Developing a Virtual Radiology Elective for Female and Underrepresented in Medicine Applicants

To address the ongoing disparity of female and underrepresented in medicine (URM) applicants in radiology, we developed and assessed the impact of a virtual radiology elective focused on education and mentorship.

Participants identifying as female or URM and applying into radiology in the upcoming match were solicited via social media, applied and then were selected to participate. Radiology residents and faculty taught educational sessions on radiology topics. Each participant was paired with a faculty and resident mentor. Optional, anonymous post-elective surveys were administered immediately after the elective and after the match, and descriptive statistics of the data were calculated.

The non-credit virtual elective was held over three consecutive years in the evenings for 2-3 weeks. 34 students participated; 26/34 (76%) self-identified as female, 13/34 (38%) as URM, and 2/23 (9%) as LGBTQIA+ (asked in years 2-3). 26/34 (76%) completed the post-elective survey. The primary reason for joining the elective was to get to know our department (10/26; 38%), followed by teaching and faculty mentorship (both 7/26; 27%). 25/26 (96%) were either satisfied or very satisfied with various course factors. 26/26 (100%) would recommend the elective to other students applying to radiology. Our residency program interviewed 14/34 (41%) of participants, and matched 3/14 (21%) of those we interviewed.

A non-credit virtual elective focused on radiology education and mentorship for female and URM applicants was well received by participants. Results suggest a virtual elective may be a beneficial recruitment tool, while also expanding radiology's connection to and mentoring of females and URM medical students.