From the vision of female residents at the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at Indiana University School of Medicine, the Women in Radiology group was established in 2013 and provides camaraderie and mentorship for female medical students, trainees and faculty. The group strives to strengthen discussion, improve collaboration and create a sense of community among women radiologists through philanthropic endeavors, academic discussions, outreach to girls and young women and social gatherings.
Women in Radiology
Creating community and outreach for women radiologists
Stay Connected
Learn about the importance of women in radiology from current and past program members and stay informed about upcoming events and funds that are enabling more diversity at IU School of Medicine.
“The longer I’ve been in this department, the more I realize that not only can women do this job, but they can thrive in this field.”
Vasantha Aaron, MD, program co-director
Quick Facts
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Is the group only for women?No. The Women and Radiology group strives to ensure everyone is given the room to discuss the importance of workplace diversity.
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How many practicing radiologists are women?As of 2017, less than 22 percent of practicing radiologists were women.
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Are there many publications on women in radiology?Yes. Over 20 publications were made in 2017 alone on gender disparities on women in medicine. Read A Mentorship and Networking Group for Women in Radiology, by IU School of Medicine radiology faculty.
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Why does the representation of women in radiology matter?Everything is better when everyone has a seat at the table. Not only do diverse work forces enhance innovation, but improving the experience for those underrepresented in medicine will also make education and training better for all.
Outreach
Female radiology faculty, residents and technologists participated in the 2022 Sycamore School Girls' STEAM Conference in Indianapolis, where sixth through eighth-grade girls learned what radiology is and participate in hands-on activities including ultrasounding phantoms. These phantoms were created using gelatin, Metamucil and a glove filled with water. At the event, radiologists demonstrated needle aspiration and showed students how using ultrasound to guide the needle into the "cyst" takes practice.Gender disparities in radiology
The gender disparity in radiology is greater than many other specialties in medicine. Only 30 percent of radiology trainees and 25 percent of practicing radiologists are women. Currently, this is in stark contrast to the equal gender distribution in medical school enrollment, and this disparity has persisted for more than 30 years. The Women in Radiology group at IU School of Medicine is setting the stage for improved representation in the field of radiology.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Radiology
Through collaborative environments, engaging lectures,
pipeline opportunities and more— the department's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) Committee has worked to break down walls that prevent others from achieving their goals. The DEIJ Committee is committed to celebrating difference, foster cultural competence, nurture empathy and humility, and provide inspiration to everyone in the department.
program leaders
Alisha E. Capps, MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Radiology & Imaging Sciences
Lauren M. Ladd, MD
Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology & Imaging Sciences
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