Analysis of Gender Disparity in US and Canadian Radiology Residency Programs

BackgroundEquity, diversity, and inclusion in academic radiology are a work in progress and although the gender gap has decreased, there remains a paucity of studies examining female representation among radiology trainees over the past decade.ObjectiveThe aim of our undertaking was to evaluate gender parity in United States (US) and Canadian radiology residency programs and to suggest future directions to improve female representationMaterials and MethodsRetrospective analysis of publicly available data on radiology residents from the US and Canada was performed from 2007to 2019. Data on diagnostic radiology residents was collected from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education for the US and the Canadian Post M.D. Education Registry for Canada. Statistical tests including regression and ANOVA were used to study the gender proportions from 2007to 2019.ResultsThere has been little progress in bridging the gender gap in the last 12 years. The proportion of female residents pursuing radiology has remained at an average of 26.74% (n = 1,238of 4,629) in US programs and 31.78% (n = 28 of88) in Canadian programs. The average change in the percentage of female residents was 0.0% per year (P = 0.0) for US programs and -2.9% per year (P = 0.3) for Canadian programs.DiscussionDespite a higher proportion of females in North American medical schools, gender disparity persists among radiology residents. More research is needed to identify barriers limiting female representation and improve gender parity across North American radiology programs.     

The Interventional Radiology Clinic Teaching Model: Survey of IR Residency Programs

CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology -     

Public Health Foundations for Radiology Resident Education: Healthcare Disparities in Radiology

Increasing recognition within the medical literature and by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has been attributed to the need for enhanced resident education on concepts related to public health and health equity. Despite increasing documentation of pervasive inequalities within the scope of radiology, dedicated curricula designed to improve cultural competency and understanding of healthcare disparities among radiology trainees remains sparse. With relatively fewer patient interactions, radiology trainees are particularly susceptible to insufficient contextual awareness of how socioeconomic factors influence patient health and behaviors, physician recommendations, and ultimately clinical outcomes.The purpose of this article is to provide a high-yield background of foundational health equity and disparity concepts for radiology trainees, from which additional educational curricula may be derived. Specifically, this article will discuss the fundamental socioeconomic factors known to contribute to discrepant access and use of imaging services, followed by areas in radiology with well-documented disparities of which trainees should be aware. Lastly, previous and current strategies for addressing disparities in radiology will be discussed with the ultimate goal of stimulating trainee participation and the development of novel approaches.     

Senior Resident Grand Rounds: Results From a Survey of 15 Years of Radiology Residency Graduates

ObjectiveRadiology residents in their final year of training at our institution are required to deliver a grand rounds presentation prior to graduation in order to facilitate resident involvement in the medical tradition of ground rounds. We evaluated this requirement by conducting a survey of recent residency alumni on their experience delivering grand rounds and its perceived value in radiology training.Materials and methodsWe developed an anonymous, 10-question survey regarding the alumni experience with the grand rounds presentation requirement, which has been required since 2007. Question formats included yes-or-no and 5 point Likert-type formats, as well as a space to provide comments.ResultsEighty-three alumni were contacted and 39 responded (46.9% response rate). Current practice setting was academic in 41.0%, 46.2% have reused material from their presentation, and 46.2% have given a grand rounds presentation since completing residency. When asked if delivering the presentation was a valuable experience, 2.6% disagreed, 23.1% were neutral, 35.9% agreed, and 38.5% strongly agreed. When asked if they would recommend future senior residents to give a grand rounds presentation, 2.6% strongly disagreed, 30.8% were neutral, 30.8% agreed, and 35.9% strongly agreed.ConclusionsThe majority of survey respondents agree or strongly agree their grand rounds presentation experience was valuable and would recommend future residents to continue this process. Based on survey comments, we conclude this experience is valuable for multiple reasons, including the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of a radiology topic, the ability to repurpose presentation material in the future, and the experience of delivering a formal presentation.     

Barriers to Resident Research in Radiology: A Canadian Perspective

Purpose

The study sought to identify and characterise barriers to research for Canadian diagnostic radiology residents and suggest potential solutions to enhance future research success.