Mi Feature - International Women's Day 2023

Today is International Women's Day (IWD). It is a time to celebrate the achievements of so many women in our field of medical imaging and beyond. It is also a time to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equity in the workplace (and also at home as in my case!). I would like to celebrate the outstanding women in our medical imaging community.

Featured here are some of the women in our medical imaging community who have excelled and served as role models for their peers and trainees – please read their insightful responses to a few questions we asked about the importance of IWD in radiology. What is clear is the importance of mentorship and sponsorship to the success of women in medical imaging. To this end, we have planned an upcoming event dedicated to facilitating mentorship and sponsorship for Women in Radiology (stay tuned!). Please keep up the great work!

Elsie T. Nguyen, BSc, MD, FRCPC, FNASCI
University of Toronto Vice Chair on SIDE (Support, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity)

Dr. Ania Kielar
Faculty Supervisor for Resident EDI Committee; Quality Lead for QMIT; Vice-Chair, At-Large

1. What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
This is a day of both celebration and reflection. Celebration of all the great accomplishments that have already taken place by women across the world. It is also a time to consider how we can foster even more engagement and success for women both in Canada, and worldwide. 

2. What would be an important step to achieve gender equity in Radiology?
Providing trainees with leadership training and opportunities in early career will help to prepare women for future larger leadership roles. Mentorship and sponsorship of women in early career by those currently in leadership positions will potentially help streamline women into more leadership roles in the near to mid future. 

3. What advice would you give to women starting out in Radiology?
Take some time to identify areas of interest and things you are passionate about that you can learn about now,  with a goal of having increasing impact over time. 

Dr. Hadas Benhabib
PGY5 Radiology Resident, Past Chair EDI Resident Committee

1. What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women's Day holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of the incredible women who have paved the way for me in Radiology. It is a day to celebrate the invaluable contributions and achievements of women. It also provides the opportunity to reflect on how we can continue to promote diversity and inclusivity in the field.

2. What would be an important step to achieve gender equity in Radiology?
To achieve gender equity in Radiology, we need to address implicit biases, promote mentorship, and create a welcoming and inclusive work environment. Biases can impact opportunities for women in Radiology, and it is crucial to identify and confront them. Promoting mentorship can help women connect and support each other, while creating opportunities for growth and development. As a founding member of the diversity committee for the University of Toronto Radiology residency program, I believe that inclusion and equity are integral to the success of the field. By fostering an environment that is supportive and welcoming of diversity, we can attract and retain more talented women in the field.

3. What advice would you give to women starting out in Radiology?
My advice to women starting out in Radiology is to seek mentorship and support from other women in the field. Mentorship can offer guidance and support, as well as help women navigate the challenges they may face. Networking and seeking out opportunities for growth and development can also help women establish themselves in the field. I would advise women to be persistent and advocate for themselves and their work. Advocacy can come in many forms, from seeking leadership opportunities to presenting at conferences and publishing research. Women play a critical role in the field of Radiology and advocating for oneself will inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in the field.

Dr. Moran Drucker Iarovich
Cardiothoracic Imaging Fellow

1. What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Women's Day for me serves as an important reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and highlights the significant contributions that women have made to society throughout history. It provides an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, and to acknowledge the challenges we as women continue to face in achieving true equality. It is time to reflect on the progress that has been made towards gender equality and consider what more can be done to ensure equal opportunities. Finally, Women's Day serves as an opportunity to amplify women's voices and to raise awareness about issues that affect women around the world, serving as a powerful reminder that gender equality is not just a women's issue, but a human rights issue that affects us all.

2. What would be an important step to achieve gender equity in Radiology?
In my opinion, one of the key elements to achieve gender equality in radiology would be to promote mentorship, which in my opinion is critical for the success of women in radiology. Women need access to mentors who can provide guidance, support, and career advice. Radiology departments can promote mentorship by establishing formal mentorship programs. Additional point would be to create a culture of inclusion, where all staff feel valued and respected. This can be done by promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives and providing training on cultural competency. Finally, radiology departments should continue aspiring to increase visibility of women in leadership roles, actively encouraging women to seek these positions.

3. What advice would you give to women starting out in Radiology?
My first advice would be to seek out mentorship. We are fortunate to be surrounded by so many talented women in radiology, and we can learn tremendously from their experience. A mentor can provide valuable advice on navigating the challenges of radiology and provide a sounding board for your ideas and concerns. Secondly - build a network. Attend conferences, workshops and join professional organizations to connect with colleagues and stay up-to-date on industry trends. Lastly - advocate for yourself. Don't be afraid to express your goals. Speak up in meetings, and take new responsibilities. Take ownership of your career and be proactive in seeking out opportunities for growth.

Hayley Mckee
2nd Year Medical Student, Medical Imaging Interest Group Representative

1. What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me, International Women’s Day represents a special opportunity for everyone, irrespective of gender or gender identity, to celebrate the achievements of women in our local communities, including workplaces, peers, social and familial networks, as well our communities around the globe. This day also offers us space to reflect on where we are in our journey to achieving gender equity. More personally, I reflect on my position as a medical student, daughter, volunteer, friend, and advocate and the means through which I can use these unique positions to mobilize for meaningful change. Whether it be amplifying the voices of fellow women medical students, being an ally for women’s rights locally and globally through advocacy or helping to raise women up to leadership positions through community volunteer work. Ultimately, to me IWD is more than one day to celebrate and reflect, but a reminder of the efforts made around the world and locally the other 364 days of the year to advocate for gender equity.   

2. What would be an important step to achieve gender equity in Radiology?
I have found that the most meaningful moments along my medical journey to Radiology thus far have been through encouragement, mentorship, and guidance from women radiologists. To me, this stems from the opportunity to learn from, observe, meet, and be exceedingly inspired by women in the field or positions that one hopes to achieve in the future. As such, I believe that increased representation of women radiologists in leadership roles may be an important step forward to achieving greater gender equity. Increased representation within leadership may offer more mentorship opportunities for women trainees/staff and forge career paths for other women to pursue such positions as well. To do so, allyship from all gender identities would be vital to empowering women at all levels of their medical training and supporting EDI efforts.   

3. What advice would you give to women starting out in Medicine?
If I were to give advice to a medical student beginning their medical journey, I would encourage them to find a mentor that inspires and encourages them to pursue their passions and to never doubt their ability to achieve their goals, irrespective of gender-identity.