Gender representation within radiology conferences in the UK in 2021
Publication type
journal article
Publication date
2022
Author(s)
Conley, H.
Lostis, E.
MacCormick, A.
Jenkins, P.
Gafoor, N.
Language
English
Discipline(s)
Geographical area
Abstract
Aim To examine the gender representation and equality within academic meetings and society conferences within the UK radiology conferences. Materials and methods UK-based subspecialty radiology meetings organised by major radiological associations and societies (online and in-person) from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 were included. Speakers and chairs were documented with reference to their gender, years on General Medical Council (GMC) register, academic publications, and h-index. Data were analysed using SPSS v27 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Results Of 298 sessional chairs, 105 were female (35.2%). Of 639 speakers, 212 (33.2%) were female. Three subspecialties (interventional radiology, uro-radiology, and nuclear medicine) had a higher proportion of female speakers than the percentage of female consultants with specialist interest. Of the 71 invited international speakers, 28.2% (20/71) were female. Online conferences had a significantly greater proportion of female speakers (43.2% versus 24.1%, p<0.001) and chairs (48.7% versus 20.4%, p<0.001) compared to in person. Male speakers had a higher median number of publications (31 versus 12, p<0.0001) and median h-index (11 versus 4, p<0.001). Conclusion This study demonstrates that women are under-represented in radiology society meetings, particularly within certain subspecialty groups. Radiological societies should actively encourage a more balanced gender representation at conferences with online conference shown to improve female representation.
Journal
Clinical Radiology
ISSN
0009-9260
Volume
77
Issue
11
Pagination
870-875