Zahra TAATI ASIL The first Iranian Woman Neurosurgeon

Abstract

It is crucial to promote the role of women in surgery, particularly in the field of neurosurgery, which is still predominantly male-dominated. Without recognition and support, these talented and pioneering women may continue to be overlooked, despite their significant contributions to the field. One such remarkable woman is Professor Zahra Taati Asil, the first female Iranian neurosurgeon. Born in 1954 in Iran, she graduated from medical school in Tehran in 1978 with a degree in General Medicine. After completing her studies at the Medical School of the Melli University in 1983, she became the first female Iranian neurosurgeon and was promoted to assistant professor. She held this position for 14 years and during this time, she operated on numerous war-wounded patients during the Iran-Iraq war. Her exceptional surgical skills earned her the nickname “The Golden Hands Surgeon” at Nirou-y-Entezami Hospital, where she had an impressively low rate of postoperative complications. Despite her professional competence, she was never promoted to associate professor, due to reasons beyond her surgical and academic skills. The dean of the university opposed Zahra’s appointment as an associate professor and told her that if she were to be appointed as a professor, the Ministry of Health would separate men and women. He also warned her that the Islamists would only send women to her. She has retired but remains actively involved in both clinical and academic work.