With such a sparse number, it’s uncommon for two female neurosurgeons to practice at the same hospital. However, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Fla., Maria Toledo, MD, and Ann Carr, MD, are forging a pathway for women in neurosurgery.
Dr. Toledo encountered the skepticism from other physicians when she attended medical school at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico.
Like Dr. Toledo, Dr. Carrlacked female role models whilecompleting her neurosurgery residency at Morgantown-based West Virginia University. Although not all physicians and professors discouraged Dr. Carr, she was told she couldn’t have a family while practicing neurosurgery. Dr. Toledo received the same warning.
Now, Dr. Toledo and Dr. Carr are advocating for women to pursue neurosurgery, serving as the role models they did not have.
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