Objective:

To create and evaluate engagement with an optional program for the personal and professional advancement of women-identifying trainees in neurology.

Background:

Numerous gender disparities have been described in neurology, but few programs exist to address gender-related concerns in career development for trainees.

Design/Methods:

We designed a multifaceted program consisting of quarterly women’s career development events, a topic-based advising program, and an online platform for social connections and sharing resources. All women-identifying trainees in our neurological institute were invited by email to engage with the program at the start of the year and at the time of events. We used a baseline and a follow-up survey to understand impact as well as tracked event attendance and online platform usage to understand engagement over two years. Statistical analysis consisted of descriptive measures.

Results:

The baseline survey response rate was 48% (n=26/54) with 96% (n=25/26) of respondents expressing interest in the program. We hosted eight evening-time events covering negotiation, pregnancy/breastfeeding/infertility, microaggressions, imposter syndrome, communication, financial planning, and becoming an attending. Average attendance was 18 people live and 30 views/ event video. At the end of two years the online platform had 23 followers, 26 posts to the kudo board, and 56 views of the faculty advising page. The resource page started with 29 articles/videos with 10 new articles added by members with an average of 9 views each. The follow-up survey had a 23% response rate (n=12/52) and demonstrated increased rates of agreement that gender-related issues were covered in training including: having a mentor comfortable with discussing gender-related issues (35% vs 67%), discussion of gender disparities (58% vs 67%), and sufficient discussion of women’s career development (8% vs 25%). 100% of respondents agreed that they would recommend the program. 

Conclusions:

An optional multi-faceted educational program may have success in addressing gender-related career development issues for neurological trainees.