Despite representing half of the U.S. population, only 15.5% of practicing cardiologists are women, according to a review published March 19 in JACC: Advances.
Cardiologists and researchers from Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins Hospital, Houston-based Kelsey-Sebold Clinic, and Mayo clinics in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Rochester, Minn., wrote the review. The authors provided examples of — and actionable ways to solve — the gender disparities experienced by women within cardiology.
Here are three things to know from the review:
- Though 15.5% of practicing cardiologists are women, that number varies among sub-specialties.
During 2021 and 2022, women’s representation within heart failure and transplant fell from 38% to 36%.
Women’s representation in interventional cardiology and electrophysiology grew during the same time period from 14.5% to 20% and from 11% to 15%, respectively. Despite the growth, women were still significantly underrepresented in both specialties compared to men. - The authors highlighted unique obstacles encountered by women with cardiology. Those obstacles were:
- Work-life integration, specifically around childbearing and dependent care
- Lack of mentorship and role models, due to sexism
- Existing cardiology programs may have a work culture that is “not conducive to women’s full participation and success”
- Inequitable compensation policies
- Radiation exposure before and during pregnancy
- The authors’ proposed solutions to these obstacles were:
- Implementing parental leave policies, supporting breastfeeding parents and addressing any workplace stigma surrounding pregnancy and parenthood
- Formalizing mentorship programs, encouraging men to mentor women and including women in development opportunities
- Analyzing the existing organizational culture and implementing policies to address issues
- Developing a regularly audited compensation policy
- Enhancing awareness of radiation safety within the organization
Meera Kondapaneni, MD, chief of cardiology at MetroHealth, recently shared with Becker’s why women make up 40% of her cardiology department, with five serving in leadership roles.
“Recruiting women isn’t just about hiring — it’s about long-term investment,” she said. “It’s about changing the perception of cardiology and showing future generations that a fulfilling, balanced career in this field is possible.”
