Recommendations for Improvement of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the CaRMs Selection Process

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Equity
• Radiology

Background:

• Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are essential for addressing the healthcare needs of diverse populations.
• A diverse physician workforce improves culturally sensitive care, health equity, and patient outcomes.
• Radiology, a key medical specialty, faces challenges in achieving adequate EDI, leading to demographic disparities with the patient population it serves.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose strategies for enhancing EDI within the Canadian Resident Matching System (CaRMS) selection process for Radiology.
• To address the discrepancy between the demographics of Canadian radiologists and the diverse patient population.

Main Methods:

• Review of strategies proposed by the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) EDI working group.
• Analysis of the CaRMS selection process for potential EDI improvements.

Main Results:

• Identified specific strategies to improve EDI in the CaRMS selection process.
• Highlighted the potential for these strategies to foster a more inclusive environment in radiology residency programs.

Conclusions:

• Implementing proposed strategies can lead to a more diverse radiology workforce in Canada.
• Enhanced EDI in radiology is crucial for meeting the needs of a diverse patient population, improving patient outcomes, and driving medical innovation.