197 - Demographic Disparities Between Integrated Interventional Radiology Applicant Pool and Resident Cohort

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate longitudinal trends in gender and race/ethnicity demographics among the Integrated Interventional Radiology (IR) applicant pool and the entering resident cohort over the past 5 years.

Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of data obtained from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and Graduate Medical Education (GME) annual reports was conducted {1}. Demographic variables were obtained including: gender (men/women), race/ethnicity (American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, White, Other/Unknown), and citizenship (non-U.S. citizen/non-permanent resident) from 2020 to 2024.

Results: From 2020 to 2024, there were 4,202 Integrated IR applicants, of which 23.6% were women. Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) analysis demonstrated greater growth among women residents (21.9% / year) and men residents (17.6% / year) compared with applicants (women: 6.9% / year, men: 2.5% / year). Chi-square analysis showed a significant increase in the proportion of women applicants from 2020 to 2024 (χ² = 11.25, p = 0.024), however, the gender distribution among residents remained stable (χ² = 1.35, p = 0.85).

By race and ethnicity, there was an overrepresentation of White and Asian residents relative to applicants. In 2024, 59.0% of residents were White compared with 35.3% of applicants, and 28.5% of residents were Asian compared with 21.3% of applicants. CAGR analysis demonstrated the greatest growth among Black residents (+43.6% / year) and AI/AN applicants (+29.4% / year), while White applicants declined (–0.3% / year). White and Asian residents continued to grow at a fast rate (+16.0% and +19.7% / year). Chi-square analysis demonstrated a significant difference between the racial/ethnic distribution of applicants and residents across the study period (χ² = 342.0, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: From 2020–2024, the Integrated IR applicant pool has become more diverse, particularly with increases in Women and Black candidates. However, resident cohorts remained disproportionately White and Asian, with persistent underrepresentation of Black, Hispanic/Latino, and other URiM applicants. These findings further shed light on the ongoing disparities that exist for the matriculation of underrepresented groups. Our study underscores the need for targeted outreach and robust initiatives to expand the pipeline of women and URiM applicants.