%0 Journal Article
%T Concerns, Perceptions, and Career Considerations of Female Medical Students Interested in Neurosurgery: A Qualitative Case Study.
%A Wong GM
%A Williams JD
%A Smith KF
%A Buck P
%A Bryant JP
%A Nair MN
%J World Neurosurg
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Jun 25
%M 38936610
%F 2.21
%R 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.06.121
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Neurosurgery exhibits notably lower representation of Black, Hispanic, and female surgeons compared to various other medical and surgical specialties. Existing research focuses on medical students' views on surgeons, factors influencing female medical students' preferences in surgical fields, and the perceived interests and concerns of students contemplating a career in neurosurgery. However, there is a significant gap in understanding the unique concerns and perspectives of female medical students interested in neurosurgery.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Semi-structured interviews with female medical students were recruited from medical schools in the DC area. Interview questions were based on Lent and Brown's Social Cognitive Career Theory. Transcripts were analyzed thematically into codes.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>In total, 8 female medical students from our institution participated. We identified three major themes that influenced medical students decision making: sense of belonging (diversity, mentorship, passionate), self-efficacy (ambitious/"gunner", intense/competitive), and outcome expectations (innovation/research, immediate impact, procedural/surgical aspect, salary, work-life balance).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Female medical students face distinct challenges and factors to consider when choosing a career in neurological surgery. The biggest concern for female students was a sense of belonging. It is imperative to enhance the diversity within the neurosurgical specialty and boost the representation of female neurosurgeons. Early interventions designed to tackle and alleviate their specific concerns are pivotal in achieving this goal.