Gender and race in radiology: An intersectional analysis of the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) database from 1966 to 2021

Abstract

Purpose

To describe trends in gender and racial representation within academic radiology in the United States over a 55-year period from 1966 to 2021.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the American Association of Medical Colleges database of radiology faculty members from 1966 to 2021 was conducted. Trends in academic rank and tenure status for five different ethnoracial groups (White, Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American) each subdivided into two gender identities (men and women) were analyzed. The proportional change over time of each demographic group per outcome was analyzed with linear regression models.

Results

Between 1966 and 2021, White men comprised the largest demographic in academic radiology each year. A significant decrease in both White individuals (−0.51 % per year) and men (−0.30 % per year) were observed over the study period. Additionally, the only demographic groups with meaningful changes in representation were White women (+0.20 % per year) and Asian men (+0.23 % per year), followed by Asian women in later years. Underrepresented minority groups (Black, Hispanic and Native American) collectively comprised less than 5 % of all academic radiologists. Finally, within each demographic group, the representation of women consistently lagged behind men. Despite these relative increases, in 2021, the majority of US academic radiologists were White (59.1 %) and male (70.1 %).

Conclusion

Historically underrepresented minorities, especially women within these groups, continue to face discrimination and are consistently the least represented in radiology. Initiatives that incorporate the intersectionality framework are imperative to break this cycle.