RAD Women launches resource center for women in imaging informatics

RAD Women (RADxx), an initiative for the advancement of women in imaging fields, has launched an online resource center featuring educational content, professional development resources and a calendar of meetings and events.

"The level of interest and activity for RADxx has exceeded all of our expectations and we're pleased to continue to grow the initiative by providing a resource hub for women to connect with one another and advance their careers in informatics," said Mini Peiris, RADxx co-founder and chief medical officer for Ambra Health.

RAD Women (RADxx) has grown from a small discussion at the 2016 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting to an organization of over 100 women and men dedicated to increasing diversity in the imaging fields and adjacent disciplines. The organization was also co-founded by Geraldine McGinty, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Radiology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

“The conversation around RADxx first began between myself and Dr. McGinty at RSNA just about a year ago at a dinner event where we were the only two women in the room,” wrote Peiris, in a blog post on the RADxx webpage. “When I commented on this fact, Dr. McGinty shared that she has been at many radiology events with very few women in attendance, and sometimes with no women at all as speakers.”

While younger radiologists are more likely to be female only 21 percent of all radiologists are women, according to the 2016 Commission on Human Resources Workforce survey conducted by the American College of Radiology.

“While we can’t pinpoint one factor alone to account for these findings, studies have shown that across all medical specialties, students are more likely to be influenced by a strong mentor in that field,” wrote Peiris. “Mentorship, career sponsors and networking opportunities are lacking for women in radiology and informatics, and the primary goal of RADxx is to make these opportunities available.”

Visit the RADxx homepage for more information or to subscribe to email updates.

As a Senior Writer for TriMed Media Group, Will covers radiology practice improvement, policy, and finance. He lives in Chicago and holds a bachelor’s degree in Life Science Communication and Global Health from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He previously worked as a media specialist for the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. Outside of work you might see him at one of the many live music venues in Chicago or walking his dog Holly around Lakeview.

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