While strides have been made in increasing the number of women in cardiology, there is still much room for growth. Despite an increase in the proportions of medical students (52%) and internal medicine residents (42%) who are women in 2019-2020, only 25% of women are cardiology fellows. Moreover, women only comprise 11.1% of adult cardiology FACCs in the U.S as per 2021 data.

How do we reverse this trend? Studies have shown that diverse role models can help inspire and motivate career aspirations. Not to mention, identity compatibility can be a key variable to sustain career engagement.

With that intent, we share the inspirational stories of the five women who have served as ACC President to date – Suzanne B. Knoebel, MD, MACC; Pamela S. Douglas, MD, MACC; Mary Norine Walsh, MD, MACC; Athena Poppas, MD, MACC; and Dipti Itchhaporia, MD, FACC. Read their stories in Cardiology.