It is very important that female cardiologists are knowledgeable about their personal finances and wealth management. To address this need, a financial planning series for female cardiologists was organized and received an ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Engagement grant to help fund the initiative. The series offered a forum for these busy women to learn about protecting and growing their wealth, to ask relevant questions to experts in the field, and to open dialogue with colleagues about many shared concerns and uncertainty.

ACC.24, held in April in Atlanta, GA, was a whirlwind of excitement, education and new experiences. This was my first-ever ACC conference and I was invited as a member of the ACC Women's Cohort in the Internal Medicine Cardiology Program.

While adjusting to life in a new state for my internal medicine residency, friends and colleagues frequently asked what I wanted to do within internal medicine. As a newcomer, I felt a lot of self-doubt sharing that I want to pursue a career in cardiology. The response to this declaration often did not soothe my feelings of inadequacy.

Help us recognize a female doctor making a difference in the cardiovascular community. Submit a nomination for an ACC Distinguished Award. Winners will be recognized for their accomplishments at the ACC's Convocation ceremony during ACC.25. Applications are due by Monday, Sept. 16. Do you know a colleague deserving this recognition? Submit your nomination today.

A recent article published in JACC discusses ACC's Sandra J. Lewis Mid-Career Leadership Institute, which addresses the underrepresentation of mid-career women in cardiology and empowers participants through targeted leadership development initiatives...

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the U.S. and due to the burden of pre-existing cardiovascular disease and risk factors associated with advancing maternal age, maternal morbidity and mortality rates are rising. Now more than ever, there is a growing need for the cardiovascular care team to better understand the impact of diagnosis and treatment on people of child-bearing age. Join us in Washington, DC or virtually on Nov. 1-3 at Cardio-Obstetrics Essentials to learn current recommendations for the evaluation, clinical management, treatment and risk stratification of people with, or at risk for, cardiovascular disease during pregnancy. Advanced registration ends Oct.1. Register now.

Take the 2024 ACC Career Benchmark Survey to help build a comprehensive view of clinician compensation and better support cardiovascular professionals in compensation negotiations. Complete the survey by July 31 for the chance to win one of three registrations to ACC.25 in Chicago, IL – or a $500 Amazon gift card! Responses are anonymous. Take the survey here.

Three recently posted articles discuss important topics for women in cardiology, including the continuing journey of women in the field, seven ways women in cardiology can prevent clinician burnout and key takeaways from a career development event which featured women who helped pave the way. Read the full articles:

Breaking Barriers: The Journey of Women in Cardiology

Navigating the Abyss: Burnout Among Women Cardiologists

ACC CA WIC and UCSF Career Development Event: Lessons From Women Who Have Paved the Way

My interest in the field of cardiology was sparked at a very young age when my family members would visit the doctor for cardiovascular-related diseases. This interest only grew stronger when I studied human physiology in medical school. While studying physiology, I was excited and curious about the complex mechanisms behind each heartbeat.

Take the 2024 ACC Career Benchmark Survey to help build a comprehensive view of clinician compensation andbetter support cardiovascular professionals in compensation negotiations. Complete the survey by Friday, May 31 for the chance to win a free registration to attend ACC.25 in Chicago, IL. Responses are anonymous.Take the survey here.

In recent years, there has been an increase in radiation exposure to cardiologists when working in the catheterization laboratory. Prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation can lead to many health issues, including reproductive issues for women. A recent article published in JACC: Advances, written on behalf of the ACC Women in Cardiology Advocacy Work Group, discusses the radiation risks in interventional and structural cardiology, electrophysiology, imaging, advanced heart failure, and pediatric cardiology, and provides practical recommendations for minimizing radiation exposure. Read more.

The ACC Foundation supports programs that invest in the future of women in cardiology. In 2023 alone, the ACC provided mentorship and career guidance to 127 women in its Internal Medicine program and shined a light on cardiology for 173 female high school and college students with its Young Scholars program.

Join the Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section in the WIC Lounge Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 at ACC.24 for a series of events designed to empower your career journey.

The history behind the ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Member Section reaches back 30 years, breaking barriers and forging a path forward for other women. The WIC Section's journey began as ACC's first Member Section and continues to progress forward and initiate change for women in cardiology. Read more.

The ACC Foundation is creating a bright future for women in cardiology. In honor of Women's History Month in March, join ACC's work to fight against gender disparities in the field, empower women to take the next step in their professional lives and reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease for all. A gift of any amount will help the College champion the future of women in cardiology. Donate here.

Samip Sheth, MD, interviewed Brittany Weber, MD, PhD, FACC, the director of the cardio-rheumatology clinic at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, in Boston, MA.

Join ACC's Women in Cardiology and Health Care Innovation Sections on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. ET for a webinar that will explore the use of technology in managing cardiovascular disease in women.

Are you a cardiologist, surgeon or doctorate-level educated researcher interested in participating as an investigator and leader in cardiovascular clinical trials research? Apply by Friday, Jan. 12 to join the next cohort of the Clinical Trials Research Program and gain the tools you need to advance your career in clinical trial research. Selected participants will receive support for travel expenses and will be invited to write and submit an original research proposal to be considered for a one-year research award. Learn more and apply.

The ACC is seeking mentors for its Internal Medicine Cardiology Programs, designed to provide exposure, education, information, networking and mentorship to underrepresented groups in cardiology.

Welcome to a new episode of ACC Practice Made Perfect, "Conversations Around Fertility and Reproductive Health" sponsored by ACC's Women in Cardiology Section and led by Kamala P. Tamirisa, MD, FACC. In this episode, Tamirisa hosts Annabelle S. Volgman, MD, FACC, and Eugene Yang, MD, FACC, who will discuss the practical aspects of family, career, and the juggling act, and take-home messages based on their experience. Volgman and Yang describe what every woman must know before and in medical school, during training and on her career path, as well as family planning when pursuing or planning to pursue a career in cardiology. Learn more.

The newest episode of ACC's Practice Made Perfect and new series, "Conversations Around Fertility and Reproductive Health" sponsored by ACC's Women in Cardiology Section and led by Kamala Tamirisa, MD, FACC, has posted.

In this episode of Practice Made Perfect, Rosy Thachil, MD, FACC, and Shashank S. Sinha, MD, FACC, continue their series, "Conversations with Critical Care Cardiologists" sponsored by ACC’s Critical Care Cardiology (CCC) Section.

Fellowship program websites have become a major factor in applicants' decisions when choosing cardiology fellowship programs. Lauren Hunter, MD, discusses how to optimize your program's website to increase women fellow applicant interest and ultimately recruit more women fellows. Read more.

Help recognize a female doctor making a difference in the cardiology community. Submit a nomination for an ACC Distinguished Award. Awardees will be recognized during Convocation at ACC.24, held April 6-8 in Atlanta, GA.

ACC's Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section will host a WIC Leadership Workshop on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Washington, DC.

Submit your application for the next Sandra J. Lewis Mid-Career Women’s Leadership Institute Cohort – a two-year transformative leadership development program specifically designed to support and guide mid-career cardiovascular physician women through their career.

A long-cherished dream of mine came to fruition last November: I matched at the University of Minnesota for cardiology fellowship. My experiential journey that led to this fellowship match started with my MBBS training in India, followed by residency in a New York City program and was enriched by the contributions of incredible physicians.

In April, the Mid-Atlantic ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Conference made its debut at Heart House in Washington, DC. The conference included a myriad of esteemed speakers and participants including medicine residents, current cardiology fellows and cardiologists at different stages in their careers.

The Midwest ACC 6th Annual Women in Cardiology (WIC) Symposium took place in early June in Milwaukee, WI. This symposium takes place annually and brings together female cardiovascular professionals from all levels of training to provide an educational platform and opportunity to present research posters and strengthen their professional support system through networking.

The ACC Connecticut Chapter's Women in Cardiology (WIC) Committee organized an in-person educational program, "Cardiology for the Internist, What Every Provider Needs to Know," in May. As a Fellow in Training (FIT) member of the Committee, I am happy to share my experience.

Nicole L. Lohr, MD, PhD, FACC, chair of ACC’s Board of Governor’s recently spoke with Renuka Jain, MD, FACC, and Toniya Singh, MBBS, FACC, about ACC’s Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section and current and future WIC opportunities within state chapters.

In a recent ACC Practice Made Perfect podcast episode, Kamala P. Tamirisa, MD, FACC, member of ACC’s Women in Cardiology Leadership Council, talks with Eugene Yang, MD, FACC, and Joseph Edward Marine, MD, MBA, FACC, about allies for women in the medical field.

Ayesha Shaik, MD, a cardiology fellow at Hartford Healthcare, in Hartford, CT, interviewed Sheelagh Pousatis, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Hartford Healthcare about her journey as a cardiothoracic surgeon, from what motivates her to how she avoids burn out.

New content is available on the JACC: CardioOncology Pulse – a go-to resource for developing a career in cardio-oncology.

