From ask to action: how sponsorship circles strengthen career pathways for women in radiology

Women remain underrepresented in faculty leadership roles within medicine, despite growing representation and significant contributions across a wide range of specialties. This is especially true in the traditionally male-dominated field of radiology. While traditional mentorship has largely been endorsed as a tool for professional growth, recent research suggests mentorship alone is insufficient to address structural inequities in highly complex academic environments. Instead, sponsorship - or active advocacy by individuals in positions of power and influence - may be more beneficial to increase visibility, support, and access to opportunities for advancement. This brief communication describes the American Association for Women in Radiology (AAWR) Sponsorship Circle, conducted during the 2025 American College of Radiology (ACR) Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. Twenty participants across career stages practiced articulating professional "asks," received real-time feedback, and exchanged tangible offers of sponsorship. Participants reported strengthened self-advocacy skills, expanded professional networks, and a heightened sense of community and belonging. The event demonstrated that even brief, well-structured interventions can catalyze career growth and foster a culture of mutual advocacy. Sponsorship circles provide a scalable model for accelerating women's career growth and leadership in academic radiology.