Addressing Needs of Women Radiologists: Opportunities for Practice Leaders to Facilitate Change

Abstract

Women are, and have always been, underrepresented in radiology. This gender disparity must be addressed. Women bring a different perspective to the workplace; and their collaborative, empathetic, and compassionate approach to patient care and education is an asset that the radiology community should embrace and leverage. Radiologic organizations should focus on removing barriers to the entry of women physicians into radiology as a specialty and to their career advancement. Organizations should address bias, promote physician well-being, and cultivate a safe and positive work environment. Radiology leaders committed to increasing gender diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace have the opportunity to strengthen their organizations. This article outlines the key steps that practice leaders can take to address the needs of women in radiology: (a) marketing radiology to talented women medical students, (b) addressing recruitment and bias, (c) understanding and accommodating the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and the Fair Labor Standards Act for both trainees and radiologists in practice, (d) preventing burnout and promoting well-being, (e) offering flexible work opportunities, (f) providing mentorship and career advancement opportunities, and (g) ensuring equity. ©

Challenges faced by women in radiology during the pandemic - A summary of the AAWR Women's Caucus at the ACR 2020 annual meeting

“…This includes ABR board examination plans and policies that meet the needs of women trainees and residency and fellowship programs conducting virtual interviews beyond the pandemic to provide a more fair and family-friendly process for applicants with less emotional and financial costs. The unique challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic provide an opportunity to initiate positive changes to support our community and advocate for the needs of women in radiology and radiation oncology [29,30].…”

Dr Mom’s Added Burden

“…Working mothers do not simply choose to lessen work commitments for family because they are women. Social and economic structures make those “choices” default options as young female physicians manage work-life balance, demonstrated by the fact that their male colleagues who are fathers are promoted at higher rates [ 22 , 27 ].…”

Invited Commentary on “Addressing Needs of Women Radiologists”

“…I would caution radiology leaders to use this article as a road map for gender diversity and inclusion rather than an à la carte menu for improvement. I would challenge us not to pick and choose but rather to systematically engage around each of the action items of Spalluto et al (1) and, importantly, as a profession, engage students. Yes, we should actively move toward more inclusive work environments, but it cannot stop there because that does not address the core of the issue.…”

“…"Given my expertise in this area," I have been asked to provide commentary on the article, "Addressing Needs of Women Radiologists: Opportunities for Practice Leaders to Facilitate Change," by Spalluto et al (1). Other than being a woman, I have no expertise here and, in fact, have failed miserably in moving the needle for women in radiology.…”

“…Other than being a woman, I have no expertise here and, in fact, have failed miserably in moving the needle for women in radiology. I am in good company, and Spalluto et al (1) are challenging us with a call to arms. Why?…”