Promoting Greater Diversity and Inclusion in Radiology Research: A Survey of the American Association for Women Radiologists

Objectives: To assess perceived challenges to radiology research and publication by female radiologists, as well as possible strategies for overcoming these challenges. Methods: An electronic survey was conducted of female nontrainee members of the American Association for Women Radiologists in September and October, 2017. Respondents were recruited by e-mail. Responses were assessed descriptively. Results: The response rate was 31.8% (89/280). 61.4% of respondents were interested in conducting radiology research. 60.2% were expected by their departments to pursue research versus 80.7% expected to pursue educational activities. 56.8% felt that their research success is valued by their department. 47.7% felt that they receive appropriate credit for their research from their departments. 22.7% felt that they receive sufficient time for research. 23.9% felt that their department makes deliberate efforts to support women's research efforts. 41.6% versus 70.8% ever had a female versus a male research mentor, respectively. Among seven provided options, the three items most commonly selected as being most helpful to enhancing research success were dedicated research time (40.4%), personal research mentors (23.6%), and earlier career training in research methodology (21.3%). Additional relevant themes identified by a free-response survey item included: family/child-care issues (n = 5), unconscious bias at the departmental/chair level (n = 5), exclusion of women from research activities by male researchers (n = 2), and concern of being perceived as “aggressive” (n = 2). Conclusion: Initiatives targeting the identified challenges to radiology research could help promote greater diversity and inclusion among radiologist researchers, which in turn has implications for improving the quality of such research.