Academia in cardiovascular radiology: are we doing enough for the future of the subspecialty?

Aim: To explore barriers to academic activities that cardiovascular radiology-oriented radiology trainees face worldwide. Materials and methods: An international call for participation in an online survey was distributed via social media and radiological societies to radiology trainees. Questions covered barriers and involvement in academic activities during radiology training. Participants interested in cardiovascular radiology were selected for analysis with appropriate statistical methods. Results: Of the 892 respondents, 120 (13.5%) reported an interest in cardiovascular imaging. The majority (63.3%, 76/120) were from Europe and 57.5% (69/120) were men. There were gender discrepancies in academic involvement and in perceived gender-related barriers (perceived gender barrier in academic work between women and men: 15/48 versus 5/69, respectively, p=0.001). The main barriers were lack of time, mentorship, and support. Most did not have protected academic time for research nor for teaching (61.7%, 74/120 and 57.5%, 69/120, respectively). Nonetheless, 40% (48/120) published as first authors, 77.5% (91/120) were involved academically in conferences, 71.7% (85/120) were positive about academic activities, 70.8% plan working in an academic setting, and 78.3% (94/120) would consider research training abroad. Conclusion: Although the majority of respondents are positive about academic activities and plan to continue in the future, most do not have protected time. Lack of time, mentorship, and support were the main barriers. Fewer women declare involvement in academic work and output. There are significant perceived gender barriers to academic activities.