The Opportunities, Responsibilities, and Challenges for Women in Radiology

It has been 200 years since the birth of America’s first female physician, Elizabeth Blackwell, M.D., and women still account for slightly less than 40 percent of practicing providers. But, the number of women in medicine continues to grow – as do their accomplishments.

While radiology has lagged behind other specialties in attracting more women to the field – currently 26 percent of radiology residents are women, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges – there has been a great deal of progress in recent years.

Today, nationwide radiology practice RadPartners hosts a webinar including expert panelists who will share their experiences as female leaders in medicine, as well as provide insights into how healthcare can create a more inclusive, diverse environment. The panel includes female providers from radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, and primary care.

Diagnostic Imaging spoke with both Mary C. Mahoney, M.D., RSNA president, and Barbara Hamilton, M.D., chief of interventional radiology for RadPartners about their careers and what they see as the opportunities, responsibilities, and challenges that exist for women in radiology. To foster continued progress, they also discussed various initiatives in place to grow a more welcoming environment in the specialty.

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