Embracing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Radiology

Unconscious Bias Training Underway

To ensure that RSNA offers programs that appropriately address diversity, equity and inclusion issues through the annual meeting and other RSNA activities and publications, the RSNA Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (CDEI) was developed and is designed to identify gaps and make recommendations to ensure that appropriate programs and tools are in place to address these issues.

“The CDEI is tasked with not only raising awareness and providing education on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in our profession, but also with identifying resources to create a diverse and inclusive culture, address unconscious bias and promote conflict resolution,” said Yoshimi Anzai, MD, chair of the CDEI and professor of radiology, associate chief quality officer, and co-director of Women in Health, Medicine, and Sciences at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City. “The committee looks forward to building an inclusive culture where every member of the organization is empowered and valued.”

In order to help RSNA look more closely at the diversity, equity and inclusion environment and assess the gaps that it might fill to help radiology leaders and professionals understand these issues and make positive changes, RSNA has begun providing unconscious bias training for its board members, trustees, editorial boards and other leaders.

“We recognize that unconscious bias about gender identity, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion and ability may influence the evaluation and selection of faculty, committee members and leaders, honorees, awardees and other appointed positions, so the CDEI recommended — and the Board wholeheartedly supported — that RSNA require unconscious bias training to all volunteers in leadership positions,” Dr. Klein said.

“Of course, now that many of us have participated in the training, it’s time to take what we’ve learned and commit to action, which is what RSNA will continue to do,” he added.

The first unconscious bias workshop for leaders was held virtually in mid-September. It was well attended and positively reviewed, with many attendees commenting on the importance of this type of training and discussions. More sessions are being planned.

Watch Drs. Anzai and Klein discuss diversity, equity and inclusion in radiology:

RSNA’s Online Learning Center provides an array of DEI-related courses and RSNA 2020 will offer a variety of sessions and courses on the topic (See announcement box below). In addition, to ensure a better understanding of diversity through the Society, RSNA has started to collect racial/ethnicity and non-binary gender data from those willing to share it. RSNA has also expanded its medical student research grant to encourage students who identify as underrepresented in medicine (UIM) to apply.

“RSNA continues to identify processes and programs that will help ensure a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment in the Society and the specialty,” Dr. Anzai said. “We hope these small steps will lead to a cultural shift that encourages and embraces differences in not only gender and race but perspectives and visions — so that voices from every RSNA member are heard and valued.”