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Job Title
Clinical Research Coordinator
Academic Rank
Staff/Research Assistant
Department
Radiation Oncology
Authors
Patrick Doyle, Miranda Lam, MD, MBA, Shalini Moningi, MD
Principal Investigator
Shalini Moningi, MD
Categories
Tags
Gender diversity in academic radiation oncology (RO) has become a topic of interest in recent years. Studies show that practicing female ROs are outnumbered by their male colleagues at a rate of approximately 3:1. The genitourinary (GU) RO subspecialty shows a stark gender difference in particular. We investigated whether challenges exist for female GU RO physicians and, if so, what barriers they face in practice.
We conducted a national survey of female-identifying RO physicians with a focus on treating GU malignancies working at an U.S. ACGME-accredited academic center. Survey questions focused on their career path, challenges faced, and barriers to practicing GU RO.
We surveyed 42 female-identifying ROs. The majority of respondents (67%) experienced challenges in their careers as a result of their gender, and 75% of that portion stated that practicing GU RO specifically posed challenges. Furthermore, 57% of respondents reported challenges integrating with urology and medical oncology. 92% of respondents felt respected and valued by patients, compared to 66% who felt valued and respected by urology and medical oncology colleagues.
These findings provide important context for the work necessary to reduce challenges faced by female GU RO physicians. Future work evaluating and addressing these specific challenges is warranted.
Gender diversity in radiation oncology (RO) has become a topic of interest in recent years. Studies show that practicing female ROs are outnumbered nearly 3:1 by their male colleagues. The RO workforce treating prostate and testicular (genitourinary, or GU) cancers shows a stark gender difference. We investigated whether challenges exist for female RO physicians treating these conditions and, if so, what barriers they face in their careers.
We surveyed female-identifying RO physicians who treat GU malignancies working at accredited academic medical centers across the US. Survey questions focused on their career path, challenges faced, and barriers to practicing GU RO.
We surveyed 42 ROs who identify as female. Most respondents (67%) experienced challenges in their careers as a result of their gender, and 75% of that portion stated that practicing GU RO specifically posed challenges. Furthermore, 57% of respondents reported challenges interacting with related specialties. 92% of respondents felt respected and valued by patients, compared with 66% who felt valued and respected by colleagues in urology or medical oncology.
These findings provide important context for the work necessary to reduce challenges faced by female GU RO physicians. Future work evaluating and addressing these specific challenges is warranted.
