Canadian Women in Neurosurgery: From Early Pioneers to World Leaders

BACKGROUND: Since the emergence of neurosurgery as a distinct specialty w100 years ago in Canada, it took >40 years for Canadian women to enter the field in the province of Quebec, and longer in the other provinces.METHODS: We provide a historical overview of Cana-dian women in neurosurgery, from the early pioneers to the modern-day leaders and innovators in the field. We also define the current participation of women in Canadian neurosurgery. Chain-referral sampling, historical books, interviews, personal communications, and online re-sources were used as data sources.RESULTS: Our historical review highlights the excep-tional journey and unique experiences of female neuro-surgeons, describes their achievements, and identifies career obstacles and enabling factors. We also incorporate comments from Canadian female neurosurgeons, both retired and in active practice, addressing gender inequities in the field, and provide advice and encouragement to the new generations to come. Despite the achievements of these female trailblazers, women represent a small pro-portion of the Canadian neurosurgery trainees and the active workforce, in stark contrast to the increasing num-ber of women in medical school.-CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first historical overview of female women neurosurgeons in Canada. Providing a historical context will help us to better understand the important role of women in modern neurosurgery, identify persistent gender issues in the field, and provide a vision for aspiring female neurosurgeons.