Q & A: Elizabeth Morris: Passionate ISMRM Member, Culture Czar, Equity Officer

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The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) has appointed Elizabeth Morris, M.D., F.A.C.R., to the newly created position of Equity Officer. This critical role will follow through with recent initiatives introduced at the Joint Annual Meeting ISMRM-ESMRMB to ensure the balance of gender bias and equality as it relates within ISMRM. I recently spoke with Dr. Morris regarding the position. She touched on what the position is, how she was appointed, and why it was needed.

Tell us how this all started, why were you appointed to this position?

“I am thrilled to be a part of this pioneering position for our society. I was in a committee meeting where one of the topics was the creation of an ad hoc group for women of ISMRM (WISMRM).  It was wonderful to see the support for such an initiative by everyone in the room – it was all men except for me!  As I was the only woman there, I became the co-chair of the committee and have been for the last two years.  I realized that women are one of many unrepresented groups within the society – but we have many other groups that are currently not recognized officially. ISMRM is one of the most unique societies I have been involved with – energetic, visionary, brilliant people – with real regard for equality and giving people a voice.  It is very unique and needs to be preserved.  The establishment of an Equity Officer by the ISMRM Board of Trustees is recognition of this ethos that has to me always been there – and is now a platform to see that all people have a voice and a home.”

Read the entire interview here.