Brain and Spine (Jan 2024)

Parenthood and neurosurgery in Europe, a white paper from the European association of neurosurgical societies’ diversity in neurosurgery committee, part II – practice with children

  • Claudia Janz,
  • Uri Pinchas Hadelsberg,
  • Marike Broekman,
  • Claudio Cavallo,
  • Doortje Engel,
  • Gökce Hatipoglu Majernik,
  • Anke Hoellig,
  • Tijana Ilic,
  • Hanne-Rinck Jeltema,
  • Dorothee Mielke,
  • Ana Rodríguez-Hernández,
  • Yu-Mi Ryang,
  • Saeed Fozia,
  • Nikolaos Syrmos,
  • Kristel Vanchaze,
  • Pia Vayssiere,
  • Silvia Hernandez-Duran

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4
p. 102717

Abstract

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Introduction: In the first part of this White Paper, the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) Diversity in Neurosurgery Committee (DC) addressed the obstacles faced by neurosurgeons when planning to have a family and practice during pregnancy, attempting to enumerate potential, easily implementable solutions for departments to be more family-friendly and retain as well as foster talent of parent-neurosurgeons, regardless of their gender identity and/or sexual orientation. Attrition avoidance amongst parent-neurosurgeons is at the heart of these papers. Research question: In this second part, we address the obstacles posed by practice with children and measures to mitigate attrition rates among parent-neurosurgeons. For the methodology employed to compose this White Paper, please refer to Supplementary Electronic Materials (SEM) 1. Materials and methods: For composing these white papers, the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS)'s Diversity Committee (DC) recruited neurosurgeon volunteers from all member countries, including parents, aspiring parents, and individuals without any desire to have a family to create a diverse and representative working group (WG). Results: In spite of the prevailing heterogeneity in policies across the continent, common difficulties can be identified for both mothers and fathers considering the utilization of parental leave. Discussion and conclusion: Reconciliation of family and a neurosurgical career is challenging, especially for single parents. However, institutional support in form of childcare facilities and/or providers, guaranteed lactation breaks and rooms, flexible schedule models including telemedicine, and clear communication of policies can improve working conditions for parent-neurosurgeons, avoid their attrition, and foster family-friendly work environments.

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