Inequitable access to neurosurgical care in the United States - Takeaways - MDSpire

Inequitable access to neurosurgical care in the United States

  • By

  • Linda Liverani

  • Nina Dwumfour-Poku

  • Corinna C. Zygourakis

  • Silvia D. Vaca

  • June 18, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Approximately 9.8% of the US population lacks adequate access to neurosurgical services, affecting over 32 million Americans.

  • 2

    Eighty percent of US counties lack neurosurgeons, with only 2.3% practicing in nonmetropolitan areas.

  • 3

    Geographic access to neurosurgical care is influenced by socioeconomic factors, including unemployment and low educational attainment.

  • 4

    Women represent only 9.6% of board-certified neurosurgeons, with significant underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities.

  • 5

    Strategies like telemedicine and rural training tracks are essential for addressing disparities in neurosurgical workforce access.

Original Source(s)

Inequitable access to neurosurgical care in the United States

  • by Linda Liverani, Nina Dwumfour-Poku, Corinna C. Zygourakis, Silvia D. Vaca

  • June 18, 2026

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