Abstract
A collaborative global working group of women neurosurgeons in multiple countries at different stages of their neurosurgical careers undertook the task of researching the history of European women in neurosurgery. While doing so, we happened upon many remarkable female neurosurgeons who overcame great adversity, made tremendous contributions to society and institutional neurosurgery, and displayed numerous talents beyond the operating room. In the first part of this paper, we recounted a chronology of female neurosurgeons in Europe, highlighting the most remarkable achievements of women in every decade, from the 1920’s to 2020. In this paper, we honor fascinating women in European neurosurgery, both historical characters and living legends. These women have overcome great adversity and have also excelled in a huge variety of pursuits. While some were themselves refugees, we also have uncovered noteworthy examples of women who immersed themselves in humanitarian missions and who tried to better the world through political action. There are stories of women beating the odds, taking on biased institutions and proving their worth, in spite of the prevailing system. Most inspirational, we have discovered through our comprehensive research on the history of women in European neurosurgery that the future is increasingly female.
Highlights
A collaborative global working group of women neurosurgeons in multiple countries at different stages of their neurosurgical careers undertook the task of researching the history of European women in neurosurgery
In researching the history of European female neurosurgeons, we discovered many remarkable individuals who overcame great adversity, made tremendous contributions to society and institutional neurosurgery, and displayed numerous talents beyond the operating room
I had already gained my consultants’ respect and her chairman’s support[. . .] when I was a junior resident, I applied for the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) training courses
Summary
One of Spain’s first women in neurosurgery, Balbina Ferreras Ferreras (Fig. 1), recalls her arduous journey: ‘‘I was the eldest of six children of a coal miner and a housewife. The Spanish delegate, unaware of my gender, congratulated me on my CV When he found out I was a woman, he denied me a place, arguing there were men on the waiting list[. . .] When I finished training, I joined the University Hospital Gregorio Marañón (Madrid) as a consultant neurosurgeon. We managed the situation safely and efficiently, gaining the respect of our colleagues and sparking interest from the media, who reported on the ‘first female neurosurgeons in the country.’[1] I developed a successful career, with special interests in vascular and pediatric neurosurgery, and was named a professor at Gregorio Marañón Hospital. I take pride in having supported and guided every woman who has entered the neurosurgical department at Gregorio Marañón Hospital after me[.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
