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Bolderston A, McCuaig C, Ghosh S, McEntee MF, Kiely E. Mind the gap: Gender disparities in authorship in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2024; 55:101726. [PMID: 39106559 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2024.101726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research studies tracking gender and academic publication productivity in healthcare find gender disparities in research activity, publication, and authorship. Article authorship is one of the important metrics to track when seeking to understand gender inequality in academic career advancement. Research on gender disparities in publication productivity in the field of Medical Radiation Science (MRS) is very limited thus this study analyses and explains potential gender differences in article authorship and acceptance for publication in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (JMIRS) for a 5-year period (2017-2021). METHODS Gender was inferred based on the author's first name or title (e.g., Mr, Mrs or Ms). For those who left the title blank or reported as 'Dr' or 'Prof,' a series of steps were taken to identify their gender. Where gender was impossible to ascribe, these authors were excluded. Descriptive and inferential statistics are reported for the study population. Descriptive and inferential statistics are used. Percentages of females are reported, and males constitute the other portion. Chi-square, slope analysis and z-tests were used to test hypotheses. RESULTS Results show that female authorship overall and in all categories of authorship placement (i.e., first, last and corresponding) increased over the timeframe reviewed. The percentage gain in the increase was higher than that for male authorship. However, male authorship started from a higher baseline in 2017 and has also increased year on year and overall, as well as in each placement category examined. More female authors were in the MRS sub-specialism Radiation Therapy (RT) than in the other MRS sub-specialisms. Analysis of the acceptance rate of articles with female authors shows a weak downward trend, and this may be related to higher submission and acceptance rates of articles by male authors during the same period. CONCLUSION Male authors are overrepresented in all categories, which raises questions about the persistence of gender disparities in JMIRS authorship and article acceptance. Positive trends in female authorship indicate progress, yet there is the persistence of the significant under-representation of women in the Medical Radiation Sciences workforce in academic publishing. Recruiting more males to address the gender imbalance in the profession should not be at the expense of females' career progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carly McCuaig
- Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Sunita Ghosh
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Public Health, Henry Ford Health, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mark F McEntee
- Discipline of Medicinal Imaging and Radiation Therapy, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Ireland; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark; Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Kiely
- School of Applied Social Studies, University College Cork, Ireland
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Vella K, Irazola Rosales L, Jreije A, Katlapa A, Ovejero J, Fanou AM, Tzoumi N. Demographics of the members of the special interest group for early career medical physicists: A statistical analysis of survey results. Phys Med 2024; 122:103388. [PMID: 38795683 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2024.103388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Early Career Medical Physicists Special Interest Group (SIG_FREC) that operates within EFOMP aims to represent individuals with less than 10 years of experience working as medical physics professionals. The purpose of this survey was to better understand the specific needs and expectations of early-career medical physicists across Europe. The aim of this study was to allow these early-career professionals to voice their ideas within EFOMP and provide insights into their challenges and opportunities while also providing them with the possibility of making suggestions for the growth of the SIG. Doing this, the members can be better equipped to be future leaders of the Medical Physics profession in their own country and in Europe. METHODS The Steering Committee of SIG_FREC developed a questionnaire and distributed it to its members. RESULTS Out of the total number of members of the SIG_FREC at the time of the questionnaire (97 members), 42 of them responded to the survey yielding a response rate of 43%. These provided valuable insights based on their experiences about medical physics in their country. CONCLUSION The responses to the questionnaire provided a snapshot of the opinion of early-career medical physicists, representing a wide geographical distribution across Europe. The feedback from SIG_FREC members highlighted potential future operations within EFOMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katryna Vella
- Medical Physics, Department of Medical Imaging, Mater Dei Hospital, Malta.
| | | | - Antonio Jreije
- Clinical Radiation Surveillance Division, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Lithuania; Department of Physics, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania.
| | | | - Jesús Ovejero
- General University Hospital Gregorio Maranon, Spain.
