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Women in Radiology

Creating community and outreach for women radiologists.

Photo of many female radiologists posing for a photo.

Empowering Women in Radiology

From the vision of female residents at the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at Indiana University School of Medicine, the Women in Radiology group was established in 2013 and provides camaraderie and mentorship for medical students, trainees and faculty. The group strives to strengthen discussion, improve collaboration and create a sense of community among women radiologists through philanthropic endeavors, academic discussions, outreach to girls and young women and social gatherings.

Stay Connected

Learn about the importance of women in radiology from current and past program members and stay informed about upcoming events and funds that are enabling more diversity at IU School of Medicine.

The longer I’ve been in this department, the more I realize that not only can women do this job, but they can thrive in this field.

Vasantha Aaron, MD

Associate Division Chief of Nuclear Medicine/Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics

Black and white photo of a female technician and patient.

History

After residents realized the crucial need for female representation in the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, the Women in Radiology group began to support and promote the personal and professional development of female radiologists.

Photo of many female radiologists posing for a photo.

Mentoring

Through the group’s mentoring program, female IU School of Medicine residents are paired with staff radiologists across the nation, reinforcing networking connections for all involved. The inclusion of a variety of training levels and subspecialties fosters an active, nationwide network of women radiologists eager to continue to improve the field of radiology in a collaborative way.

Female trainee listens to a lecture.

Lectures

Residents and faculty regularly participate in monthly and annual lectures and discussions. From Work Life Balance Lectures and Sunday brunches, to group events that increase awareness and understanding of issues unique to women in radiology, the group addresses concerns of women both within and beyond the realm of medicine.

Quick Facts

Gender Disparities in Radiology 

The gender disparity in radiology is greater than many other specialties in medicine. Only 30 percent of radiology trainees and 25 percent of practicing radiologists are women. Currently, this is in stark contrast to the equal gender distribution in medical school enrollment, and this disparity has persisted for more than 30 years. The Women in Radiology group at IU School of Medicine is setting the stage for improved representation in the field of radiology.

Women in Radiology Article

Outreach

Female radiology faculty, residents, and technologists participated in the 2025 Sycamore School Girls' STEAM Conference in Indianapolis, where fifth through eighth-grade girls learned what radiology is and participate in hands-on activities including ultrasounding phantoms. These phantoms were created using gelatin, Metamucil and a glove filled with water. At the event, radiologists demonstrated needle aspiration and showed students how using ultrasound to guide the needle into the "cyst" takes practice.


Image of a group of female radiologists and trainees in an elementary classroom.

Women in Radiology Workshop

Among the attendees, the daughters of our own Bilal Tahir, MD, and Qiuting Wen, PhD, enjoyed our Women in Radiology workshop.


Collage of photos of females radiologists teaching young girls.

Program Leaders

6614-Harris, Tina

Tina M. Harris, MD

Assistant Professor of Clinical Radiology & Imaging Sciences

Read Bio

6874-Ladd, Lauren

Lauren M. Ladd, MD

Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology & Imaging Sciences

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Women in Medicine Blog

A participant in the Summer Research Program prepares for a career in the medical sciences
Faculty News

Women in Medicine Month: Resources for and about women in the medical community

Find resources for and about women in medicine during September, designated Women in Medicine Month by the American Medical Association.