
| | - Anil Nanda
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey; and
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Recruiting trainees to surgery in the United States and Canadian system - What strategies are effective? Am J Surg 2020; 221:410-423. [PMID: 33317811 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been increasing concerns regarding the declining number of medical students entering surgical residencies. The aim of this study is to analyze strategies and outcomes to enhance recruitment to the surgical specialties. METHODS A systematic literature PRISMA-based search was performed. Study quality and bias were assessed. Meta-analysis was performed using DerSimonian Laird method. RESULTS Of 3288 unique titles identified, 73 studies met inclusion criteria. Median study unique sample size was 84 participants (range 15-910). Subjective interest was reported in 59 studies, while objective match rate was reported by only 21 studies. The cumulative odds of students interested in the studied specialty was 1.98 (95% CI 1.47-2.67, I2 = 0%) and in any surgical specialty was 1.40 (95% 1.01-1.95, I2 = 37%) after an intervention compared to baseline. CONCLUSION While studies show increased odds of "interested in" a surgical specialty, the results may be subject to high selective and confounding biases.
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Stumpo V, Latour K, Traylor JI, Staartjes VE, Giordano M, Caccavella VM, Olivi A, Ricciardi L, Signorelli F. Medical Student Interest and Recruitment in Neurosurgery. World Neurosurg 2020; 141:448-454.e6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.04.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Chapman CH, Hwang WT, Wang X, Deville C. Factors that predict for representation of women in physician graduate medical education. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2019; 24:1624132. [PMID: 31199206 PMCID: PMC6586104 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2019.1624132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Background/Objective: To identify factors associated with underrepresentation of women in the largest medical specialties. Methods: The authors obtained specialty-specific data from the Association of American Medical Colleges, National Residency Match Program and Journal of the American Medical Association Graduate Medical Education Supplement from 2014 on the gender of trainees and faculty members, residency program director (PD)-rated importance of interview selection and rank list formation criteria, and characteristics of matched NRMP participants. They used linear regression to evaluate whether factors were associated with representation of female trainees in the 18 largest specialties that participated in the NRMP. They hypothesized that factors representing lower student exposure or higher research requirements would be associated with lower representation of women. Results: In 2014, representation of women as trainees ranged from 13.7% in Orthopedic Surgery to 82.5% in OB/Gyn. On multivariable analysis, the factors associated with specialties having lower percentages of female trainees were: not being part of the third year core (slope = 0.141, p = 0.002), having lower specialty mean step 1 scores (slope = 0.007, p = 0.017), and having lower percentages of female faculty members. For each 1% increase in female faculty, the percentage of female trainees increased by 1.45% (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Two exposure-related factors, percentage of female faculty members and being part of the third year core, were associated with underrepresentation of women as trainees. Future research could help examine whether these are causal associations. Medical schools and training specialties should investigate whether strategies to enhance mentorship and increase exposure to non-core specialties will increase the proportion of women in fields in which they are underrepresented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina H. Chapman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wei-Ting Hwang
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xingmei Wang
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Curtiland Deville
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Female Medical Student Retention in Neurosurgery: A Multifaceted Approach. World Neurosurg 2019; 122:245-251. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.10.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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