Progress and Plateaus: Female Representation in Interventional Radiology Training, 2008–2024

Purpose: Gender disparity in interventional radiology (IR) has been a longstanding issue. This study evaluated trends in female representation in IR training programs from 2008 to 2024, focusing on changes after the establishment of the Integrated IR residency program in 2016-2017. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of residency and fellowship application data from the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and active resident data from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) was conducted. Linear regression assessed trends from 2008 to 2024. Segmented (piecewise) regression compared trends before and after 2021. T-tests analyzed gender proportions in Integrated IR applicants. Statistical significance was set at alpha = 0.05. Results: Female representation in IR training increased significantly from 10.8% in 2008 to 21.4% in 2024 (p = 0.000001). The Integrated IR pathway showed the largest growth, from 15.4% in 2017 to 22.4% in 2024 (p = 0.0021). In contrast, representation in the Independent IR pathway stagnated from 16.3% in 2017 to 16.1% in 2023 (p = 0.78). No significant increase in female representation was observed in Integrated IR trainees after 2021 (p = 0.2409). Conclusion: While female representation in IR training has increased significantly since 2008, the trend has plateaued in recent years since 2021. SIR initiatives, including WIR, the WIR Champion Award, and Mentor Match, offer promising strategies to address this plateau and foster continued progress.