I was excited to come to New Orleans; after all, this was my second time going to ACC’s Annual Scientific Session. I understood the basics of the different pathways, lectures and, importantly knew where to get coffee. There were some familiar faces and friends I had stayed in contact with from the previous year and others I had yet to meet. Yet there was one big change this year: I was presenting.

The Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section organized several sessions at ACC.23/WCC in New Orleans, LA. A breadth of topics were discussed, including women in leadership, women in research, balancing parenting with a career in cardiology, and flexible schedules in cardiology. As an internal medicine resident participating in ACC’s Internal Medicine Cardiology Program, I was sponsored by the program to attend my first ACC Annual Scientific Session. At the conference, I attended several thought-provoking and inspiring sessions in the WIC lounge.

To celebrate Women’s History Month, Rama Hritani, MD, reflects on the women mentors who helped inform her career path in cardiology in the latest issue of Cardiology magazine.

Heart failure is a significant global epidemic; however, there may be sex-related differences in the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, and outcomes. To highlight the latest and most impactful science from the growing body of literature on this topic, JACC: Heart Failure will publish a new special issue in September of this year.

The 2022 ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Leadership Workshop preceded the ACC Legislative Conference in Washington, DC. This event takes place annually and brings together female cardiovascular professionals from all levels of training to provide an educational platform and strengthen their professional support system.

Join Reproductive Health & Cardio-Obstetrics Section Co-Chairs Natalie Bello, MD, MPH, FACC, and Ki Park, MD, FACC, for the inaugural Section Meeting at ACC.23/WCC on Friday, March 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. CT at the Hilton Riverside, Kabakoff Room.

ACC.23/WCC is just around the corner! Join the WIC Section from March 4-6, in New Orleans and engage with the latest cutting-edge science and network with colleagues from around the world.

In the latest episode of the Practice Made Perfect podcast, hosted by Kamala Tamirisa, MD, FACC, guests Usha Tedrow, MD, MSc; Stacey Howell, MD; and Maully Shah, MBBS, FACC, discuss the latest data in Cardiac Electrophysiology: Plugged Pathway, Pay Gap and Underrepresentation of Women Operators.

Susan Smyth, MD, PhD, FACC, former ACC Kentucky Chapter Governor and a member of the ACC’s Academic Cardiology Section Leadership Council, passed away on Dec. 31, 2022, following a battle with cancer. Smyth was executive vice chancellor and dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

As medical residents and aspiring cardiologists, we attended the 4th Southeast Women in Cardiology Conference, a fantastic event for career guidance, mentorship, and networking with accomplished cardiologists at both professional and personal levels.

“Advocacy is empathy, compassion and community at work.”- Janna Cachola

Pamela Douglas, MD, MACC, is the Ursula Geller Professor of Research in Cardiovascular Diseases in the Department of Medicine at Duke University and a faculty member of the Duke Clinical Research Institute.

Join ACC’s Women in Cardiology Section for a “Money Matters” webinar on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. ET. Cyrus N. Pardiwala, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, will offer an overview on investments, including which buckets make the most sense for you depending on your life stage and tax bracket.

Save the date for Giving Tuesday on Nov. 29 to donate to the ACCF Annual Fund.

The first Collaborative Maintenance Pathway (CMP) Performance Assessment window this year for CVD is taking place Oct 8-16. Delivered through ACCSAP, participants get access to all the comprehensive educational material and can stay 100% certified by focusing on just 20% of the field.

Join the WIC and ACPC Sections on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. ET for a panel discussion featuring Martha Gulati, MD, MS, FACC. We will address topics such as microaggressions and imposter syndrome.

In the latest issue of Cardiology, Gladys P. Velarde, MD, FACC, talks about the importance of giving voice to ‘unheard’ patients and strategies necessary to diversify the cardiovascular workforce to ensure the needs of all patients are met.

Balancing career and parenting responsibilities pose significant challenges to cardiologists. A recent piece published in JACC highlights how "juggling parenting responsibilities with a full-time cardiology job in the early years of one's career may significantly affect mental well-being and professional growth."

Congratulations to the 2022 awardees of the WIC Membership Engagement Grant: ACC Maryland State Chapter, ACC Northern New England Chapter, ACC Pennsylvania State Chapter, and ACC West Virginia State Chapter!

Improve your knowledge in the field of adult clinical cardiology with ACCSAP. This self-assessment program offers 190+ CME/MOC credits and includes comprehensive educational material available in three popular formats – text, video and self-assessment questions — and is updated yearly.

During Women's History Month this March, the WIC Section produced weekly episodes for the ACC Practice Made Perfect podcast. Each episode was hosted by WIC Leadership Council member, Kamala Tamirisa, MD, FACC. Tamirisa had the opportunity to interview a diverse group of female cardiologists.

Virtually join ACC's inaugural Cardio-Obstetric Essentials: Team-Based Management of Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy course on Nov. 18!

During Women’s History Month this March, the WIC Section produced weekly episodes for the ACC Practice Made Perfect podcast. Each episode was hosted by WIC Leadership Council member, Kamala Tamirisa, MD, FACC. Tamirisa had the opportunity to interview a diverse group of female cardiologists.

As I reflect on my experience at ACC.22, the first conference I have attended, there is one phrase that comes to mind: Lift as we climb. I remember walking into the expansive conference center, nervous and excited, immediately feeling two things: Starstruck from the incredible, accomplished women around me, and how I wanted to be just like them.

The ACC has partnered with Contract Diagnostics to provide comprehensive contract reviews for its members. Join a webinar on Thursday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET, with Jon Appino, Contract Diagnostics founder and chief executive officer, who will focus on the cardiologist’s perspective on physician structures and compensation structures.

The first issue of JACC: Heart Failure under new Editor-in-Chief Biykem Bozkurt, MD, PhD, FACC, and the new editorial board is now live.

Now is the best time to take advantage of the Collaborative Maintenance Pathway (CMP) – an alternative option offered by the ACC and the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) for meeting maintenance of certification (MOC) requirements, as well as all other education, licensure and certification needs.

ACC.22 took place this April in Washington, DC, during the beautiful and well-known cherry blossom festival. Many people, both nationally and internationally, and at various stages of their cardiology careers, gathered to discuss women in cardiology and how to go about building one’s own career pathway.

The dearth of women in EP was highlighted in two studies presented at HRS 2022 showing that only 5% of EP operators of Medicare procedures are women, and that women accounted for just 13%-15% of the pool of applicants to EP.

The WIC Lounge at ACC.22 had a stimulating start with an interactive session titled, “Building Reputation (and Leadership)” by the legendary Nanette Wenger, MD, MACC. Hosted by the dynamic ACC WIC ex-chair, Toniya Singh, MBBS, FACC, Wenger shared her experience and addressed key elements to help women build a credible name for themselves.

When it comes to meeting maintenance of certification (MOC) requirements, you have choices! With the Collaborative Maintenance Pathway (CMP), there is no need to take a comprehensive exam covering the breadth of your field.

State chapters can jointly apply for funds to support state and local WIC events through the WIC Member Engagement Grant. The goal of hosting WIC events is to engage members on the state level.

My advisor described attending a major cardiology conference like going to Disneyland – a free-for-all of sessions and exhibits that you can attend and participate in.

Female physicians are crucial members of the physician workforce; yet in 2020, only 36.7% of practicing physicians and 43.4% of academic faculty were female.

The ACC.22 conference was not only a weekend full of debates, case presentations and guideline updates, but an opportunity for unexpected networking and education.

Join May's Diversity and Inclusion webinar on Wednesday, May 25, at 6 p.m. ET, discussing gender microaggressions and their impact on cardiovascular health.

My path to motherhood while training to become a cardiologist was most atypical. I became a mother at the age of 22, right before starting medical school. I often joke that my eldest daughter is the "age" of my medical training.

Nutrition is a cornerstone of cardiovascular disease (CVD) primary prevention. Both the 2019 American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC) CVD primary prevention guidelines and recently updated 2021 ESC CVD Primary Prevention Guidelines recommend dietary patterns with higher plant-based food intake and lower animal product intake.

Despite recent efforts to improve women's leadership in cardiovascular clinical trial research over the last decade, the number of female principal investigators (PIs) still falls well below the number of men, based on two recent studies, including one presented as part of ACC.22.

As part of ACC's Women’s History Month celebrations, the Women in Cardiology Section released new episodes of the Practice Made Perfect podcast every Friday in March. These four episodes cover a wide range of topics, including the healing power of creativity, burnout prevention, navigating family and medical leave – and more!

The January 2022 ACC Florida Chapter WIC conference took place in Aventura, Florida, where many strong and hard-working women at various stages on their cardiology paths gathered to discuss issues and solutions on "how to be valued and represent you."

The CV Team, Women in Cardiology and Senior Cardiovascular Professionals Member Sections are co-sponsoring a Community Outreach Clothing Drive in partnership with Suited for Change and A Wider Circle. We will be collecting women’s and men’s professional attire, including suits, shoes and jewelry.

