Equity, diversity & inclusion in academic radiology: An elusive dream

Abstract

Background: Disparities in sex and race/ethnicity continue to persist in the academic radiology. This study addresses the sex/racial underrepresentation and evolution in the academic radiology. Purpose: To evaluate academic radiology temporal trends disparities by analyzing sex and race/ethnicity diversity in academic degree and tenure status. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis conducted using American Association of Medical College database between 2007 and 2018. Trends in academic degree, tenure status, race/ethnicity, and sex assessed with linear regression analysis and Poisson regression model for annual percent change with statistical significance of p < 0.05. Results: Out of 107,213 radiologists 72%, n = 76,893 males and 64%, n = 68,738 white faculty with 1277 males and 872 females. White MD-degree radiologists constitute 67.2%, Asian (20.9%), Black (2.5%), Hispanic (3.2%), multiple (3.4%), unknown (1.8%) and “other” (1%) races with a similar PhD/other doctoral and dual-degree. White faculty recruitment trend (n2007 = 955, n2018 = 703) and representation (−0.82% per year; 95% CI, −1.00 to −0.63; p < 0.0001) decreased, while Asian URM decreased respectively (n2007 = 152, n2018 = 205) (0.68% per year; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.77; p < 0.0001). Females were underrepresented in all categories. Conclusion: URM and females are underrepresented in academic radiology. Academic degree types and tenure track may contribute to White and male academic radiologists overrepresentation.