Mammography rotations for all students: how to make it work.

cancer. Of the 1716 responses received, 8.8% of women would refuse the mammogram if the radiographer were a man, and 8.9% of respondents would have the exam if the radiographer were a man only if a female chaperone were present. Conversely, 82.3% of surveyed women would have proceeded with the mammogram conducted by a male radiographer, even though 44.9% would have preferred a female radiographer or chaperone. Prior to this study in Ireland, much of the previously published work was conducted in the United States during the 1990s. A 1993 study conducted with 180 women at a Denver clinic reported that 75% would not object to a qualified male mammographer. A study conducted in Indiana in 1994 surveyed 1000 women undergoing screening mammography. Educational programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) undergo periodic reviews that include on-site evaluations. Here is the scenario: You are the program director for an educational program. The site visitors come to your institution, complete the evaluation, and provide feedback to the JRCERT. You receive your findings report and learn that your program is being cited for Standard 1, Objective 1.2, which states that every program must provide equitable learning opportunities for all students (see Box). Bewildered, you continue reading and discover that 2 female students at a clinical site were rotating through the breast center, observing mammography. A male student was there also, but he was not allowed that opportunity. To comply with Objective 1.2, you need to resolve this gender inequity within 6 weeks. You must respond to this citation, and you do not want to meet the objective by eliminating the opportunity for female students to observe mammograms. Should male students be allowed to observe mammography, as well? The JRCERT Board of Directors believes they should. A mammography rotation is a valid and valuable experience for all students, and we encourage program directors to keep mammography rotations in the educational program and open to all students.