Highlighting Social Equity Topics at RSNA 2024

The RSNA Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (CDEI) and the RSNA Health Equity Committee (HEC) have developed a robust offering of scientific and educational content for the annual meeting. Beneficial to members in all career levels, these sessions are focused on improving patient outcomes and building a supportive and inclusive culture within the radiology workforce. 

 “Since its inception, the CDEI and RSNA have implemented programs— including dedicated research grants and pathway initiatives—to provide direct support to underrepresented groups,” said CDEI Chair Maureen P. Kohi, MD, Ernest H. Wood Distinguished Professor and Chair in the Department of Radiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “We are proud of the DEI-focused opportunities being offered at the annual meeting, including an RSNA Connect session Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Allyship. I encourage all attendees to include them in their meeting agendas when possible.” 

This year, RSNA and the CDEI supported the 2024 William E. Allen, Jr. MD, Memorial Lecture and Dinner held in recognition of the National Medical Association (NMA) Section on Radiology and Radiation Oncology’s (SRRO) 75th Anniversary. 

In addition to new and ongoing efforts, RSNA has partnered with two Chicago-based organizations to bring groups of local students to RSNA 2024. A cohort of undergraduate and post baccalaureate students participating in the Chicago-based I Am Abel Foundation’s Urban Bridges Medical Mentoring Physician Pipeline Program will attend the meeting on Sunday morning, and a cohort of high school students participating in the UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center Student Pathway Program will attend Sunday afternoon. 

Building Better Health Care Access 

The RSNA HEC develops projects, education and resources to advance health equity, including grassroots community initiatives and other relevant programming. 

“Our continued focus on health equity is driven by our commitment and RSNA’s goals of improving health outcomes for all patients,” said Efren J. Flores, MD, co-chair of the HEC and associate professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham Radiology vice chair, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, both in Boston. “Our mission is to build a sustainable effort by working together across our radiology community and with the communities we serve. This will deepen our knowledge to develop initiatives that will meaningfully address health disparities and deliver high-quality, equitable care for all.” 

This year, there is a continued increase in health equity-related educational sessions, exhibits and scientific projects to be presented at the annual meeting. 

“Every attendee has an opportunity to become better informed and better engaged in making meaningful, lasting changes to benefit our patients,” said Lucy Spalluto, MD, MPH, co-chair of the HEC, professor of radiology and radiological sciences, and vice chair of health equity at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. 

DEI-Related Sessions and Events
Join the HEC to assemble winter kits for donation to the Chicago non-profit, Cradles to Crayons, Tuesday, Dec. 3 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the Connections Center.

Educational Courses

Monday, Dec. 2
The Future of DEI: A Leadership Perspective to Challenges & Opportunities (Sponsored by the RSNA Health Equity Committee and the RSNA Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)

Tuesday, Dec. 3
Fostering Culturally Aware Mentoring in Radiology (Sponsored by the RSNA Health Equity Committee and the RSNA Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)

Radiologists’ Role in LGBTQIA+ Health Equity (Sponsored by the RSNA Health Equity Committee)

Thursday, Dec. 5
Where are all the Women Physicists? (Sponsored by the RSNA Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)

Advancing Justice Oriented Innovation in Radiology (Sponsored by the RSNA Health Equity Committee)


​Meeting Extras

Monday, Dec. 2
RSNA Connect: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Allyship

RSNA Discovery Theater Presentation – Strategies for Allyship and Action (Sponsored by the RSNA Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)

Tuesday, Dec. 3
RSNA Discovery Theater Presentation – Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: A History of the National Medical Association (NMA) Section on Radiology and Radiation Oncology (SRRO)

Wednesday, Dec. 4
RSNA Health Equity Committee/R&E Foundation Emerging Issues Grant Recipient Fireside Chat (Sponsored by the RSNA Health Equity Committee and the R&E Foundation)