Blog on Women in IR – International Women’s Day Panel

Created - 20.05.2025

In celebration of International Women’s Day, BSIR hosted a live panel discussion with some of the most inspiring women in Interventional Radiology (IR). The panel covered a wide range of topics, including gender disparity, work-life balance, and the challenges women face in a traditionally male-dominated field. We heard from four incredible speakers, each sharing their personal experiences and insights into how we can break barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse environment in IR.

Prof. Tze Wah opened the conversation by discussing gender disparity in IR. She reflected on the challenges of being a woman in a field where female role models have been scarce.
“If we want to encourage more women into IR, we need to have women role models in leadership positions,” she explained. “Women need to see others like them in the field, to believe it’s possible for them too.” Prof. Wah also emphasised the role of BSIR in fostering female participation and leadership in IR, providing a space where women can excel in a male-dominated profession.

Claire Maxim, with a background in radiography and now the Quality, Safety, and Improvement Lead for Imaging at University Hospital Leicester, spoke about the importance of balancing career and family life.
“It’s about creating that balance and seeking opportunities along the way- your journey isn't a straight line.  It’s also learning to say no, and it’s okay to do that and we shouldn't feel we can’t” she said, highlighting the challenge of managing both professional and personal responsibilities. Claire’s experience showed how important it is to support one another in achieving this balance, particularly in a high-demand field like IR.

Jade Scott-Blagrove, an IR registrar at Addenbrookes in Cambridge, shared her journey into IR and spoke about the importance of mentorship and peer support. 
“Having the right support can make all the difference. In the beginning, I questioned whether I belonged. It was the encouragement and perspective of supportive colleagues that helped me recognise my worth in the field” Jade reflected on her work-life balance whilst juggling extracurricular activities "It became easier when I realised that it won't always be perfect, there will be stages where I prioritise work and stages where I prioritise life outside of work and that's okay".

Saira Sayeed, Vascular Interventional Radiologist at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS trust, spoke passionately about the value of mentorship, not just for career progression but for personal growth too.
“Mentorship is about building a network of support. It’s not just about career advice but also about personal growth. When you feel supported, you become more confident, and that’s key in a high-pressure field like IR.” Saira reflected on her own experiences of mentorship and how it has helped her navigate the challenges of being a woman in a leadership role.

Reflections on Gender Disparity in IR
The panel’s conversation focused heavily on the underrepresentation of women in IR and the importance of breaking down these barriers. Prof. Tze Wah  summed up the problem, saying,

“If you walk into a department that is entirely male, it’s harder to picture yourself there. But if you see women doing the job, you’re more likely to think, ‘I can do that too.’” There is no doubt that gender diversity is crucial for the future of IR, and while there has been progress, more work is needed to continue pushing for equality.

Mentorship, Work-Life Balance, and Overcoming Challenges
Mentorship and support networks were identified as vital for women navigating the complexities of balancing work and family life. The panel agreed that women should not shy away from seeking mentorship. Jade said. 

“Mentorship helps you recognise your value and realise your full potential which is why mentorship should be accessible to all women in IR.” 

Having the support of mentors and peers can provide the confidence needed to progress in a demanding field like IR.

Leadership and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
The panel also discussed the challenges that women face when stepping into leadership roles within IR. There was a strong message for women to pursue leadership positions without hesitation.

“If this is something you want to do, go for it,” said Prof. Tze Wah  “Even if you fail, you’ll have learned and grown from the experience.”

Less Than Full-Time Training 
One important topic discussed during the panel was the flexibility of training, particularly the option of less-than-full-time training. This topic resonated with many women who are balancing career progression with family responsibilities. It was highlighted that flexible training options could be crucial for women who want to stay in the field while also taking on family responsibilities.

“Offering less-than-full-time training opens up opportunities for those who might otherwise not be able to pursue a career in IR,” said Prof. Wah. This flexibility not only supports women but can also benefit the field by retaining talented individuals who may otherwise be forced to leave due to personal or family commitments. The panel expressed hope that more support systems and flexible training options would become the norm, ensuring that IR remains accessible to all, regardless of personal circumstances.

Radiation Exposure 
The panel also discussed the physical challenges faced by women in IR, particularly in relation to radiation exposure. Many women working in IR express concerns about the long-term health effects of radiation exposure, particularly during pregnancy. Saira Sayeed spoke about her own experiences of managing pregnancy while working in IR, and the need for the profession to be more conscious of these physical challenges.

“Radiation exposure is a real concern for many of us working in the field,” said Saira. “It’s crucial that we continue to innovate not just in the procedures we perform but also in ensuring the safety of those performing them.”

The panel emphasised the need for better radiation protection measures, particularly for pregnant women, and the importance of fostering a culture of awareness and safety within the profession.

Looking to the Future
The conversation ended on a hopeful note. While there are challenges, the future for women in IR looks bright. As more women rise into leadership positions, they will serve as role models for the next generation, making the field more inclusive and diverse. The panellists expressed optimism about the future of IR and the positive changes that are already taking place.

The #IWD2024 panel discussion provided valuable insights into the ongoing challenges women face in IR. The speakers shared their personal stories of overcoming obstacles, finding mentorship, and taking on leadership roles. The message was clear: while there are barriers, progress is being made, and there is hope for the future of women in IR. We all have a role to play in shaping the future of the field.