By 2004 the proportion of women in U.S. medical schools had reached 50%. The number of women choosing to enter the field of Radiology, however, continues to lag behind this, as currently women comprise only 23% of Radiology residents nationwide. We postulate that misperceptions regarding the risks of radiation exposure may lead young women physicians away from our specialty. In seeking to attract the most qualified applicants, Program Directors are challenged to provide reassurance that a resident can entertain the possibility of pregnancy without fear of being stigmatized or marginalized, and that she can expect a safe and supportive work environment should she become pregnant.

All Radiology Residency Program Directors were surveyed as to methods and/or formal policies employed to address issues of pregnancy during residency. Tabulated results were analyzed using the method of proportions to identify unique features and commonalities. Attachments were catalogued for future policy development.

Of the forty responders to date, less than half have a written policy for pregnant residents, although two-thirds report encountering resident concerns. Most programs instruct residents in methods to reduce radiation exposure and provide radiation safety counseling for pregnant residents as necessary. This information is informal and not made readily available to interviewing candidates. Although there is a general consensus that interventional rotations should be restricted, appropriate limits for general fluoroscopy rotations are less clear. A majority of survey responders express support for an unifying national standard regarding pregnancy during residency.

Based on responders' current policies and suggestions, government regulations, and The American Board of Radiology eligibility requirements, the American Association for Women Radiologists (AAWR) and the Association of Program Directors in Radiology (APDR) will jointly develop guidelines to address the special needs of pregnant residents in training.