VIDEO: Julia Fielding, MD, of the ACR Commission for Women, discusses how women can build relationships and advance their careers.
Women are underrepresented in radiology and often need to put in the extra effort to be recognized and advance their careers, experts say.
But women tend to be more reticent when it comes to asking for help, which can hold them back, said Julia Fielding, MD, abdominal imaging division chief at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. Fielding also chairs the newly-formed American College of Radiology’s Commission for Women, charged with finding ways to attract and retain more women in the profession.
“For women it’s out of our normal comfort zone,” she said in a video interview.
Her advice? Start by asking a senior professional out to lunch. That direct interaction can help establish a trust and relationship that can serve the radiologist. Also consider looking to senior professionals outside of the specialty. Getting a good understanding of your referring doctors’ needs can help you focus your efforts and your career.
And be willing to put in the work, because building relationships takes time, she said.
“You have to be a good doctor,’” she said. “And you have to be willing to ask.”
Click here to read the feature article, “Women in Radiology - How the Specialty Can Bridge the Gap.”
Stay at the forefront of radiology with the Diagnostic Imaging newsletter, delivering the latest news, clinical insights, and imaging advancements for today’s radiologists.
The Reading Room Podcast: A Closer Look at Remote MRI Safety, Part 2
July 25th 2025In the second of a multi-part podcast episode, Emanuel Kanal, M.D. and Tobias Gilk, MRSO, MRSE, share their perspectives on remote MRI safety protocols for ensuring screening accuracy and adherence to conditional implant guidelines as well as a rapid and effective response to adverse events.
Burnout in Radiology: Key Risk Factors and Promising Solutions
June 9th 2025Recognizing the daunting combination of increasing imaging volume and workforce shortages, these authors discuss key risk factors contributing to burnout and moral injury in radiology, and potential solutions to help preserve well-being among radiologists.