Joshua A. Hirsch, MD, FACR, FSIR, FSNIS, an Interventional Neuroradiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and recent American College of Radiology® (ACR®) Radiology Leadership Institute® (RLI) Power Hour moderator, contributed this post.
During the ACR 2021 Presidential Address, Geraldine B. McGinty, MD, MBA, FACR, noted, "Health equity is very much in radiology's lane." As radiologists, we are presented with unique opportunities to make a difference in achieving health equity. How can we take the next step, beyond the reading room, to ensure all our patients are receiving high-quality imaging care?
In the latest RLI Power Hour webinar, my fellow moderators Jennifer E. Nathan, MD, and Robert S. Pyatt Jr., MD, FACR, join along with faculty members Jinel A. Scott, MD; Gail N. Morgan, MD, FACR; Jacqueline A. Bello, MD, FACR, and Dr. McGinty to look beyond the reading room at our role in health equity.
Dr. Scott kicked off the session exploring radiology's central role in healthcare. She describes the patient, provider and systemic factors that perpetuate disparities in radiology, highlights how imaging disparities lead to poorer outcomes in minority communities, and explores the patient, provider and systemic level interventions that can potentially decrease disparities in imaging.
Dr. Morgan examines the social determinants of health, highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent social unrest on health inequities in our communities. As she discusses opportunities for radiologists to get involved, she shares a blueprint for not only creating a Committee on Diversity within your ACR State Chapter, but also strategies to mobilize and take action.
Dr. Bello highlights recent efforts of the ACR and makes a call to action for the field of radiology to join the Radiology Health Equity Coalition as we take next steps forward to achieving equitable care for all.
Panel members closed out what became the RLI Power Hour “and one half” as audience members filled the airwaves during the Q&A session. For the faculty, the creative juices were flowing, and many great ideas came about.
I encourage you to view the full recording on acr.org, then make your commitment to act in advancing health equity in your practice and working to reduce health disparities in radiology.
Please share your thoughts in the comments section below, and join the discussion on Engage (login required).
