Status of LGBTQ+ Inclusion: Multi-Institution Assessment of US Radiology Residencies

Abstract

IntroductionAn inclusive residency program is crucial to the recruitment and retention of competitive and diverse applicants. The radiology lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, or another diverse gender identity (LGBTQ+) inclusion audit was published in 2022, which provided a road map for assessing the inclusivity of a program’s policies, facilities, culture, and engagement. In this multi-institutional trial, we detail the results of the LGBTQ+ inclusion audit for nine US radiology residency programs. MethodsA volunteer cohort of academic radiology programs was recruited through the Radiology Residency Education Research Alliance. The LGBTQ+ inclusion audit was modified to apply to a multi-institutional study. Participating programs performed the audit from December 2023 to February 2024. Pre- and postaudit surveys were distributed to capture participants subjective assessment of inclusivity at their programs. ResultsNine US radiology residency programs completed the audit. Audit scores ranged from 6 out of 10 to 9 out of 10; no program received a perfect 10 out of 10 score. Inclusive facilities and institutional culture scored highly, with eight of nine programs reporting all milestones met in these areas. The lowest-performing areas were department culture and community engagement with only three of nine and four of nine programs reporting “all milestones met.” After the audit, programs overall reported improved self-perceived inclusivity, with postaudit survey scores increasing in areas related to department policy, inclusive facilities, and LGBTQ+ community outreach. DiscussionParticipating radiology residency programs demonstrated an overall high level of LGBTQ+ inclusivity; however, all programs identified inclusion shortcomings in department policy and practice. Intentional review of a department can be a helpful tool to promote a welcoming and healthy environment for a diverse radiology practice.