This year marks the first time that four women will lead four JACC Journals: Julia Grapsa, MD, PhD, FACC, editor-in-chief of JACC: Case Reports; Bonnie Ky, MD, MSCE, FACC, editor-in-chief of JACC: CardioOncology; Candice Silversides, MD, FACC, editor-in-chief of JACC: Advances and Biykem Bozkurt, MD, PhD, FACC, incoming editor-in-chief of JACC: Heart Failure.

Back by popular demand, the ACC will hold its 2nd Annual Evolving Practice of Cardiovascular Precision Medicine Virtual course on May 13!

Every March, the world comes together to recognize the contributions of women throughout history. At ACC, we are celebrating all the women who help advance our Mission to transform cardiovascular care and heart health each and every day.

International Mentoring Day, celebrated on Jan. 17, coincides with Muhammad Ali’s birthday. Interestingly, this holiday also reflects his legacy of advancing diversity and inclusion on a global scale through formal and informal mentoring.

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.

Women now outnumber men in medical schools across the country and fill 42.6% of internal medicine resident positions. However, cardiology is still failing to attract women.

The ACC is seeking mentors for its Internal Medicine Cardiology Programs. Join as a volunteer mentor and be part of the College's workforce diversity efforts.

In May 2021, members of the Women in Cardiology Communications Work Group conducted virtual interviews with current and former women presidents of the ACC: Pamela Douglas, MD, MACC, Dipti Itchhaporia, MD, FACC, Athena Poppas, MD, MACC, and Mary Norine Walsh, MD, MACC.

The WIC Communications Work Group would like to challenge the WIC Section to create a Go Red For Women TikTok or Instagram post between now and Feb. 28!

When I started my cardiology fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, I was lucky to connect with Mahi Lakshmi Ashwath, MBBS, FACC, president of ACC’s Iowa Chapter and chair of the Iowa ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Council.

Slumped in the back of the car at night, around the age of seven and half-asleep waiting for my mother who was called to attend an emergent case, I experienced early on what it meant to be a woman in medicine and a mother.

Prior to entering medical school and starting training, I really didn't know what I wanted to do.

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us." – Helen Keller

Follow your passion. Stay curious during your training while you identify a subpopulation or procedure that you truly enjoy, whether it's ambulatory management, critical cardiac care, interventional, imaging, or another subspecialty.

In a recent Voices in Cardiology article published in JACC: Case Reports, Kamala P. Tamirisa, MD, FACC, et al., share various strategies they have used toward self-care and well-being, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I chose cardiology because I found physiology engaging. I particularly enjoyed learning about all different congenital heart defects and the unique physiology associated with each.

Give yourself deadlines for any assignment to complete. It will help you get things done and stay on track.

When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit last year, we all gradually learned to embrace the new normal of virtual meetings, Zoom interviews and webinars. As we adapted to this phenomenal shift to everything virtual, social media and particularly Twitter, emerged as a versatile platform for networking, discussion and camaraderie between colleagues.

You might plan a "perfect" journey of life, but the future will be sure to throw some curveballs.

Consider this version of the classic girl meets boy story:

An ever-important topic that women tend to underutilize, not only professionally, but personally, is the power of negotiation.

I was 9 years old when I saw my grandmother in a hospital bed. She was admitted to undergo cardiac bypass surgery.

ACC's Sandra J. Lewis Mid-Career Women’s Leadership Institute is seeking applications from mid-career women who are 12-21 years post-cardiovascular fellowship to take part in its inaugural cohort for the two-year transformative leadership development program.

Join the Health Care Innovation Section and Women in Cardiology Section for a webinar on Tuesday, Aug. 17, at 4 p.m. ET.

"Take Her Health to Heart" is a public awareness campaign built from a coalition of representatives spanning all sectors of the health care industry with the goal to promote equitable enrollment of women in cardiovascular device clinical trials. This includes women in cardiology passionate about this mission and spanning all career stages, from fellows in training to early career and established faculty.

The gender gap in cardiology is eye-catching. Females make less than 15% of practicing cardiologists and a much smaller percentage of interventional cardiologists or electrophysiologists. The decision to pursue a career in cardiology can be daunting, especially for a female high school student.

I am a Canadian cardiologist who has stuck to her roots. I was born and raised in Toronto, did most of my medical training at the University of Toronto, completed cardiology training in Ottawa, and returned to Toronto for fellowship training in Women's Heart Health.

Kisses, hugs, cuddles, breakfast in bed and a beautiful brunch outdoors is how I remember celebrating Mother’s Day with my kids in the past but 2020 was a bit different.

Mr. & Mrs. G come to the prep area...

Sexual harassment is a global issue affecting an individual's work performance by creating an intimidating and unsafe environment.

Sexual harassment is a global issue. It is widespread among age groups, races, genders, cultures, political beliefs, religions, and diverse workplaces.

The ACC and its Diversity & Inclusion Initiative is now accepting applications for the 2022 cohort of the Clinical Trial Research: Upping Your Game!

Mother’s Day engenders a wide variety of emotions, thoughts and feelings in women. New mothers have different feelings than mothers of adult children. Women who have decided not to have children, women who were adopted or women who have adopted children feel differently than women fighting the biologic time clock or going through infertility treatments.

"Despite major advances in cardiovascular disease prevention, diagnosis, and therapies for women in the past decades, cardiovascular disease remains their leading cause of morbidity and mortality."

Join Jennifer Mieres, MD, FACC, and LaPrincess Brewer, MD, MPH, FACC, for this month’s ACC Diversity and Inclusion webinar on Thursday, April 29, at 7 p.m. ET.

When I was 15 years old, my father brought me a surgical set containing a scalpel, scissors and hemostats. I knew then that I wanted to be a surgeon and that dream came into focus during my foundation year, a time when daily blasts and bombings dominated my country.

Upon completing my internal medicine residency at Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore, I was offered positions in dermatology, gastroenterology, oncology and cardiology. I chose cardiology because that is where I was most inspired by the work.

I decided on pediatric cardiology during my cardiology rotation when I was a first-year resident in pediatrics. I love puzzles and most congenital heart disease (CHD) cases, especially complex CHD, are puzzles waiting to be solved.

Join the ACC's CV Disease in Women Committee on Sunday, April 25 at noon ET for a can't-miss, cardiology fact-based competition featuring legends in the field of heart disease in women.

I have wanted to be a doctor since I was a kid. I fell in love with cardiology almost instantly after sitting through my first lecture in medical school on the pathophysiology of the heart. The mechanics of the heart fascinated me in every way. After this, I just could not picture myself pursuing any other career path. Cardiology had simply stolen my own heart.

I was drawn to the specialty in my first months on cardiology during my intern year. The diversity of patients and the ability to treat the disease processes to truly make a difference in their lives was inspiring. Cardiac physiology is logical and guides us in the pharmacology, imaging and interventions when things go wrong. Cardiology as a specialty allows for a diverse practice that can be adapted to your skill set as a physician. Areas of specialty in cardiology span imaging, intervention, electrophysiology, cardio-oncology, congenital, structural and rehabilitation.

The ACC is excited to celebrate all our revolutionary members and the contributions of women throughout history during Women’s History Month.

From the Physicians in us. Donning the white coat comes with responsibility. While uplifting, it is heavy with moral liability. Adeptly we carry the routine of unpredictability. Roller coaster of gratitude, aggressions, and vulnerability. Judge us not when we care enough and express for reform. Just because we voice for empathy and equality, we are not "weak."

Female physicians have better patient outcomes compared with their male peers, while female patients are less likely to receive guideline-recommended care when treated by a male physician, according to a systematic review from ACC’s Cardiovascular Disease in Women Committee published Feb. 22 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

In October 2020, a year like none other, Portland's cardiovascular practitioners and trainees gathered for an ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Oregon Chapter committee virtual meeting. While some of us joined from home and others from work, we came with a shared purpose of building our community.

I choose cardiology because the intricate mechanics of the heart fascinated me starting in high school, and the intrigue continued through college, medical school and residency. Cardiology offers the gratification of caring for patients admitted to hospital with serious and sometimes life-threatening conditions and then discharged with a better quality of life and/or a longer life after receiving care.

When I started medical school, cardiology or electrophysiology were the furthest things from my career trajectory. I liked many of my rotations a medical student. Surgical pursuits piqued my interest since I enjoyed procedures, but I wanted to delve into the intellectual component of detailed discussions of various medical subspecialties.

The ACC is excited to celebrate Women Physicians Day on Feb. 3 as part of American Heart Month. ACC’s Women in Cardiology Section offers women cardiologists opportunities to strengthen their professional support system and skills through networking events, professional development and mentoring programs.

The ACC is honored to celebrate 40 years of providing critical research fellowships to Fellows in Training and Early Career clinicians in partnership with Merck.

