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Episode 1: Leadership and Legacy of Women Transforming Neurology
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A group of empowering women leaders in neurology explore the transformative impact of women neurologists on the medical workforce and the strides toward a more inclusive neurology field.
Women have made significant strides in neurology, bringing unique perspectives and innovations to the field. Historically underrepresented, women neurologists have worked to break barriers, advocate for inclusivity, and address issues like work-life balance and equitable opportunities. Their leadership has driven changes such as flexible scheduling, support for family responsibilities, and expanded resources for women’s health-related neurological issues. As more women enter neurology, their impact continues to grow, enriching the profession with diverse voices and approaches to patient care.
In collaboration with the Association of University Professors of Neurology (AUPN), NeurologyLive® convened a panel of several empowering women in neurology to discuss notable topics related to women involvement in the field. Among them included Carlayne Jackson, MD, FAAN, current president of the American Academy of Neurology, Vanessa Hinson, MD, PhD, a professor of neurology and a movement disorder specialist at the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston, and Marie Eugene, DO, an associate professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Connecticut.
In episode 1, the group delved into the unique roles and perspectives that women bring to neurology departments and how their contributions have reshaped the field over time. In addition, the leaders share personal stories of breaking barriers, advocating for work-life balance, and improving patient care. From adjusting schedules to accommodate family needs to championing onsite childcare at conferences, these leaders highlight the progress made and the challenges that remain.
Marco Meglio: What are some of the major roles and perspectives that women bring to the neurology department, and how has this changed over time?
Carlayne Jackson, MD, FAAN: Well, I can tell you, from my perspective as chair, we don’t have 7 a.m. meetings or 5 p.m. meetings anymore. I think that’s a unique perspective from a woman leader who understands there are kids to drop off at school, kids to pick up, and after-school activities that need coordination. So I think that’s one of the major changes we’ve made. Also, as a woman, I think we have a deeper understanding of the need for flexibility in work schedules. Many of our women providers don’t start clinic until later or may have earlier or shorter afternoon clinics to accommodate that family-work balance.
Marie Eugene, DO: I think when it comes to patients, some issues are more sensitive, and certain patients prefer to discuss them with a woman neurologist. As an epileptologist, a big part of my role involves counseling young women of childbearing age about appropriate medication choices, contraception, and using anti-seizure medications. While my male colleagues do a fantastic job, I think it’s valuable for patients to have the option to see a woman neurologist for these discussions.
Vanessa Hinson, MD, PhD: Yeah, I just wanted to add to what Dr. Jackson mentioned about the historical evolution toward a more woman-friendly environment in neurology. I distinctly remember during my residency in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Grand Rounds at our institution were at 8 a.m., and the expectation was for every resident to round before Grand Rounds. Attendance was really low, especially for attendings who had to juggle family life—getting kids to school and then trying to be at Grand Rounds at 8 a.m. was just not feasible.
As the chief resident at the time, I made a motion to move Grand Rounds to 11 o’clock after morning rounds. It was a big deal at the time, and I was nervous about making that change. But it was the first time in my career—as a resident, if you can call it a career stage—that I stepped up and made a difference. And now, years later, Grand Rounds at that institution are still at 11 a.m., so I’m proud of that small contribution. These kinds of changes are almost taken for granted today, but they weren’t always the norm.
Carlayne Jackson, MD: Yeah, even incorporating time for breastfeeding into clinic templates for faculty members has been a significant step forward. There’s information available on how to do this at the AAN.com website. For anyone interested, they have a templated example to follow.
Vanessa Hinson, MD, PhD: It used to be difficult at conferences—deciding whether to leave your child behind or bring them—because there wasn’t any onsite childcare. Now, many meetings provide childcare. For example, I attended the Parkinson Study Group meeting last week, and they offered onsite childcare, which was wonderful to see. Things are improving, but it’s still not easy.
Carlayne Jackson, MD: Yeah, and at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting last year, for the first time, they provided childcare. That was a huge step forward.