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Brink A, Israel O, Nadel H, Arevalo-Pardo M, Kalinchuk O, Estrada-Lobato E, Naydenova M, Drace M, Paez D. Towards a More Inclusive Future: A Comprehensive Assessment of Gender Diversity in Nuclear Medicine Education, Training and Workforce. Semin Nucl Med 2024; 54:184-190. [PMID: 37985264 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The field of nuclear medicine has undergone remarkable advances, particularly with the introduction of new devices, radionuclides for imaging and therapy, new clinical applications, and emergence of medical evidence. As this dynamic field continues its rapid expansion, there is an urgent need to increase the number of well-trained professionals globally. Consequently, advocating for nuclear medicine as a thriving field of study and work for women becomes paramount in ensuring the establishment of a robust workforce capable of meeting the growing demands. True gender equality will only be achieved when there is equal representation across the spectrum of the nuclear medicine professions, including nuclear medicine technologists, radiopharmacists, radiochemist, medical physicists, nuclear medicine physicians, administrators, academics, and leaders. Currently, the workforce exhibits an imbalance, with females predominating among nuclear medicine technologists, while the number of female physicians, and those in leadership positions remains comparatively lower. There are various factors which contribute to the existing inequities. Societal expectations often impose traditional gender roles that somehow discourage women from pursuing a career in the science, technology, and mathematics (STEM) fields, including nuclear medicine. Additionally, prevailing unequal work conditions and gender biases within the workplace can create barriers that hinder women's professional growth and development. Ways of addressing inequalities includes ensuring female participation at all levels of education and training and promoting the field at undergraduate level in medical school. Mentorship programs have demonstrated great success in guiding and supporting women at various stages of their careers. Therefore, there is a need for their expansion and enhancement. Furthermore, female role models play a pivotal role in shattering gender stereotypes and inspiring other women to pursue careers in nuclear medicine and its related fields. By addressing the existing imbalances and fostering an environment that actively encourages and supports women, we can harness the full potential of all professionals, thus ensuring the ongoing progress and advancement of nuclear medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Brink
- Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging Section, Division of Human Health, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Ora Israel
- Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Helen Nadel
- Pediatric Nuclear medicine, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Manuela Arevalo-Pardo
- Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging Section, Division of Human Health, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oleksandr Kalinchuk
- Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging Section, Division of Human Health, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Enrique Estrada-Lobato
- Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging Section, Division of Human Health, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Naydenova
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme, Vienna, Austria
| | - Milena Drace
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme, Vienna, Austria
| | - Diana Paez
- Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging Section, Division of Human Health, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
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Evangelista L, Guglielmo P, Pietrzak A, Lazar AM, Urso L, Aghaee A, Eppard E. The Future Direction of Women in Nuclear Medicine and Nuclear Medicine in Women's Health. Semin Nucl Med 2024; 54:302-310. [PMID: 38218670 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
This work discusses the role of Nuclear Medicine for women's health, the role of women in the development of this emerging field and the various issues which arise from both. It emphasizes the importance of young women and their competing needs due to factors like pregnancy and work-related challenges. The objectives of this overview include improving imaging techniques, preserving fertility during cancer treatment, diagnosing pelvic and uterine conditions, developing radiopharmaceuticals for women's health, protecting female employees in Nuclear Medicine, and considering the role of artificial intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Evangelista
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Priscilla Guglielmo
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Agata Pietrzak
- Electroradiology Department, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Nuclear Medicine Department, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Alexandra Maria Lazar
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Institute of Oncology "Prof. Dr. Alexandru Trestioreanu", Bucharest, Romania; Carcinogenesis and Molecular Biology Department, Institute of Oncology "Prof. Dr. Alexandru Trestioreanu", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Luca Urso
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Nuclear Medicine Unit, Onco-Hematological Department, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Atena Aghaee
- Nuclear Medicine Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elisabeth Eppard
- Faculty of Medicine, University Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Otto von Guericke University (OvGU), Magdeburg, Germany
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A space of one's own. Nucl Med Commun 2023; 44:113-114. [PMID: 36630215 DOI: 10.1097/mnm.0000000000001656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Lasnon C, Quak E. Fair play: towards gender equality in nuclear medicine. Clin Transl Imaging 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40336-022-00532-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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