I decided on a cardiology specialty during my cardiology rotation when I was a third-year medical student. Cardiology seemed very logical to me. I loved that the cardiovascular physiology is mathematical and logical (1+1 = 2). It is all about fluid mechanics and dynamics like we learned in physics. I also love the preventive aspect of cardiology – being able to change the course of one’s path of cardiovascular disease by making a few lifestyle changes.

ACC’s New York Women in Cardiology (WIC) Chapter threw quite “a party” for our second virtual happy hour of the year. It was titled, “Building up Yourself and the Women Around You: Sponsoring and Supporting Women.” Bottles of wine were delivered to our homes, courtesy of our Chapter – what a treat! We were also treated to eye-opening, inspiring words by Kat Niewiadomska, PhD, certified coach, trainer and facilitator with ACC’s Member Leadership Development Team.

Heart Smart for Women, a book authored by Jennifer H. Mieres, MD, FACC, and Stacey E. Rosen, MD FACC, is the perfect patient education resource, providing evidence-based and digestible information for women looking to improve their cardiovascular health. More importantly, it is a guide for physicians on how to counsel our patients.

ACC's Sandra J. Lewis Cardiovascular Women's Leadership Institute, launching in 2021, will support the unique needs of mid-career women as they continue to sustain and grow their leadership skills.

At an early age, I witnessed a family member with valvular heart failure (HF). I was drawn to the cardiac mechanics of valvular stenosis leading to HF and mesmerized by the simplicity that a mechanical heart valve could lead to such a profound clinical improvement.

In a country where people are still being caught and charged for female foeticide, to become a cardiologist is a long struggle. While the sperm with XX chromosome fights and wins against the ‘Y’ counterparts, many women in India are not allowed to win ever thereafter.

What pushed me toward cardiology was the instant gratification and how responsive the heart is. Patients will arrive having a heart attack and will be in so much pain, but as soon as the blockage has been opened, they experience a sigh of relief. As a cardiologist, you are there at the patient’s most intense time of need and can immediately make a significant difference in their well-being.

"Find your purpose" and "find your Joie de Vivre." These are the two mantras by which I live my life and navigate my career. From my start as a clinical cardiologist to my current role in health care leadership, these have been the guiding principles that have anchored both my personal and professional journeys.

ACC’s Campaign for the Future is your chance to shape the future of the cardiology profession, and your support matters now more than ever before.

Social media has become an underlying force in the health care space. From Twitter to TikTok to Instagram, each platform has its own utility for medical professionals.

Over this past winter, the ACC New England Chapter eagerly planned the inaugural ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) conference in Boston for early April.

As a teenager, I was often asked, "What do you want to be?" My immediate answer was always, "A doctor."

One of the best pieces of advice I received early on in my medical training was to choose the field that you could most see yourself hanging out with the people who are already in that field outside of work.

I am an assistant professor of cardiology at a major academic institution. Married to a busy academic oncologist, I am a mother of two young children at ages of six and eight. Cardiology is where I belong.

The Voices in Cardiology section in a recent issue of JACC: Case Reports focused on women in cardiology.

Join the ACC WIC Section for a webinar, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. ET, discussing closing the gender gap in cardiology and reproducible programs for recruiting women into cardiology careers.

When I am working from home, I am also the cook, tech support, and teacher to my kids, all while I am trying to read echocardiograms or participate on Zoom meetings. Some have felt that our kids Zoom-bombing meetings has brought a more personalized view of ourselves to those we work with.

Friday the 13th – it is a traditionally feared date due to its connotations of foreboding and bad luck. Our schools shut down on Friday the 13th of March 2020. I will always remember that date, as it sent a wave of panic through our household. We have 10-year-old twins and had to start homeschooling immediately with about 12 hours' notice.

Many women from across the Midwest came together on Sept. 12, 2020, for the third annual ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Midwest Symposium. As first year fellows, we were honored to be a part of this large online gathering of female cardiologists. Originally set to be in Omaha, NE, the revamped, COVID-friendly, virtual conference was a dynamic invigorating knowledge-packed day!

Nanette K. Wenger, MD, MACC, was named in The Hill's top 100 women who have helped shape America in their special tribute, Century of the Woman.

A recent article published in the American Journal of Medicine, asks the question, "Why are women underrepresented in cardiology?" The article suggests that we need "to initiate more aggressive recruitment programs aimed toward women." In a response to the article, Gina Lundberg, MD, FACC, et al., write that the ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section Leadership Council shares these concerns and address several issues facing women and initiatives that have been implemented.

Both of my parents had medical issues, so from a young age I knew I wanted to work in a science or medical field. After college, I spent time teaching science to high schoolers and working in the office of renowned cardiologist Tift Mann, MD, an interventionalist on the cutting edge of the radial approach and unprotected left main stenting.

Set Your Goals. Know what you want. Consolidate the means to reach those goals sooner. I wanted to do either cardiology or cardiothoracic surgery in medical school, which helped me make a realistic timeline, plan research and find the right resources.

Join the ACC WIC Section for a webinar, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. ET, discussing professionalism, biases and burnout.

The decision to pursue cardiology was an easy one. The heart has fascinated me for as long as I can remember – the vital organ located in the center of the intricate human body, with branches reaching out and connecting everything within. Learning in depth about this complex organ during medical school fueled my interest further.

My two favorite rotations in fellowship were echocardiography and heart failure. During heart failure rotation, I was more interested in chronic disease management than I was in acute care. When I did my adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) rotation, I found it to be the perfect blend of imaging, hemodynamics and ambulatory care. I was also drawn to the opportunity to work with a population underserved by our usual care models. The field was growing and changing, and I found that appealing.

As thousands of new residents and fellows start their awaited hospital training all over the country, I cannot help but feel cheated out of a familiar and endearing experience – the excitement and celebration of their arrival. The beginning of their graduate medical education training has been significantly tempered by our current universal reality. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything.

How do women in cardiology "meet and greet" during a pandemic? Virtually, of course.

Diversity is important to cardiovascular disease (CVD) programs directors (PDs) and PDs are striving to increase diversity in their programs through recruitment and strategies directed toward the fellowship learning environment, according to results of the second annual Cardiovascular PDs Survey published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Cardiology Magazine recently interviewed C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD, FACC, a leading expert in women's heart health, about how women are undertreated compared with men in many areas of cardiovascular care and how this disparity can be addressed by the cardiovascular community.

While increasing recognition of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has improved understanding of the disease process and highlighted shortfalls in evidence, prospective and collaborative research across centers and geography are still needed to advance the science, according to a state-of-the-art review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

There is a strange mix of freedom and anxiety I feel when walking into a room full of people that I know are more experienced, qualified and competent than myself.

Why did you choose cardiology? Ever since I was a child, I have loved the heart. I have always thought cardiologists are exceptionally versatile physicians who are still being specialists in the best sense. Happily for me, I feel that I fit in well with this guild and that I have found "my people" in the world of medicine.

Cardiology is the study of the heart, a central and major organ in the body. I have been attracted to cardiology since I first learnt about it in high school because the heart provides essential blood flow to all the other organs in the body.

Presented by the ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section and Women as One, the Eleven Women Cardiology Leaders – How to Overcome Adversity and Thrive webinar highlighted a panel of female cardiologists who hold leadership roles in the field of cardiology.

Presented by the ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section and Women as One, the Eleven Women Cardiology Leaders – How to Overcome Adversity and Thrive webinar highlighted a panel of female cardiologists who hold leadership roles in the field of cardiology.

A recent webinar presented by the ACC and American Heart Association (AHA) Women in Cardiology (WIC) Sections, Financial Fallout From COVID-19, discussed the economic impact of COVID-19 on women.

A helpful career Tip From the ACC WIC Section!

Cardiology captured me on my first elective as a medical student. I loved the physiology of it – pressure, volume and electromechanical coupling just made sense.

"To wrest from nature the secrets which have perplexed philosophers in all ages, to track to their sources the cause of disease these are our ambition." – Sir William Osler

ACC's Distinguished Awards were established to recognize and distinguish individuals contributing to the cardiovascular field at unparalleled levels. These individuals demonstrate leadership, advance scientific knowledge and teach the future generation with passion.

As the surge passes here in Boston, I have started to reflect more on what my experience has been with my patients over the past several months. Once it became clear that I was unlikely to be redeployed (despite preparing myself by buying the newest edition of Pocket Medicine and realizing how long ago medicine residency was), I settled into building my telehealth practice.

In one swift tour around the intensive care unit, you will see nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians' assistants, respiratory therapists and doctors – the collective majority of us women. We are at the bedside doing our best to care for our patients. We are doing what we have always done – except now, nearly all our ICU patients have coronavirus.

I entered my third year of medical school saying "anything but pediatrics" when people asked what I was considering for residency. I had no experience in caring for children and felt that I had no natural ability in that regard.

Four helpful career Tips From the ACC WIC Section!

Join the ACC WIC Section and Women as One for a webinar, June 25 from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET, highlighting a panel of female cardiologists who hold a leadership role in a professional organization.

