Advances in Radiation Oncology (Mar 2023)

WeWhoCurie: An Initiative to Advocate for Those Underrepresented in Radiation Oncology

  • Joy Ogunmuyiwa, MD, MPH,
  • Sara Beltrán Ponce, MD,
  • Crystal Seldon, MD,
  • Kelly Paradis, PhD,
  • Amanda Khan, MSc, MD, PhD,
  • Michael Dyer, MD,
  • Parul N. Barry, MD,
  • Hina Saeed, MD,
  • Jenna M. Kahn, MD,
  • Afua A. Yorke, PhD

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 2
p. 101136

Abstract

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Purpose: An initiative to advocate for those underrepresented in radiation oncology. Methods and Materials: Inspired by the success of the #ILookLikeAnEngineer and #ILookLikeASurgeon campaigns, this initiative aimed to break down stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated fields. In honor of Marie Curie's birthday, on November 7, 2018, the Society for Women in Radiation Oncology launched a social media campaign called #WomenWhoCurie day. However, as the popularity of the social media campaign increased, it become evident that members of the wider radiation community, in particular women of color, nonbinary and transgender people did not feel supported by the #WomenWhoCurie movement. In November 2021, after consultation with diversity and inclusion leaders and members of other national radiation oncology organizations, Society for Women in Radiation Oncology launched #WeWhoCurie alongside the #WomenWhoCurie campaign for women and gender minorities in radiation oncology. Radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrist, therapists, nurses, and other professionals from around the world gathered and shared photos and social media posts throughout the day on multiple platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Results: In the year #WeWhoCurie, #WomenWhoCurie, #_______ WhoCurie campaign launched, we saw an increase in participation across the globe from 9 countries: the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Spain, China, New Zealand, and Australia. There were over 720 tweets contributing to the campaign with over 2000 messages, representing 3,365,444 “potential impacts”, or the number of times someone saw the hashtag. Conclusions: Through this campaign we aim to celebrate the incredible women, gender minorities, and allies who are “Curie-ing” patients with cancer and conducting cutting edge research to improve cancer care across the globe. As an organization we believe adding our voices to the masses will foster a culture of inclusion for everyone. Afterall, what good is the practice of radiation oncology if all are not equally welcome?