Commitment to Diversity

What makes us different also makes us better. Diversity is one of our most powerful tools for excellence at UCSF.”

Christopher Hess, MD, PhD - Chair, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the UCSF Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging promotes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our department, in alliance with the UCSF Office of Diversity and Outreach at UCSF. Together, our mission is to build a broadly diverse faculty, student, trainee, and staff community, to nurture a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and to engage diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care.

Our Goals

  • Enhance recruitment and retention of diverse faculty, students, trainees, and staff.
  • Implement education initiatives to promote a more inclusive and tolerant workplace. 

Why is Diversity Essential in Radiology?

Creating positive experiences for patients

Radiologists are spending more time with patients, performing image-guided procedures and discussing imaging studies. Diverse experiences and perspectives promote cultural competency, which creates a positive experience for patients during these interactions. 

Expanding healthcare access

A diverse healthcare workforce in radiology, as in other medical services, will help expand healthcare access for diverse communities we serve, including those who are traditionally underserved. Additionally, fostering research among these populations will enrich the pool of managers and policymakers to meet the needs of a diverse populace (Cohen et al. 2002. Health Affairs). 

Improved quality of care

Diversity improves performance. According to a recent McKinsey study, organizations in the top quartile for gender and ethnic diversity are more likely to outperform those in the bottom quartile (McKinsey & Company January 2015 report Why Diversity Matters). 

Room for improvement

Across the United States, radiology is the 9th largest medical specialty. Among the 20 largest specialties, it ranks 17th in female representation (23.5%) and 20th in URM (underrepresented in medicine) representation (6.5%) among practicing physicians (Chapman et al. 2014. Radiology). 

Committee Focus Areas

 The UCSF Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging Diversity & Inclusion Committee applies its efforts as follows:

  1. Recruitment and retention: Improve recruitment by fostering improved access to mentored clinical experiences for underrepresented groups in radiology, including women and minorities.
  2. Education: Organize education sessions for faculty, staff, and trainees on a variety of diversity topics.
  3. Research: Design unique research experiences for trainees, giving them exposure to state-of-the-art radiology research facilities and the leading edge of innovation.
  4. International: Empower learners from nations around the world by leveraging advances in technology.

 Diversity and Inclusion Committee Members

Our DEI committee members are dedicated to supporting a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging.

Associate Professor
Co-Chair, Diversity Committee
Assoc Professor-Clin.Radiology
Assistant Professor
Director of Wellbeing & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, ZSFG
Co-Chair, Diversity Committee
Asst Professor Clin Radiology