Stacy Elaine Smith MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Michelle Cohen, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

While nationally, 45% of current medical students are women, there is not a corresponding increased percentage of women applying to radiology programs (only 25% entering radiology in 2006). The purpose of this study is to delineate and quantify the driving forces behind medical students decisions to enter radiology according to gender, year of training, exposure, and other factors.

Medical students(1st-4th yrs) at our institution completed a multiple choice/free response survey regarding career choices and were blinded to the purpose of the study.Evaluation factors included: gender,background,lifestyle(stress,family,leisure time, workhours/call,length of training),income,exposure to radiology(particularly at what time frame during medical training,presence of a mentor,family member in the field,and radiology elective), perceived reputation of radiologists versus other specialties, daily use of technology,health risks,patient contact perception, procedures,personality type,competitive residency application process. Survey data was evaluated by 2 physicians.

530 surveys (290M;230F/1-4yrs)were evaluated.Technology(85%),research ability(68%),& anatomy(84%)were major Pros overall; 3rd & 4th years emphasized lifestyle,direct impact on all specialties,problem solving ability & patient care.Gender & race differences were noted: A perceived competitive nature made acceptance seem less likely for those wanting to work part time(particularly women (72%))even though lifestyle was their most important factor(91%).Length of program was a -ve factor for more women(58%)than men(21%). Lack of patient exposure was a major con for both sexes in the 1st 2 years(particularly F),but this decreased in the final years,particularly among males. Caucasian, middle eastern and asian students showed more interest in radiology than african-americans in both genders in all years.

Lifestyle & patient contact are important to women.While they see radiology as a good fit, other -ve factors disuade them from applying.Race,year of training,and personal exposure also play a role.

Early radiology education,with mentors(M&F)of multiple cultures/races is integral for identification with the specialty.

Smith, S, Cohen, M, Choosing Radiology as a Specialty: A Cross-Sectional Study of Medical Students' Opinions from First to Fourth Year of Training Emphasizing Gender Differences.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4438411.html