Stephen Robert Baker MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Humaira Chaudhry BS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Maureen T. Barry MS, MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the distribution of radiologists of South Asian ancestry and nativity, both in training and beyond, including their participation in hierarchal positions in general radiology organizations.

The annual membership lists of the RSNA and the ACR over the past decade were analyzed for the total number and geographic location of South Asian radiologists. The distribution of ethnic South Asian radiologists in training was calculated by academic program and state. To evaluate the extent of South Asian participation in the hierarchy of radiology, overall membership and participation in RSNA and ACR committees were examined.

Since the passage of the Immigration Act of 1965, radiologists of South Asian ancestry have constituted a growing minority of radiologists (5.5% of RSNA members in 2002). Recently, their number in training programs has increased greatly (13.3%), predominantly due to the entry of American-born offspring of South Asian immigrants. Yet, South Asians are markedly under-represented in the hierarchy of radiology. In both 1999 and 2003, there was no ethnic South Asian representative on most major committees and none in leadership positions of the ACR and RSNA. The number of South Asian radiologists who are program directors has slightly increased over the past 10 years from 2 out of 200 (1%) in 1993 to 7 out of 200 (3.5%) in 2003. South Asian representation on the mastheads of AJR and Radiology remains meager, comprising less than 2% of assistant editors and editors.

The percentage of radiologists of South Asian ethnicity is growing predominantly due to an increasing number of American-born trainees, yet their ascendancy into leadership positions has been constrained, limiting the number of role models for junior members of our specialty to emulate.

Baker, S, Chaudhry, H, Barry, M, Barriers to the Advancement of Radiologists of South Asian Ethnicity in the United States.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4411960.html