M Foo1, J Maingard2, M Wang3, H K Kok4, R V Chandra5, A Jhamb6, W Chong7, M J Lee8, M Brooks6, H Asadi9. 1. Interventional Radiology and Neurointerventional Services, Department of Radiology, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia. Electronic address: michelle.foo.10@gmail.com. 2. Interventional Radiology and Neurointerventional Services, Department of Radiology, Monash Health, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; School of Medicine, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia. 3. Interventional Radiology and Neurointerventional Services, Department of Radiology, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia. 4. School of Medicine, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia; Interventional Radiology Service, Department of Radiology, Northern Health, 1231 Plenty Rd, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia. 5. Interventional Radiology and Neurointerventional Services, Department of Radiology, Monash Health, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia. Electronic address: ronil.chandra@monash.edu. 6. Interventional Radiology and Neurointerventional Services, Department of Radiology, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; Interventional Radiology Service, Department of Radiology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Pde, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia. 7. Interventional Radiology and Neurointerventional Services, Department of Radiology, Monash Health, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Balaclava Rd, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia. 8. Interventional Radiology Service, Department of Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont, Dublin 9, Ireland; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland. 9. Interventional Radiology and Neurointerventional Services, Department of Radiology, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; Interventional Radiology and Neurointerventional Services, Department of Radiology, Monash Health, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; School of Medicine, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Pde, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
Abstract
AIM: To assess differences in the exposure, teaching, knowledge, appreciation, and interest in interventional radiology (IR) between male and female doctors prior to specialisation and to identify potential predisposing factors to the gender inequality in interventional radiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional multicentre study was conducted using in-person and web-based distribution of a voluntary, anonymous questionnaire to junior doctors yet to commence specialisation at 11 health services across two Australian states. RESULTS: Complete responses were provided by 333 junior doctors (21.9% response rate). Women were significantly less likely than men to consider a career in IR (13.1% versus 29.7%, p < 0.001). No other statistically significant gender disparities were identified, as both men and women reported low levels of prior teaching and exposure to IR, strong belief in the importance of IR, and suboptimal knowledge of IR. CONCLUSIONS: The gender gap amongst practising Australian interventional radiologists is perpetuated by a consistent gender gap in upcoming junior doctors' desire to pursue IR. This disparity exists despite junior doctors receiving the same exposure and opportunities in interventional radiology, possibly suggesting that preconceived stereotypes or psychosocial factors deter females from pursuing this procedural, male-dominated subspecialty. Future qualitative studies are required to confirm this hypothesis, in conjunction with prospective, experimental trials to determine whether changes in education, mentorship, and advocacy can promote gender equality.
AIM: To assess differences in the exposure, teaching, knowledge, appreciation, and interest in interventional radiology (IR) between male and female doctors prior to specialisation and to identify potential predisposing factors to the gender inequality in interventional radiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional multicentre study was conducted using in-person and web-based distribution of a voluntary, anonymous questionnaire to junior doctors yet to commence specialisation at 11 health services across two Australian states. RESULTS: Complete responses were provided by 333 junior doctors (21.9% response rate). Women were significantly less likely than men to consider a career in IR (13.1% versus 29.7%, p < 0.001). No other statistically significant gender disparities were identified, as both men and women reported low levels of prior teaching and exposure to IR, strong belief in the importance of IR, and suboptimal knowledge of IR. CONCLUSIONS: The gender gap amongst practising Australian interventional radiologists is perpetuated by a consistent gender gap in upcoming junior doctors' desire to pursue IR. This disparity exists despite junior doctors receiving the same exposure and opportunities in interventional radiology, possibly suggesting that preconceived stereotypes or psychosocial factors deter females from pursuing this procedural, male-dominated subspecialty. Future qualitative studies are required to confirm this hypothesis, in conjunction with prospective, experimental trials to determine whether changes in education, mentorship, and advocacy can promote gender equality.
Authors: Giulia Fichera; Isolde Martina Busch; Michela Rimondini; Raffaella Motta; Chiara Giraudo Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-02-05 Impact factor: 3.390