CHAPTER ENGAGEMENT | Last June, the ACC Massachusetts Women in Cardiology (WIC) chapter hosted a gathering for members living in the greater Boston area. The event was held at a local playground on a gorgeous day, and a few organizers brought coffee and snacks for everyone. Spouses and children were also invited to this event.

The aim of this gathering was to bring together female cardiologists and fellows from various programs to talk, network, and exchange ideas and advice. There was a wide range of women who attended, including first-year fellows, fellows going on the job market, midcareer cardiologists and senior attendings like ACC Massachusetts Chapter Governor Malissa J. Wood, MD, FACC. Our families were also at various stages – from expecting a first child to becoming an "empty nester."

With such a diverse group, the conversations were robust and deep. There were exchanges about how to navigate maternity leave and how different programs compare to each other. Attendings could be overheard strategizing with fellows about how to increase their visibility and improve their CV as they prepare for their first jobs. And of course, with children in tow, we discussed how to balance work and home life.

It was clear that no matter what stage our career is or where we work, we share similar obstacles. An informal setting outside of work hours allowed for an easy way to discuss these issues. Challenges around mentoring came to the forefront, and our WIC chapter is now brainstorming ways to better support Massachusetts-area female cardiologists from a mentoring standpoint.

This article was authored by Anne-Marie Anagnostopoulos, MD, FACC, cardiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA.