3:09 PM Abstract No. 400 Women in interventional radiology: factors that influence women to pursue IR

Abstract

Women are underrepresented in radiology and even more so in interventional radiology (IR) in the United States (27% and 8-12%, respectively) (R1-2). The goal of this survey is to evaluate the perspective of aspiring and practicing female radiologists nationally from all stages in their career and how this opinion has changed over time. A survey was distributed nationally through social media with 148 female medical students, diagnostic radiology residents, IR fellows in addition to both diagnostic and IR practicing attending physicians. Survey questions included factors that influenced their decision to pursue or not to pursue a career in IR. Responses varied from all levels of training [attendings 93/148 (63%), fellows 16/148 (11%), residents 25/148 (17%), medical students 14/148 (9%)]. Of the 148 responders, 110 (74%) were not interested in pursuing IR. For those training or currently within the field of IR, 62/70 (89%) reported that having a female IR mentor would have added valuable career guidance. Additionally, 77/148 (52%) believe that having a greater presence of female IR attendings in their institutions would have changed their decision. Negative factors that discouraged women in pursuing the field include difficult work-life balance 78/148 (53%) and radiation risks during pregnancy 71/148 (48%). Other negative factors included male predominance 18/148 (12%) in the specialty, disinterest in patient contact 20/148 (14%) and procedures 40/148 (27%). Fifty-two of 148 (35%) of responders thought that there is equal support for men and women who are interested in IR during training. This survey analysis of women at various training in their medical careers demonstrated the factors that contributed most to not pursuing IR included demanding lifestyle and radiation risk during pregnancy. In particular, women stated that educating trainees regarding minimal radiation exposures during IR procedures might increase interest in the field. More visibility of women who demonstrate healthy work-life balance in the IR field, strong female mentorship, and early exposure to IR during training may also attract more young female physicians to IR.