LAUSR

OBJECTIVE Historically, women were underrepresented in the field of medicine. Nowadays the underrepresentation is more applicable to surgical disciplines. Many efforts have been made to decrease the attrition rate of women in the neurosurgical field and to even career opportunities to be comparable to those of male colleagues. It is unclear, however, if gender disparities occur nowadays between female and male neurosurgeons. Therefore the aim of the current study is to identify gender differences in the professional and private life's of neurosurgeons. METHODS A survey consisting of 38 questions was sent to members of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons regarding demographics, career fulfillment, private life and parenting. Comparison between female and male respondents were made. RESULTS 870 members filled in surveys, which were analyzed. Working full-time, days worked weekly and gross salary did not differ between male and female neurosurgeons. Female neurosurgeons, however, rated their career fulfillment worse than male neurosurgeons (p<0.001), and were less likely to choose a career as neurosurgeon again (p<0.001). Furthermore, female neurosurgeons were less likely to be married or to have children than male colleagues (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Despite efforts to increase the amount of women enrolling into neurosurgery and despite efforts to strive for equality, the results of the current study show gender disparities in the professional and private careers among neurosurgeons. Practice patterns did not differ between male and female neurosurgeons, but perceptions on career and characteristics of the private life did. Program directors and chairs should focus on measurements to decrease gender differences and to strive for equal career satisfaction among female and male neurosurgeons.