Ellie Pack, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jean Young Chung MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

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

Although nearly half of graduating medical students in the U.S. are female, only 25% of radiology residents are of this gender. The relative unattractiveness of radiology for women mandates analysis.

A questionnaire was mailed to 1203 current female radiology residents in the United States. Respondents were asked to recollect the opinions they held about radiology as they were making a speciality choice. The survey presented a range of misgivings that they overcame in making a decision. The responses were graded according to a Likert scale.

410 (34%) surveys were returned. Fear of radiation exposure to their person was registered by 45% of respondents. 71% affirmed that their program would benefit from a policy addressing resident radiation exposure. Those who acknowledged need for accommodation for childrearing were also more likely to express anxiety over the length of the training period (p value < 0.001). Perception of a male dominated culture in radiology was acknowledged by only 33%. Moreover, those respondents who benefited from a female mentor while in medical school were even less concerned about male cultural hegemony in residency (p value < 0.05). The majority of respondents viewed limited patient interaction as an attraction rather than a deterrent, with only 32% expressing misgiving about this matter.

The perceived barriers to the selection of radiology by medical students are multifactorial. Accommodation for childrearing, fear of radiation exposure, and prolonged training length were the most frequently cited negative considerations in those who nevertheless opted for radiology training.

Pack, E, Chung, J, Baker, S, Perception of Barriers to the Choice of Radiology by Female Medical Students: A Retrospective Review by Women Residents in Radiology.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4417532.html