RSNA 2021 Highlights Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

OAK BROOK, Ill. — (October 7, 2021) – The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) today announced a slate of programming promoting health care diversity, equity and inclusion to be presented at the Society's upcoming annual meeting.

RSNA 2021: Redefining Radiology, the Society's 107th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, will be held at Chicago's McCormick Place, November 28 to December 2. As the world's largest medical imaging forum, the event presents a unique opportunity to shine a light on health care inequities, both domestic and international, and to provide insights, research and education on how to improve diversity and inclusivity in medical practice.

RSNA 2021 will offer more than 50 scientific presentations, lectures, courses and exhibits on diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the five-day meeting. Courses include "Moving Beyond the Gender Binary: Exploring the Gender Spectrum and Diversity in Patient Care, Education, and Research," "Inclusion as a Key to Success of Diversity Efforts" and "Trailblazers in Health Equity: Lessons Learned & Leadership Opportunities to Advance Health Equity in Radiology and Beyond," sponsored by RSNA's Committee on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (CDEI).

"The COVID-19 pandemic cast a spotlight on health inequities throughout the world and the critical importance of diversity and inclusion," said RSNA President Mary C. Mahoney, M.D. "From its diverse lineup of presenters, faculty and awardees to a program brimming with DEI-focused sessions, courses and exhibits, RSNA 2021 will highlight the important diversity and health equity issues affecting our profession—and the care of our patients—and offer expert guidance and tools for attendees to foster DEI culture and initiatives in their practices."

Research presentations include "Impact of Race, Ethnicity and Insurance Status on Breast Cancer Mortality at a Safety Net Academic Medical Center," "Racial Disparities in COVID-19 Associated Pulmonary Embolism," and "A Telerobotic Ultrasound Clinic Model of Ultrasound Service Delivery to Improve Access to Imaging in Rural and Remote Communities."

Many of the offerings ask radiologists, educators and administrators to reflect on their own practices and improve diversity, equity and inclusion across all subspecialties of the medical imaging field. On Wednesday, December 1, radiation oncologist, Iris Gibbs, M.D., of Stanford, will present a plenary lecture on "Addressing the Continued Exclusion of Black Physicians in the US Radiation Oncology Workforce."

RSNA's strategic plan includes the crucial goal of promoting diverse representation within the profession and ensuring diversity in RSNA leadership. RSNA was the first radiology organization to require unconscious bias training for all committee chairs, editorial board members and program planners, and to issue requirements for selection of leadership positions. Through conscious selection of faculty, leaders and representatives, RSNA seeks to amplify a diverse set of voices.

RSNA's commitment to inclusivity extends to all events the Society hosts. It is the Society's core belief that the greatest benefits to the medical imaging community for the exchange of science and education are achieved when all parties can fully and freely engage one another. RSNA recently formalized its commitment to provide a safe space for all participants in RSNA events and activities and to encourage a culture of allyship with its Welcoming Environment statement.

To foster an inclusive and productive annual meeting experience for all, RSNA annually offers Camp RSNA, an onsite daycare facility at McCormick Place. Open to children ages six months to 12 years, Camp RSNA will follow state and local health regulations and current CDC guidance for operating childcare programs, providing a safe environment with a creative, customized schedule of events and a variety of engaging, age-appropriate activities led by trained professionals. The service is offered at no cost to RSNA members and is available to nonmembers for a nominal fee.

Read more about RSNA's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.