Gender distribution of North American professional radiology society award recipients

• Published in: Clinical imaging 2024-04, Vol.108, p.110096-110096, Article 110096
• Main Authors: Shunmugam, Maheshver, Friesen, Seth, Kipfer, Sharon, Klonowski, Adam, Hehar, Harleen K., Lei, Lucy Y., Yong-Hing, Charlotte J., Khosa, Faisal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Academic radiology; Affirmative action; Awards; Gender disparity; Gender inequity
• ISSN: 0899-7071; 1873-4499
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2024.110096

Women remain underrepresented in radiology and there is a paucity of literature examining the recognition of their professional contributions to the discipline. The purpose of this study was to examine the gender distribution of award winners across all North American radiology societies. The gender distribution of 1923 award recipients from 21 North American radiology societies between 1960 and 2021 was examined. Awards were divided into four categories: leadership, teaching, contribution to radiology, and promising new/young societal member. Primary outcome was the total proportion of awards received by gender. All data was compared to the gender distribution of working radiologists in North America. A total of 1923 award recipients were identified between 1960 and 2021. Seventy-nine percent of award recipients were men (n = 1527) and 21 % were women (n = 396). As of 1970, the proportion of women award recipients increased 0.55 % ± 0.07 % each year. The proportion of women receiving radiological awards after 2018 is equal to or surpassing the percentage of women radiologists. Women received 36.4 % of leadership, 33.6 % of promising new member, 30.1 % of teaching, and 14.4 % of lifetime contribution awards. In the last five years, the proportion of women receiving awards was equal to or greater than the proportion of women radiologists. Women received more leadership awards and fewer lifetime contributor awards compared to men. •While radiology has traditionally been male dominated, increase in female award recipients indicates success of initiatives in reducing gender inequity in radiology•Since 1970, the proportion of women award recipients has increased 0.55% ± 0.07% year-over-year•1960-2021, females received 36.4% leadership, 33.6% new/young member, 30.1% teaching, and 14.4% lifetime contribution awards•Proportion of women receiving radiology awards after 2018 has been equal to or surpassing percentage of female radiologists•Future studies should focus on increasing visibility of women award winners and promoting female radiologists as role models