Women in IR: ETF reaches gender parity

Left to right: Dr. Laetitia Saccenti, Dr. Greicy Heymann, Dr. Inês Conde Vasco, Dr. Ornella Moschovaki-Zeiger.

The ETF Subcommittee meeting at ECIO 2024 earlier this year.

CIRSE: How did you decide to become an interventional radiologist? 

Heymann: I decided to become an IR when I was 5 years old. My first contact with the field was as a patient. I had a positive experience with the doctors and technicians at the department and that, though it was not an easy decision, subconsciously affected my career choice.

Moschovaki-Zeiger: I did not know I wanted to become an IR until my 6-month rotation in interventional radiology during my general radiology residency. I was fascinated by the variety of minimally invasive procedures that were performed with great precision. What truly influenced my decision were the people around me; specific consultants and professors who played an important role in mentoring me during that time. That is why, reflecting on my own journey, I have come to understand how important mentorship is to attract the youth to the field.

Saccenti: I chose to be an IR at the end of medical school. I did few clinical rotations and felt that IR is the most complete specialty, combining technical skills and knowledge, but at the same time encouraging contact with patients. The procedures provide immediate visible results for patients, which is rewarding. Also, IR/radiology departments are central in hospitals, which enables collaboration and cooperation with other departments. It is a very innovative speciality, constantly evolving, with new procedures and new devices introduced to the market every year. It also provides opportunities for research and collaboration with industry partners, engineers, technicians, etc.

Conde Vasco: Compared to my colleagues, my pathway has been somewhat clearer. I was lucky to have a woman as my IR role model – Dr Élia Coimbra, head of the IR department at the Curry Cabral Hospital in Lisbon. She encouraged my visits to the angiosuite from the start of my residency.

CIRSE: As a woman in IR, have you faced different challanges to your male collegues? What is something you have seen improving in recent years?

Moschovaki-Zeiger: I am the only female doctor in the IR department. The main challenge for me has always been the feeling that I have to prove myself and seek recognition, despite never facing doubt of my capabilities from my male colleagues. Although they did not put pressure on me, I wanted to prove myself to them.

As for a recent change in Greece, more and more departments are increasingly offering individualized workload adjustments within the IR department during pregnancy. Changes like lighter tasks, or reassignment to less physically demanding and non-radiation duties, are typically arranged after a discussion with the department head.

Saccenti: The main challenge is the work-life balance. It is difficult to balance fellowships and/or traineeships (when one should be most active and dedicate most of their time to learning) with pregnancy, and these things often coincide for women in their 20s and 30s. Adapting a career is challenging. However, my department was supportive and helpful. In this sense, mentorship is especially important in helping build confidence.

In France, an IR can decide on their hours in agreement with their head of department, which is a good development. There is still a stigma about the exposure to radiation, but according to recent studies, the radiation levels are very low. The protective equipment (e.g., led shields, dosimeters) has been improved. However, producers should continue to work to additionally adjust the design of the led shields to female anatomy.

Conde Vasco:  The only challenges I faced were around my pregnancy. During pregnancy, I avoided complex vascular interventions that require more time in the angiosuite, thus being exposed to higher levels of radiation. The biggest challenge was after returning from the maternity leave. I was scared that I would lose technical skills. The first month after the return was difficult, but I managed to build my confidence back quickly.

It was nice that my colleagues encouraged me to spend less time in the angiosuite and perform more consultations, diagnostic radiology, ultrasound- and CT-guided procedures, biopsies, etc, during this time.

Heymann: I have faced challenges in the past and I do face them still today. Being an IR can be exhausting because of a lot of pressure. Moreover, pregnancy is a huge challenge because of the general situation in the field and the workload at the hospital. However, Inês (Conde Vasco) and other women IRs are proof that everything is possible with a good time management.

In Switzerland, there are not enough IRs, so it is hard to find a hospital that accepts an IR for less than 80% of working hours.  It’s complicated to have small children or babies and have to work minimum 10 hours per day and to be on call. Without a partner or family support, the kindergarten’s schedule doesn’t fit with ours.

A positive change is that according to CIRSE’s data, more female students are taking part in the CIRSE Student Programme, and in addition, more girls and women are encouraged to pursue a career in IR nowadays because of more female role models in the field.

CIRSE: In your opinion, how can the IR community support women interventional radiologists?

Heymann: We need more role models. Women need to feel more represented in the community, because successful female IRs are not always visible. Society should make an effort to recognise and promote more female IRs.

Moschovaki-Zeiger: The IR community has made a great effort in supporting women in IR, such as providing nursing rooms and childcare facilities at their annual conferences. It is important to acknowledge and understand the specific challenges that female IRs are faced with, particularly when balancing family commitments with their professional responsibilities.

Saccenti: Representation and accessibility are important. Even if you are not using the nursing room at the congress, it sends a positive message to women that they can still participate in the congress event if they are breastfeeding. It’s important that male IRs also attend the ETF IR Trainee Session on Women in IR at the upcoming CIRSE Annual Congress, so they can have a more complete understanding of our challenges.

CIRSE: Do you have any advice for women in IR who would like to be more involved in the community?

Heymann: First, be more confident and trust in yourself. Second, find a mentor that will support you so you can reach your full potential. Support other women and never miss a chance to support the next generation.

Moschovaki-Zeiger: Be proactive, join CIRSE, and attend conferences. I also believe that having a mentor or role model is important, but it should not necessarily be based on gender. It is important to have a mentor that will guide you within the community.

Saccenti: If you cannot find a mentor in your city or region, use CIRSE meetings to network and meet colleagues from other countries. Benefit from various CIRSE initiatives for residents, trainees and junior IRs and attend CIRSE events free of charge.

Conde Vasco: Being able to be a part of the group, to have a chance to share your problems and challenges and discuss solutions with fellow female IRs has been really great for me personally.

The most important thing is to find a role model, and I agree with Ornella (Moschovaki-Zeiger), it does not matter whether it is a male or female IR, it is important that they understand you, support you, and respect you and your work.

Also, make sure to take part in the CIRSE activities, as they are an excellent opportunity to meet your counterparts and build your network.