Born: 1952 (Japan)
Biography:
Yoko Kato, born on November 9, 1952, is a Japanese neurosurgeon who has made significant contributions to the field of medicine. She currently holds the position of professor and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Fujita Health University. Kato’s illustrious career is marked by numerous achievements, including being the first woman in Japan to be promoted to a full professor of neurosurgery.
After earning her Doctor of Medicine degree in 1978 from Aichi Medical University, Kato completed her residency in the department of neurosurgery at the same institution. In 1980, she joined the neurosurgery department at Fujita Health University. Subsequently, in 1981, she served as an instructor in the department of neurosurgery at Suzhou Medical College. In 1983, Kato returned to Fujita Health University as an assistant instructor. Her dedication and expertise enabled her to ascend the ranks, as she was promoted to assistant professor in 1988 and associate professor in 2000.
Throughout her career, Kato has not only contributed to the field through her clinical work but has also actively engaged in educational initiatives and collaborations with international institutions. She has served as a visiting professor at esteemed institutions such as the University of Mainz in 1995, George Washington University in 1998, and Sri Ramachandra University in 2000.
In a significant milestone, Kato’s pioneering work earned her the distinction of becoming the first female professor of neurosurgery in Japan when she was promoted to full professor in 2006. Furthermore, in 2014, she was appointed as the chief of Fujita Health University Banbuntane Hotokukai Hospital’s Stroke Center, affirming her expertise in the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.
Kato specializes in the surgical treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, with a particular focus on aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations. Her exceptional skills have been instrumental in carrying out over 1,800 brain aneurysmal clipping procedures throughout her career.
Beyond her clinical practice, Kato is deeply committed to advancing neurosurgery globally, especially in developing countries. She actively mentors neurosurgeons, organizes educational courses, and provides financial contributions for neurosurgical equipment. Her efforts in this field have led to significant progress and an increased recognition of the importance of neurosurgical care in underprivileged areas.
As an advocate for gender equality in neurosurgery, Kato has played a pivotal role in supporting and empowering women in the field. In 1990, she founded the Women’s Neurosurgical Association (WNA) of Japan, followed by the establishment of the Asian Women’s Neurosurgical Association (AWNA) in 1996. Kato has openly shared her experiences of bias against women surgeons, highlighting instances where she was mistaken for support staff or faced prejudice due to family duties. She actively advocates for improved research mentorship, access to childcare resources, and increased visibility of successful female neurosurgeons to bridge gender disparities in academic neurosurgery.
Awards:
– 2021 AANS International Lifetime Recognition Award, American Association of Neurological Surgeons
– 2019 Medal of Honor, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies
– 2019 Honorary Fellowship, American College of Surgeons
References:
Yoko Kato. Women in Neurosurgery, http://www.womensurgeons.org/page/YokoKato.
Yoko Kato, Fujita Health University School of Medicine. ResearchGate, http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yoko-Kato-12.
2014 Female Progress in Neurosurgery: Gender and Representation in Neurosurgery. Columbia Neurosurgery, http://www.columbianeurosurgery.org/procedures/progress-in-neurosurgery-gender-representation/.
JNS News update: Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research presents ASCO Annual Meeting Travel Grants to Two International Recipients. Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 116, http://www.journalofclinicalneurology.org/article/S0002-8614(16)33400-1/fulltext.
A Woman of the Week: Yoko Kato, MD. Association of Women Surgeons, 7 Mar. 2022, http://www.womensurgeons.org/blog/pac_rss.aspid=348596&rss=N3BR5L6C.
Matsuo, Sei. Bias, Gender Disparity Affects System of Mentoring Surgical Residents. JAMA Network, 5 Feb. 2021, jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2770244.
Maragkos, Georgios et al. Gender bias and research mentorship in clinical neurosciences: a national survey study. Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 134, http://www.researchgate.net/publication/361873162_Gender_bias_and_research_mentorship_in_clinical_neurosciences_a_national_survey_study.
AANS Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree Yoko Kato, MD, discusses gender disparities in neurosurgery. YouTube, uploaded by Joint Neurosurgery Association American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons, 28 Apr. 2021, http://www.youtube.com/watchv=wfo7pbg8r4U.
2021 AANS International Lifetime Recognition Award Yoko Kato, MD, PhD. American Association of Neurological Surgeons, http://www.aans.org/en/AANS/Contact-Us/For-the-Media/Press-Release-Details/ArticleID/11309/2021-AANS-International-Lifetime-Recognition-Award-Yoko-Kato-MD-PhD.
[10] Dr. Yoko Kato receives World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies’ Medal of Honor. Fujita Health University, 6 Sep. 2019, http://www.fujita-hu.ac.jp/eng/topics/detail/5485.html.
[11] Dr. Yoko Kato Becomes an Honorary ACS Fellow. Fujita Health University, 8 Feb. 2019, http://www.fujita-hu.ac.jp/eng/topics/detail/4597.html.
[12] Image credit: Fujita Health University, http://www.fujita-hu.ac.jp/eng/index.html.