Covid-19 has brought the world to a grinding halt. It has left a trail of tears and uncertainty. On a personal level, our family lost someone we loved dearly.

Now more than ever, the injustices, inequities and incomprehensible experiences of our black sisters and brothers in the United States of America and around the world have risen to the surface. The events of these past few days have been echoed for centuries.

Join Women in Cardiology members of the ACC and the American Heart Association (AHA) for a webinar on Thursday, May 28 at 8 p.m. ET about the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on female cardiologists.

As we are grappling through this public health apocalypse and going through extraordinary times with the ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic, there has been ongoing research focusing on specific treatment, developing a vaccine and implementing mitigation efforts.

I grew up in my native France and worked toward my dream of becoming a cardiologist. I completed my internal medicine training and was settling into a manageable, orderly schedule as a first-year cardiology fellow while enjoying my responsibility as a mother of three. Life was busy but organized.

With so many recent articles on physician burn out in both men and women, I asked myself how I have managed to have a fulfilling 30-year career without burnout. I would recommend two items that I have stuck to over the years.

The need to help others in a country with scarce resources, my love for science and the image of my older brother Carlos as a medical student were my initial inspirations to be a doctor. At the age of 9, I lost my father to vascular complications. I never really knew the cause of his death; he was a heavy smoker and died shortly after an aorto-femoral arterial bypass.

My desire to be a cardiologist started sometime in medical school, then blossomed in residency. I did not have one defining moment in my life – no strong family history of coronary artery disease or premature deaths that led me to it early on. Instead, it was a constant, reinforcing interest that was routinely piqued every time I encountered a cardiology patient, procedure or EKG. The road was not always easy, and for many women, it is not always clear-cut. While I felt very comfortable in the world of internal medicine, cardiology felt much less welcoming.

I am currently a pediatric cardiologist at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City, and my husband is an adult heart failure specialist at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY.

ACC's Diversity and Inclusion Task Force is presenting a newly expanded Clinical Trials Research: Upping Your Game program for 2020-2021!

I was on CCU service the last two weeks of March, with week one of service going as usual as possible, albeit with changes I had requested secondary to the viral pandemic – maintaining social distancing, limiting team members on rounds and limiting those seeing patients to conserve personal protective equipment.

When the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, none of us expected to be caught in the epicenter of this deadly disease. Now, more than a month since that fateful case, we have become accustomed to a new routine, a new normal.

One of the silver linings of the COVID-19 pandemic is the acceptance of telemedicine as the means to sustain patient care in the era of social distancing.

In October 2019, at the beautiful Multnomah Athletic Club looking out over the Portland Timbers soccer arena, Portland's cardiovascular practitioners and trainees gathered for an ACC Oregon Chapter Heart Club Dinner titled, "Women and Heart Diseases and Women in Cardiology."

We have all read and heard about burnout and resilience in medicine these days. However, we do not discuss what leads to burnout within ourselves. We pride ourselves in our abilities, strengths and achievements – but we do not often communicate with our colleagues about failure and our response to it. When I read Mindset, by Carol S. Dweck, PhD, I certainly recognized aspects of myself. It is a book that I could and probably should read over and over again.

Like the vibrant purple flower of the Foxglove, the field of heart failure has blossomed over the past few decades, with exciting developments not only in the pharmaceutical realm but also in the arena of mechanical support devices – making in some cases the impossible, possible!

In the beginning of this year – and beginning of a new decade – I had the opportunity to sit beside and learn from an icon, Nanette K. Wenger, MD, MACC, in a seemingly unlikely setting. We were in Mumbai, India, for the annual Academy of Cardiology meeting devoted to heart diseases in women.

Cardiologists, fellows in training, residents and medical students gathered for the 10th anniversary of the ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Michigan Chapter annual business meeting, which took place Jan. 29 at the Hyde Park Steakhouse in Northville, MI. The gloomy weather was quickly forgotten as the enthusiasm and energy of this group of women filled the room.

Check out the latest WIC poetry submission, And People Went to Work, by Gina P. Lundberg, MD, FACC! Please share on Twitter: #ACCWIC

As a third-year medical student at one of the busiest hospitals in the country and the world, I learned some of the most important lessons of my life. Tragedy and despair can make you a better doctor. Medical students consider the third year of medical school as the best year, the clinical year.

Brian Tracy's book Eat That Frog serves as a guide to those struggling with the seemingly never-ending to-do list.

"When there are nine." This unapologetic mandate for increased gender diversity was Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's reply when asked when there would be a satisfactory number of women on the Court. The spirit of her words rings true in my field of interventional cardiology, as well, in which a paltry 3.5 percent of current practitioners are women.

Caring for patients within a multidisciplinary team and navigating the current challenges in health care requires a skill set not traditionally taught in medical education: negotiation and conflict resolution. Furthermore, studies show that women are less likely than men to negotiate and more likely to avoid conflict.

Don't miss your chance to network with peers at the WIC Section meeting, taking place March 28 at 10:30 a.m. CT in the WIC Lounge, at ACC.20 Together With World Congress of Cardiology. Section leaders will recount 2019's achievements and activities, as well as answer any questions you may have.

Women in medicine have come a long way since Elizabeth Blackwell became the first female medical doctor in the U.S. Early women physicians like Blackwell broke down traditions and barriers and set the stage for the next generations to grow and thrive within the field.

Check out the latest WIC poetry submission, A Poem: Metaphors For a Woman, by Kamala P. Tamirisa, MD, FACC! Please share on Twitter: #ACCWIC

Reyhaneh M. Akhavein, MD, shares a trio of cardiology career tips.

Someone once told me to be open to all possibilities, as you never know what opportunities may come your way. As I looked back, I found myself really taking this to heart (no pun intended). By the time I started residency, I felt strongly about pursuing a career in cardiology. Interestingly, I did not have the initial intention of subspecializing in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) because it was not an official cardiac subspecialty, rather a unique niche where only a few centers in the U.S. were offering non-accredited fellowship training.

One Friday evening, I got a text from my friend asking if I was free for happy hour. I had to decline since I was on call. In addition to happy hours, most fellows will find that they often have to miss other events in training, like baby showers, family events, birthday parties or holidays. People often then question: what motivates me to take on such a challenging and demanding profession like cardiology? To answer this question, I want to share my personal stories on how cardiology excites me every day.

Cardiovascular disease is estimated to be present in 1-3 percent of pregnancies, and the incidence is increasing. As a cardiologist who has a special interest in pregnant women with cardiovascular disease, and as a mother of twins, Colleen Harrington, MD, FACC, is challenged academically and emotionally in treating these patients.

Check out seven tips that will help you set up a successful and cost effective regional ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) meeting.

The ACC Connecticut Women in Cardiology (WIC) Chapter held its first meeting of the academic year in August 2019 and brought together female cardiovascular attending physicians and Fellows in Training from around the state.

The 2019 ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Leadership Workshop was held before the ACC Legislative Conference in Washington, DC. The event served as an educational forum that brought together female cardiologists from around the country – including a large number of Fellows in Training (FITs) – to promote continued professional growth and career advancement.

A recent Cardiology article discusses how Roxana Mehran, MD, FACC, and Marie Claude Morice, MD, FACC, made a promise to improve the working conditions for women in cardiology worldwide.

I recently read the obituary of one of my esteemed colleagues. It listed all his certifications, achievements, awards and invaluable contributions to our field – symbols of his pioneering vision. I thought to myself. I hope he had time to take a step back, look at all his achievements and life journey with a smile. I hope he took a walk in the rain. On a day so bleak and dreary, the rain-tipped leaves formed diamond crystals that sparkled.

On Dec. 4, the ACC Iowa Women in Cardiology (WIC) Chapter held an event, Introduction to Women in Cardiology, for Quad-City area female high school students with interests in science and medicine. Reception of the event was fantastic, with almost triple the anticipated attendance.

In this feature interview, cardiologists Toniya Singh, MBBS, FACC, a Partner at St. Louis Heart and Vascular, and Sangeeta B. Shah, MD, FACC, a cardiologist at Ochsner Health System, discuss how they discovered career coaching through different avenues, but have both experienced valuable benefits as a result.

What can I say? I love the heart. I love the physiology of the physical heart and all of its components – the plumbing, electrical wiring and carpentry of the heart. All of it. The fact that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world makes this organ system even more fascinating to me. In addition to conditions of the physical heart, I also find value in considering the figurative heart, recognizing the interplay among various parts of the whole person. As you can see, I chose to become a cardiologist for several reasons. Once deciding to become a cardiologist, here is how I determined what sort of cardiologist I wanted to be.

The ACC Florida Women in Cardiology (WIC) Chapter recently held their annual meeting at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. The program included mission areas of advocacy, education and quality, and had more than 200 attendees from across the state with a strong representation of women in cardiology.

