Georgette Kidess, the First Female Neurosurgeon in Palestine

International Women in Neurosurgery

The history of women in neurosurgery worldwide has been characterized by adversity and hardships in a male-dominated field, where resilient, tenacious, and ingenious women have nevertheless left their mark. The first women in neurosurgery appeared in Europe at the end of the 1920s, and since then have emerged in all continents in the world. Women neurosurgeons all over the globe have advanced the field in numerous directions, introducing neurosurgical subspecialties to their countries, making scientific and technical advances, and dedicating themselves to humanitarian causes, to name a few. The past 30 years, in particular, have been a period of increasing involvement and responsibility for women in neurosurgery. We must now focus on continual system improvements that will promote a diverse and talented workforce, building a welcoming environment for all aspiring neurosurgeons, in order to advance the specialty in the service of neurosurgical patients.

Progress in neurosurgery: Contributions of women neurosurgeons in the Middle East

The Middle East is known for its complex history and rich environment and culture. The region is home to a wide variety of traditions, cultures and religions, which have made the area vulnerable to political conflicts. Despite these difficulties, science and medicine have always thrived in the region, with many medical practices and principles established by physicians and scholars living in the Middle East. The first academic neurosurgical activity in the region started in the 1950s. The first women neurosurgeons in the Middle East started training in the 1970s, and were from Iran, Palestine, followed by Saudi Arabia in the 1970s. These pioneers have encountered serious challenges, yet have become role models for the next generation. These women have paved the way and facilitated neurosurgical training and practice for more women surgeons. The gradual increase in the number of women neurosurgical residents in the region leads to the expectation that women will play a more prominent role in the future as leaders in neurosurgery in the Middle East. This collaborative study, which identifies the known women neurosurgeons in the Middle East for the first time, may serve to provide background and context for further contributions of women neurosurgeons for our profession and our patients.