Gender Disparity in Vietnamese Radiological Societies: a Preliminary Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction:The advancement of gender equality within radiology, a predominantly male profession, has currently been a significant concern. Aim: Therefore, in this original study, we aimed to investigate the gender disparity in Vietnamese radiological societies. Methods: No ethical committee or institutional review board approval was needed since the data were publicly available. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the faculties of four main radiological societies in Vietnam: Vietnamese society of radiology and nuclear medicine (VSRNM, n = 67); Radiological society of Ho Chi Minh City (RSHCM, n = 25); Vietnamese society of ultrasound in medicine (VSUM, n = 29); and Vietnamese society of interventional radiology (VSIR, n = 18). Results: There are significantly fewer women than men in faculties of four main radiological societies (15.1% vs. 84.9%). None of the women served as a professor and leader of any radiological societies. The women with a doctor of philosophy level are relatively low among the four main radiological societies. Also, female interventional and pediatric radiologists are seriously low among four main radiological societies. Conclusions: In Vietnamese radiological societies, gender disparities exist, especially about educational degrees and professorship positions. Future studies are essential to address the underlying roots of the gender gap and aid in the implementation of gender diversity programs and policies.

Is Empowerment of Female Radiologists Still Needed? Findings of a Systematic Review

“…All included articles were written in English and published between 1989 and 2020 [ 6 , 7 , 11 , 12 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 , 109 , 110 , 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 , 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 , 120 , 121 , <...>…”

“…In fact, to date, according to the American Medical Association, radiology is still a male-dominated specialty in which men make up 73.2% of the resident workforce [ 10 ]. Several potential reasons for this gender disparity have been suggested, including the fear of radiation exposure, the central role of technology, and the limited interaction with patients [ 11 , 12 ].…”

“…Given that healthcare systems closing the gender gap have shown to better perform in terms of organization and clinical outcomes, an increase in the number of women practicing radiology is urgently needed and women and men should also be equally treated and given the same opportunities in this medical field [ 2 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

An Overview of Vietnamese Society of Interventional Radiology

“…With the acknowledgment of medical society and the increased development of the IR field, the founding of the VSIR became necessary. Several generations of Vietnamese IR practitioners have made efforts to alter the relationships between IR and similar disciplines, by establishing independent IR departments, developing abundant procedures to facilitate cooperation with other specialties, and boosting the potential for scientific investigation ( 14 , 15 ). These endeavors have generated more opportunities for Vietnamese IR practitioners to become more competent and disciplined.…”

Impacts of Novel Vietnamese Government Regulations on Radiological PhD and Professorship Candidates: an Initial Report

“…In some countries and institutions, the word “professor” is also used in lower-ranking titles, such as associate professor and assistant professor. The specific requirements for obtaining a professorship vary considerably, depending on the country, institution, and time period, ranging from research degrees at the entrance level to higher doctorates ( 5 - 11 ). However, successfully obtaining a professorship requires that studies be published in peer-reviewed journals ( 1 , 4 , 5 - 11 ).…”