Gender Disparities and Their Impact on the Professional Experiences of Female Neurosurgery Residents in Germany: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Abstract

Despite advancements in gender equality within neurosurgery, the field continues to encounter challenges related to the under-representation of women and reports of gender-based disparities. This study examines the impact of these disparities on the experiences, professional development, and well-being of female neurosurgery residents in Germany, identifying specific challenges within the neurosurgical community. An anonymous, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among female neurosurgery residents from various German training hospitals nationwide, using a quantitative approach. Data were collected from June 2021 to January 2023. A total of 63 female neurosurgery residents participated, representing about 19% of all female neurosurgery residents in Germany. Seventy percent reported experiencing incidents of discrimination during training, with 39% encountering "sometimes" emotional abuse, 20% physical abuse, and 17% "rarely" experiencing sexual harassment. Eighty-six percent did not report these incidents, primarily due to doubts about reporting effectiveness (24%) and the belief that reporting would not lead to change (24%). Discrimination significantly impacted job satisfaction (56%) and career progression (71%). Additionally, 60% reported frequent frustration, 52% experienced occasional depression, and burnout was common. The survey highlights gender disparities affecting female neurosurgery residents in Germany, negatively influencing job satisfaction and career advancement. Tackling gender discrimination and harassment requires a multifaceted approach, and further studies are warranted to assess these methods. The neurosurgical community must ensure a supportive environment by adopting no-tolerance policies against discrimination for all residents, paving the way for a future where professional excellence and patient care are free from gender inequalities.