"Cardiovascular medicine is among the most gender-imbalanced medical specialties in the United States. Over the last 12 years, the proportion of women in U.S. cardiology fellowship programs has remained stagnant around 20, percent," write Jenna Kay, MD, Nosheen Reza, MD, and Frank E. Silvestry, MD, in a recent "Voices in Cardiology" piece in JACC: Case Reports.

Check out the inaugural WIC poetry submission, The Healer Speaks, by Sherry-Ann Brown, MD, PhD! Please share on Twitter: #ACCWIC

Garima Sharma, MD, FACC; Tina Shah, MBBS, FACC; and Gina Lundberg, MD, FACC share myths and truths of career transitions in this informative feature.

I had the opportunity to participate in the ACC Maryland Women in Cardiology (WIC) Council Kickoff Event, led by Garima Sharma, MBBS, FACC. It was a beautiful summer evening in late June, and the waterfront outside our venue sparkled alongside our conversation.

Why did you choose cardiology? I found the mechanical nature of cardiac function fascinating – this complex pump that formed the most critical organ in the body. Once I started learning about pathophysiology and diseases affecting the function of the heart, it became even more interesting.

In medical school, I struggled with finding a career path I felt passionate about. I had enjoyed most of my clinical rotations but I did not have the "aha moment." While rotating through cardiology consults, I met Annabelle S. Volgman, MD, FACC, the person I credit for demonstrating that I, too, could one day become a cardiologist and #ChooseCardiology.

Find out about the WIC Leadership Workshop held on Sunday, November 3 in Washington, DC.

There are a lot of big ways to get involved with the College – being on a Section Leadership Council, participating on a taskforce or committee, or serving as faculty for a live course, to name a few. However, we know that not everyone has the time for some of these larger-scale commitments. That's why the ACC is excited to announce the launch of our Microvolunteering Platform.

Toniya Singh, MBBS, FACC, and Tina Shah, MD, FACC, are two busy cardiologists. They are also women who have a family and make time to be active volunteer members of the ACC. In a recent Cardiology article, Singh and Shah talk about making it all work, progress made for women and unfinished business, and advice for their younger self.

Applications are now being accepted for the ACC Leadership Academy Cohort IV, which will launch at ACC.20/World Congress of Cardiology in Chicago, IL.

Submissions for a JACC: Case Reports special issue on cardiovascular disease in women are due on or before Oct. 31. Clinical cases, clinical case series and Voices in Cardiology will be accepted, as well as commentaries and perspectives if sufficiently rigorous and impactful.

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.

I recently had the pleasure of attending the ACC Southeastern Women in Cardiology conference in Point Clear, AL. I have been to a variety of different conferences in my training so far, but none have been quite as unique and special as this one. This meeting was a wonderful opportunity to get to meet and bond with a variety of women from different backgrounds and at varying points in their medical careers. It served as a safe and open forum to discuss many of the issues surrounding female physicians in cardiology today.

Why did you choose cardiology? I was originally drawn to the field of cardiology due to experience with family members dealing with heart disease. However, I became really intrigued with the idea of becoming a cardiologist when I went through cardiovascular physiology in medical school. Learning about hemodynamics and the vascular system in the body was fascinating, and the fact that one could directly auscultate the heart and make diagnoses based on this direct "interaction" was eye-opening.

Join world-renowned cardiologist and course director Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, MACC, at ACC's New York Cardiovascular Symposium, taking place Dec. 6 – 8.

Urgent action may be needed in implementing creative, multipronged approaches to address the real and perceived barriers to women's full participation in cardiology, according to a paper published Sept. 30 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

In a recent article published in Cardiology, three women on ACC's Board of Governors (BOG) discussed the secrets to their success.

The WIC Leadership Workshop will be held on Sunday, November 3 in Washington, DC at the Hyatt Regency - Capitol Hill. The workshop will be 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is free for all ACC members to attend.

We are proud to announce that on April 25th, the ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Delaware Chapter held its first event. After nearly a year of hard work and planning, Carly Fabrizio, DO, my co-fellow at the Christiana Care Health System in Newark, DE, and I founded the Chapter together. We were thrilled to see our efforts come to fruition.

From Ni"Shock"i to "Meta"-Analysis – it sounds like my name determined my career path. I chose academic electrophysiology because my name embedded electricity and research – just kidding! I chose academic cardiology because I envisioned a three-pronged career approach: providing high quality clinical care, being a part of a stimulating work environment where I continuously engage in teaching and learning, and having the ability to collaborate on research across specialties and disciplines.

The following feature interview with Jacqueline L. Green, MD, FACC, is part of the ACC WIC Section's #ChooseCardiology series, where women in residency, fellowship and early career are encouraged to share why they would choose cardiology again. Dr. Green is a cardiologist at Piedmont Heart Institute in Fayetteville, GA.

In a recent Cardiology article, Khanjan Baxi Shah, MD, MPH, who completed her general and interventional cardiology fellowships at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School this year, provides a first-hand experience of pregnancy and motherhood during her training.

ACC Massachusetts Chapter Governor Malissa J. Wood, MD, FACC, has a captivating personality and charisma, which is apparent when you first meet her.

"Just because you love something, doesn't mean you have to do it for free," said Carolyn Carr-Ragland, a senior management consultant and executive coach by profession.

Cardiology is a passion of mine. My father suffered a cardiac arrest at home when I was 14 years old. Living through his illness and recovery forever changed me and provided a glimpse into the world of medicine.

To address the largely underexplored topic of cardiovascular disease in women, JACC: Case Reports will publish its first special issue on this topic in January 2020.

Cardiology is the ACC's flagship member magazine — your member magazine — providing cardiovascular professionals with a comprehensive source for clinical and professional news. Find links to all of the July issue's articles and share on social media!

Are you attending the ESC Congress 2019 in Paris? Don't miss the ACC WIC Section networking event on Sunday, Sept. 1, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Hotel Lutetia – Hotel Lobby Bar. Catch up with colleagues, make new connections and discuss opportunities for the Section.

Kathryn L. Berlacher, MD, FACC, is a cardiologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the new ACC Pennsylvania Chapter governor. In the following interview, Berlacher shares her goals for the coming term, the importance of mentorship and advice for Fellows in Training (FITs) looking to get more involved with the College.

Women within the field of cardiology face unique challenges during both their training and advancement as faculty. As a group of female cardiologists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), we gathered together to first acknowledge and define these issues and then created a leadership development program to support career growth.

While women in cardiology have come a long way, there are still hurdles to jump in Hungary. Medicine and the field of cardiology used to be a typically male-dominated profession. The increasing number of women enrolled in medical school led to major shifts in the gender composition.

Registration is now open for ACC's 2019 Legislative Conference, taking place Nov. 3 – 5 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

"Female solidarity and the active mental decision to empower oneself are the most important ways forward," write Karen Sliwa, MD, PhD, FACC, et al., in a global health case report highlighting efforts to build a network among female cardiovascular researchers and scientists in Africa.

We are living in a pivotal time for women in our country – a national conversation is taking place about equality for women in the workplace.

Career Tips From the ACC WIC Section

My fascination with cardiac physiology, the potential to make a profound clinical impact, and the diversity of career and lifestyle options led me to choose cardiology as a career, specifically pediatric cardiology.

The ACC has made a select number of travel awards available to cover expenses for members to travel to ACC's 2019 Legislative Conference, Nov. 3 – 5, in Washington, DC.

On Monday, June 24, JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions will host a Twitter Chat on sex and gender gaps in interventional cardiology.

You cannot get to "yes" with others until getting to "yes" with yourself first. This statement is the central argument of William Ury's Getting to Yes With Yourself: And Other Worthy Opponents, his 2015 sequel-intended-as-a-prequel to his 1981 international bestseller on negotiation, Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In.

Earlier this year, the ACC Florida Women in Cardiology (WIC) Chapter held its second annual meeting in Orlando, FL. The weekend-long session, designed to focus on WIC and Fellows in Training (FITs), attracted more than 40 attendees from across the state in various stages of their careers.

ACC past president, Mary Norine Walsh, MD, MACC, is a leader, educator and author in cardiovascular medicine.

The human heart is an incredible organ that has intrigued me since the time I first learned about it in biology class. As I went through medical school, there were three separate moments that further sparked my interested in cardiology.

Join your female cardiologist colleagues (MD, DO, MBBS) for the 3rd Annual Indiana Chapter-ACC Networking Dinner at Seasons 52 – Indianapolis Keystone, 8650 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis, IN 46240, Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at 6:00 p.m..

For the busy female cardiologist (or Fellow in Training), Tiffany Dufu's book Drop the Ball is a paradigm-shifting guide to achieving success at both work and home. Her message is clear throughout the book: the way to get ahead is to let go.

Although cardiology is already a high-pressure work environment, women face extra challenges.

During my training, I was drawn to the vast diversity of acuity encountered in medicine. Cardiology is a field that magnifies a range of experiences.

The job search in cardiovascular medicine is daunting but also exciting. Applying to attending positions gave me the motivation to get through the final push of my senior year.

