Radiology remains a key diagnostic tool for different diseases in the medical field. The success of medical operations depends on effective monitoring, treatments, and prediction of outcomes. The European Society of Radiology (2009) undertakes a study on the role of radiology in healthcare and points out that this discipline plays a significant role in the prediction and treatment of diseases. Such a serious area of study should be characterized by large numbers of applicants. However, a study by Herr, Reddy, Krupinski, Mullins, and Straus (2018) indicates that “ diagnostic radiology (DR) residency programs have struggled in recent years to attract US medical students” (p. 140). The low enrolment rate of diagnostic radiology applicants is a problem that requires a great deal of attention. The present paper endeavors to investigate the causes and solutions to low enrolments in the diagnostic radiology discipline. The paper contends that diagnostic radiology plays an important role in healthcare concerted efforts should concentrate on addressing dwindling enrolments.
Articulation of the Problem
The underrepresentation of diagnostic radiologists in the workforce and centers of learning is a problem witnessed across the healthcare sector. Chapman, Hwang, Both, Thomas, and Deville (2014) explore the composition of radiologists using parameters such as sex, race, and ethnicity. From the study by Chapman et al. (2014), it emerges that f emales and underrepresented minorities in medicine have little representation in the field of radiology (p. 232). One cause of the above problem is that women and the underrepresented minorities in medicine are often perceived to have a lower aptitude and declared unsuitable for diagnostic radiology. The limited participation of females and underrepresented persons in fields such as surgical specialties and primary care reduces the effectiveness of diversity in the healthcare sector. This is the point buttressed by Herr et al (2018) who maintain that Blacks, American Indians, Hispanics, Native Hawaiians, Alaskans are partially matched in diagnostic radiology courses hence robbing them of the full capacity to practice the profession. A critical analysis of the diagnostic radiology situation reveals that underrepresentation of certain persons results in the problem of information deficit in the general healthcare sector. This means that the educational needs of blacks, females, Hispanics, and other individuals are not fully met in diagnostic radiology.
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Posing Fruitful Questions
It is necessary to conduct a thorough review of the above problem and formulate questions that can address the situation. Such questions assist investigators in mapping out a sustainable solution in the healthcare industry. To what extent is underrepresentation affecting professionals in the radiology sector? Are there external factors affecting the problem of underrepresentation in professional and academic contexts? What are the problems and implications of the underrepresentation of certain persons in radiology? These are pertinent questions that will assist in establishing sustainable solutions to the above problem. According to Allen and Garg (2016), diversity issues in academic radiology should not be underestimated. It is against this backdrop that the present paper sets out to recommend potential solutions that will transform operations in academic and professional corridors.
What is at Stake?
Students and radiologists have decried underrepresentation as a phenomenon that locks many out of a primary healthcare course. This is the opinion mirrored by Allen and Garg (2016) who postulate denying certain persons the opportunity to pursue clinical curses or practice the profession puts healthcare at the risk of lacking diversity. It is equally noteworthy to stress that underrepresentation borders on discrimination in the profession. Herr et al. (2018) imply that discriminatory placement of students in diagnostic radiology kills the morale of professionals who can immensely transform primary care and other clinical services. A close look at the problem above also shows that lack of diversity in radiology results in a skewed analysis of the health issues affecting the entire country. This argument is premised on the fact that every country consists of diverse citizens whose needs should be reflected in the provision of healthcare services. It is for these reasons that a speedy solution to the problem is highly required.
Recommendations
A number of potential strategies can be applied to address the disparities in radiology courses. First, the commitment to increase diversity profile in institutions is a step towards accountability and inclusion. This is the point buttressed by Chapman et al. (2014) who argue that restoring diversity requires health officials to conduct diversity audits in all healthcare centers and institutions countrywide. The diversity profile will initiate cultural metacognition in any healthcare activity. It is until diagnostic radiology leaders are held accountable that the problem will find a solution. Chapman et al. (2014) maintain that course audits play a pivotal role in embracing diversity in all disciplines. Second, creating mentorship opportunities in science-based professions such as radiology and clinical sciences would be an effective way to achieve diversity in healthcare. According to Feldman, Arean, Marshall, Lovett, and O'Sullivan (2010), mentorship is a strong tool for addressing diversity and representation issues in healthcare because it promotes “ enhanced self-efficacy and positive academic outcomes” (p. 5). This point means that women and members of minority races can boost their confidence and compete favorably in radiology courses without being discouraged.
The third recommendation concerns the creation of more diagnostic radiology programs. According to Herr et al. (2018), the creation of more residency programs allows the underrepresented students to compete more favorably and get places in the radiology pipeline. Some people argue that diversity should not bother radiologists because minorities have a lower aptitude and cannot deliver results in this competitive field. However, a close examination of this argument renders it baseless. It is important to emphasize that underrepresented persons are equally gifted and they have the requisite qualifications t practice radiology and represent their communities in healthcare.
Conclusion
This essay has investigated the problem of underrepresentation in diagnostic radiology. The paper has established that training institutions and professional centers have a limited number of females, blacks, American Indians, Hispanics, Native Hawaiians, and Alaskans. Lack of diversity in diagnostic radiology is a cause of information deficit in many areas. This paper concludes that diversity is an important component of any healthcare practice. The implication is that healthcare officials should direct their energy at the diversification of the workforce for effective service delivery.
References
Allen, B. J., & Garg, K. (2016). Diversity matters in academic radiology: acknowledging and addressing unconscious bias. Journal of the American College of Radiology , 13 (12), 1426-1432.
Chapman, C. H., Hwang, W. T., Both, S., Thomas Jr, C. R., & Deville, C. (2014). Current status of diversity by race, Hispanic ethnicity, and sex in diagnostic radiology. Radiology , 270 (1), 232-240.
European Society of Radiology 2009 communications@ myESR. org. (2010). The future role of radiology in healthcare. Insights into Imaging , 1 , 2-11.
Feldman, M. D., Arean, P. A., Marshall, S. J., Lovett, M., & O'Sullivan, P. (2010). Does mentoring matter: results from a survey of faculty mentees at a large health sciences university. Medical Education Online , 15 (1), 1-8.
Herr, K. D., Reddy, S., Krupinski, E. A., Mullins, M. E., & Straus, C. (2018). “Partially Matched” US Senior Diagnostic Radiology Applicants: Scope of the Problem and Implications for Applicants, Residency Training Programs, and the Academic Diagnostic Radiology Community. Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology , 47 (3), 140-145.
