Viewpoint: Pregnant cardiology trainees face overlooked risks

A group of women in cardiology have called for increased awareness of the risks pregnant people encounter during cardiology training. The group voiced their concerns in an editorial published Aug. 7 in JAMA Cardiology, where group members also serve as editors.

The editorial's authors are affiliated with Dallas-based University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Chicago-based Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Seattle -based University of Washington School of Medicine, Philadelphia-based Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania and New York City-based Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Here are five takeaways from the editorial:

  1. The authors cite a recent study that found 40% of 57 cardiologists who experienced pregnancy during training reported pregnancy-related complications, including miscarriage.

  2. The authors said more action needs to be taken to address radiation safety, while also preserving the privacy of the trainee.

  3. Radiation safety can influence a woman's choice to join the field of cardiology, according to the authors.

  4. The authors believe hospitals are responsible for providing adequate protection, such as shields to minimize radiation exposure to healthcare professionals.

  5. Improving radiation safety may increase the number of women entering cardiology, the authors said. 

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