In the Middle East, there are just as many women as men in medical school, and their average GPA is higher than that of their male peers.

Transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health can't be accomplished by one person; it takes a diversity of experience, knowledge and perspectives.

Join us April 5 -7, 2019 at The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Fairhope, Alabama for a weekend designed for networking with peers, engaging conversations, and even some leisure time!

Don't miss out on the exciting events for WIC Section members at ACC.19, taking place March 16 – 18 in New Orleans, LA.

Join us at the ACC.19 All-Section Reception, March 17, from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Grand Ballroom A.

During the ACC Middle East Conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this past October, members of the ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section held their first-ever international WIC Section meeting in the region.

Catch up with colleagues at ACC.19 and make new connections over light fare at the Women in Cardiology Section Meeting, taking place Saturday, March 16, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT.

Apply for a chance to take part in the inaugural program Clinical Trials Research: Upping Your Game. This exclusive, two-day session will cover all aspects of clinical research and the career opportunities available in the field.

Directly addressing the unique barriers cited by women in interventional cardiology may provide the most impact in reducing gender imbalances in the field, according to a study published Jan. 16 in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Last year, the ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Leadership Workshop took place preceding ACC’s 2018 Legislative Conference at Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. The ACC WIC Section is an exceptional forum that brings female cardiologists together and advocates for their career advancement and professional growth. An astounding number of female cardiologists and Fellows in Training from across the country attended the workshop, making it a huge success!

During the annual ACC Georgia Chapter meeting, which recently took place in Greensboro, GA, members from the ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section gathered for a special event of their own.

A benign heart murmur that was detected when I was 6 years old, along with the frantic investigations carried out at a time when murmurs were not considered benign, piqued my interest in cardiology. My life had been quite uneventful until then, and I found the frequent trips to appointments and diagnostic tests quite fascinating.

Over the past year, workplace inequity across many American industries has become a topic of national conversation. Gender disparity in medicine is becoming increasingly exposed, and cardiology has not been exempt from this spotlight.

The first Regional Midwest ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section conference was held this past September in St. Louis, MO, and was supported by the ACC Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Oklahoma Chapters.

I was drawn to the field of cardiology since early childhood. During summer vacation in the rural Republic of Georgia when I was 14 years old, I witnessed my grandfather having a heart attack.

Take advantage of free, online certified educational activities to fulfill your 2018 CME requirements and earn MOC credit at the same time!

In the latest issues of Cardiology, deep-dive into the emerging risk factors of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of sexual violence affects one third of all women worldwide. "Me Too" is an international movement against sexual harassment and assault, which lately has become a hot topic in social media, television, Hollywood and even at the latest ACC Annual Scientific Sessions (ACC.18) in Orlando, FL.

As we gear up for ACC's 68th Annual Scientific Session and Expo (ACC.19), it is important to reflect on the significance of ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section meetings and networking opportunities.

From the moment I entered medical school, I thought I was going to be an anesthesiologist. My father is a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist and has been practicing for more than 40 years. He has had a long, successful career and loves his job, so I wanted to be like him.

Identifying barriers and providing potential solutions to empower more women to join interventional cardiology may be crucial in addressing the significant gender disparity within the specialty, according to an article published Nov. 19 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

In this deep-dive video discussion, Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, MACC; Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC; Anne B. Curtis, MD, FACC; Peter Libby, MD, FACC; and Marc Ruel, MD, MPH, share their perspectives on the most significant science released during AHA.18.

Life is a series of choices. Each choice brings you to a fork in the road, and that subsequent choice leads you to the next one. Along the way, there will be nudges from family, friends, mentors and all the other subconscious inputs that go into decision-making. These choices seem to describe my path to a career in electrophysiology – because I certainly did not start out with that intention.

Belgium is a federal state with three regions (Flemish, Brussels and Walloon) and three official languages (Dutch, French and German). There are 11.4 million inhabitants (49 percent men), with 6.5 million living in Flanders, 1.3 million in Brussels and 3.6 million in Walloon. According to a special report published in Belgium in 2015, of the 51,420 physicians practicing in various specialties, 1,269 are cardiologists (2.47 percent), including 247 practicing female cardiologists (19.4 percent), 56 percent of whom are younger than 45.

The September 2018 issue of Cardiology, YOUR member magazine, is now live! Cardiology provides cardiovascular professionals with comprehensive clinical, professional and health policy news; feature-length articles on the top trends and innovations in cardiovascular medicine; expert commentary from leaders in the cardiovascular field; quick-read summaries of the latest research from the JACC Journals and other major cardiovascular journals; profiles of ACC members, like you; and so much more!

As part of the collective call heard across the country to reinvigorate the woman’s movement, 2018 has been dubbed the "Year of the Woman" by many. In medicine, the need for continued advocacy is no more evident than in cardiology, where women make up less than 12 percent of the workforce and less than 5 percent of invasive subspecialists.

We all "know the numbers," so to speak, but do we know our numbers? While cardiologists are familiar with the saying, "health is wealth," and have dedicated their lives to preventing and treating cardiovascular disease, are they open to thinking about wealth and financial planning?

In the following interview, Amisha Patel, MD, interventional cardiologist at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, NY, discusses how she chose her path in cardiology, specifically coronary interventions and structural heart disease. She also talks about the major role mentors have played in her career and provides advice for women interested in the field.

JACC: Heart Failure will publish a special issue in March 2019 on the growing body of literature surrounding heart failure in women.

ACC.19 registration is NOW OPEN exclusively for ACC members. Nonmember registration will open Wednesday, Sept. 26. Register early for the lowest rates and best selection of hotel rooms!

While heart failure is an uncommon complication of breast cancer treatment, the risk may be higher in patients treated with certain types of chemotherapy and lower in younger patients, according to a study published Aug. 6 in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging.

Do not wait until you are up for a promotion to update your CV. At the end of each month, review your calendar, PubMed citations, and current or pending grants. READ MORE...

On Valentine’s Day 1994, I was 5 years old and carefully crafting a card for my grandparents in art class. I remember gluing a white lace heart onto a red sheet of construction paper, excited to share my masterpiece. My grandfather picked me up from the bus stop that afternoon. Once home, he held his chest and reported pain. He tragically died in route to the hospital from a massive myocardial infarction at the age of 61. While I cannot recall if my grandfather’s early death was the impetus for my longstanding aspiration to become a cardiologist, it undoubtedly influenced my interest in preventive cardiology.

The August 2018 issue of Cardiology, YOUR member magazine, is now live! Cardiology provides cardiovascular professionals with comprehensive clinical, professional and health policy news; feature-length articles on the top trends and innovations in cardiovascular medicine; expert commentary from leaders in the cardiovascular field; quick-read summaries of the latest research from the JACC Journals and other major cardiovascular journals; profiles of ACC members, like you; and so much more!

The number of women in cardiology has failed to keep up with the number of women in medicine. As medicine residencies approach more than 50 percent of women in training, female fellows in cardiology remain 20 percent at best. A 2009 physician workforce survey published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed most cardiologist — even female cardiologists — have high job satisfaction and would choose cardiology as a subspecialty again.

The annual ACC Arizona Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section event took place at the Omni Scottsdale at Montelucia Resort and turned out to be one of the biggest WIC Section chapter event in the country.

Be digital. Grow familiar with and utilize the resources that the ACC provides in terms of apps, online web resources and more to educate yourself and your patients.

We all “know the numbers,” so to speak; but do we know our numbers? I am not talking about our cardiovascular disease risk factors. While cardiologists are familiar with the saying, “health is wealth,” and have dedicated their lives to preventing and treating cardiovascular disease, are they open to thinking about wealth and financial planning?

Social media, just like the internet and electronic medical records, is here to stay. For better or for worse, social media has become an integral part of medical conferences, specialty societies and scientific journals. All age groups use social media on a daily basis, with some people even logging in multiple times a day. The rapid growth of social media sites has attracted physicians to LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and ResearchGate, to name a few.

Last year, 30 women attended the Missouri Women in Cardiology (WIC) State Chapter “Rise and Shine” session in conjunction with the Missouri State ACC meeting. Lisa Alderson, MD, FACC, WIC Missouri Chapter council member and assistant professor from Saint Louis University, and I had a chance to meet many female physicians and allied health professionals as we emphasized the importance of becoming a member of the ACC WIC Section. Attendees discussed the advantages of joining the WIC Section. Allied health professionals who attended found the session useful, even if they were not WIC members.

In a perspective study published May 22 in Circulation, Michelle A. Albert, MD, MPH, explains that under-represented minorities and women are missing from academic medicine.

Be engaged. In private practice, it is easy to get lost in one's own practice and day-to-day routine.

Although cardiology is often looked at as a male-dominated field, women compose about 40 percent of Brazilian cardiologists – and this number is consistent with my experience in both the public teaching hospital and the private hospital where I work as cardiologist and echocardiographer.

