Female Representation in Radiology Residency Programs Continues Upward Trend

Recent data from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) indicates a continued increase in female representation within radiology residency programs. In the 2025 Main Residency Match, women comprised 36.6% of diagnostic radiology applicants, marking a 10.1 percentage point rise since 2022. Similarly, female applicants in interventional radiology increased to 28.3%, up from 22.9% in 2022.

Dr. Francis Deng, a neuroradiologist and assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University, commented on this trend, stating, “Radiology has long lagged other specialties in gender diversity. The discrepancy arises at the point of students choosing which specialties to apply for. The match data are the earliest window into the future radiologist workforce demographics.” He further noted that while the NRMP only began collecting demographic data in 2022, the recent figures suggest a narrowing gap in gender representation. 

The overall number of applicants for the 2025 Main Residency Match reached a record 52,498, with 47,208 submitting certified rank-order lists. Radiology programs offered 1,451 positions, the highest to date, reflecting a 5.2% increase from the previous year. 

Dr. Deng emphasized that the rise in female applicants is likely influenced by the increasing proportion of women in medical schools and enhanced recruitment and mentorship efforts. He added, “Though still well below gender parity, surpassing one-third female representation in back-to-back years marks a meaningful shift for a field historically dominated by men and foreshadows a more diverse radiology workforce in the coming years.”

These developments suggest a positive trajectory toward greater gender diversity in radiology, aligning with broader trends in medical education and workforce demographics.