Encouraging women into the new diagnostic radiology/interventional radiology pathway.

In 2012, the American Board of Medical Specialties announced a new dual primary certificate in interventional radiology (IR) and diagnostic radiology. This dual primary training and certification demonstrates how the role of the interventional radiologist has shifted. The primary intent of this new pathway is to provide a broader and more in-depth experience in the clinical diagnosis and care of patients with diseases commonly treated by interventional radiologists. Additionally, as the health care system continues to shift to increasing outpatient care settings, interventional radiologists must continue to assume the role of providers and caregivers in a clinical sense, in addition to being procedural experts. Approximately 8% to 11% of all radiologists are interventional radiologists [1]; of these, approximately 2% are women [1]. It remains unclear why so few women choose IR as a specialty. Historically, women’s roles within the family and in child care have been considered significant