The Woman in Cardiology (WIC) Section gathering at the annual ACC Georgia Chapter meeting brought together many women and an impressive number of men within the field of cardiology. Immediate past ACC President Mary Norine Walsh, MD, MACC, was the lead speaker at the meeting.

As a successful and respected female cardiologist in a man’s world, I wanted to share some life experiences with younger women and trainees. There are hidden barriers to achievement; however, recognizing and addressing them head-on will allow you to overcome obstacles, achieve success and be recognized for who you are.

In the Part 1 Recap of the ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section Workshop, held last fall in Washington, DC, we confronted implicit or subconscious bias in ourselves, others, our fields of practice and society at large.

In short, be competent and not condescending, and be gracious and not grouchy, when you get a consult. Say thank you and get the job done. 

Never complain if you get a consult. Never question the need for calling consult.

The ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section Workshop, held last fall in Washington, DC, featured Sharonne Hayes, MD, FACC, as one of the main speakers. She led a workshop on "Advancing Women in Cardiology: Addressing Biases and Barriers Head On," and it involved kindly confronting implicit or unconscious bias in ourselves, others, our fields of practice and society at large.

As a junior fellow, the catheterization lab was always my “happy place,” where everything felt right and I could let my hands do the work. Unfortunately, this same place became a source of anxiety during my interventional fellowship year. A few weeks after the academic year began, I notified my program that I was expecting.

Social media for health care providers has changed the way we educate and learn and interact with each other. The dynamic nature of social media and its instant availability through our mobile devices is rapidly transforming the way we engage in society. Not surprisingly, the number of social media users is increasing, implying that our patients and their loved ones are on social media. 

Start serving on the committees and getting to know people at your institution.

Nanette K. Wenger, MD, MACC, is a professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiology at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. She has built an illustrious career as an academic non-interventional cardiologist, leading the paradigm shifts on cardiac rehabilitation and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease in women. In recognition of her leadership and accomplishments in the field of cardiovascular disease in women, she received the ACC Inaugural Bernadine Healy Leadership in Women’s Cardiovascular Disease Award in 2015. In a recent interview with Olivia Hung, MD, PhD, a Fellow in Training (FIT) at Emory University, Wenger offers career advice for female FITs.

Identify and maintain a list of colleagues outside your institution and past trainees who would be willing to write an unconflicted letter of support for you when you start your position.

What happens when you decide to use your skills as a physician in an entirely different way, such as a nonclinical path?

During my cardiology residency, one of my professors jokingly said that there are three kinds of subspecies in humans – men, women and female cardiologists. It took me years to really understand what he meant.

In the latest ACC Cardiology Hour, Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, MACC, is joined by Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC; Rachel J. Lampert, MD, FACC; Prediman K. Shah, MD, MACC; and Chadwick W. Stouffer, MD, in a roundtable discussion of the hottest trials from AHA 2017 in Anaheim, CA. Among the trials discussed are DACAB, CANVAS, EXSCEL, POISE-2 and more.

Make sure to know the components of the application for promotion and tenure at your institution. 

Susan Shapiro Barash, a prolific author and knowledgeable professor of gender studies, uses these talents to construct her book Tripping the Prom Queen. This story illustrates the obvious and not-so-obvious dark elements of female rivalry through numerous anecdotes from female volunteers. Her discussions include: mother-daughter disputes; high school and college drama between girlfriends; judgments on workplace and household roles of women by other women; and fights among supposed female friends over appearance, relationship status and popularity standing.

The promotion and tenure timetable can take up to 10 – 11 months. 

Moving to a new city can be challenging. Being a female cardiologist working in a large practice group consisting of over 40 cardiologists makes it even more challenging.

The Oregon Chapter of the ACC WIC Section gathering celebrates female cardiologists and trainees and promotes better understanding of stable ischemic heart disease in women. 

Know the criteria for promotion for your track and plan your strategy for reaching the milestones with your section supervisor during the first 3 – 6 months of your position. 

Total Leadership is a must read for all women in cardiology, as it highlights the importance of improving your ability to function in all the significant areas of your life: work, home, community and self. As female cardiologists, we continue to focus on addressing the reasons we have been unable to increase the number of women entering our field over the last several decades. This is occurring despite the fact that women make up half of the entering classes in medical school and half of the interns beginning their training in internal medicine. The challenge of managing a demanding profession while also “having a life” is frequently cited as a concern for many young female physicians.

The Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section of the New York State Chapter of the ACC convened a panel discussion at the Yale Club in New York on May 13, 2017. The discussion was about mutual collaboration, networking, common issues and exchange of ideas amongst female cardiologists.

In conjunction with the ACC Committee Nominations cycle, the College’s Membership Committee is now accepting applications through Sept. 22. The Membership Committee was established as part of the 2015 College’s governance transformation and serves as standing committee of the College, reporting directly to the Board of Trustees.

Make an effort to attend events outside of your section or department at your local institution.

In the words of Madeleine Albright: “It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” 

Most doctors do not enter the profession for the money, but in this time of rising college and medical school costs coupled with lower physician reimbursement, we should be more vigilant than ever when it comes to our personal finances. Unfortunately, many physicians suffer from financial illiteracy, having spent their formative years learning about renal physiology and the coagulation cascade rather than fixed asset allocation, mutual funds, 401(k)s and IRAs. The White Coat Investor: A Doctor’s Guide to Personal Finance and Investing, by James M. Dahle, MD, strives to address the challenge of physician financial illiteracy and teaches us important lessons regarding personal finance and investing.

The August 2017 issue of Cardiology, ACC’s flagship member magazine, is now live! Cardiology provides cardiovascular professionals with comprehensive clinical, professional and health policy news; feature-length articles on the top trends and innovations in cardiovascular medicine; expert commentary from leaders in the cardiovascular field; quick-read summaries of the latest research from the JACC Journals and other major cardiovascular journals; profiles of ACC members, like you; and so much more!

This article was authored by Lynda Otalvaro Orozco, MD, FACC, an adjunct assistant professor of medicine in the department of cardiovascular diseases at the University of Kentucky, Gill Heart Institute, Manchester Memorial Hospital, Appalachian Regional Healthcare.

Mentors serve a useful purpose, but only sponsors can effectively propel a career. In Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor, economist, thought leader, and founding president and CEO of the Center for Talent Innovation, Sylvia Ann Hewlett – author of ten critically acclaimed books – provides a road map to help professionals develop a portfolio of sponsors who can open doors and serve as a link to success. Based on her research, she clarifies the distinction between those who can offer encouragement and those who can provide the meaningful support and advocacy to put professionals on the vocational fast track.

Every occasion you are in a room with more than two people who you don't know is an opportunity to network – Toniya Singh, MD, FACC. 

The July 2017 issue of Cardiology, ACC’s flagship member magazine, is now live! Cardiology provides cardiovascular professionals with comprehensive clinical, professional and health policy news; feature-length articles on the top trends and innovations in cardiovascular medicine; expert commentary from leaders in the cardiovascular field; quick-read summaries of the latest research from the JACC Journals and other major cardiovascular journals; profiles of ACC members, like you; and so much more!

The ACC is seeking qualified candidates to serve as vice chair of the Annual Scientific Session for a two-year term of office for ACC.19 and ACC.20, moving on to assume another two-year term as chair of ACC.21 and ACC.22.

Have an “elevator speech” – a one-minute narrative about yourself, your passions and what you do - ready if someone asks. 

Last December, the Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section of ACC’s New York Chapter kicked off in true New York style with a cocktail reception at Flûte, a lounge in Midtown Manhattan. As the home of the first cardiological society in the country and the birthplace of the ACC, NY has a rich history of pioneering networks for cardiologists. Now it joins a growing number of WIC state sections that are innovating ways to create meaningful networks for women at the local level.

The Women in Cardiology Section’s (WIC’s) Brown Bag session during the 66th Annual Scientific Session (ACC.17) was highly promoted on social media, especially Twitter, which led to the presence of many social media leaders and novices in the audience. The hashtag #ACCWIC was one of the most used hashtags during ACC.17. Claire Duvernoy, MD, FACC, chair of the WIC Section, and Sandra Lewis, MD, FACC, immediate-past chair of the Section, were among those most active on Twitter.   

The June 2017 issue of Cardiology, ACC’s flagship member magazine, is now live! Cardiology provides cardiovascular professionals with comprehensive clinical, professional and health policy news; feature-length articles on the top trends and innovations in cardiovascular medicine; expert commentary from leaders in the cardiovascular field; quick-read summaries of the latest research from the JACC Journals and other major cardiovascular journals; profiles of ACC members, like you; and so much more!

If you want to follow up with someone you met, email them within 24 hours. For better impact, mail them a card, mention meeting him/her, talk about any common agenda you may have, and send them your contact information again. 

The patient was looking at me incredulously. He was finding it hard to accept me as his cardiologist. This young K-pop-lookalike Asian girl with long brown hair just didn’t fit into his stereotype of a loud, booming alpha male of a cardiologist.

The Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section of ACC’s IL Chapter held its first event in late November 2016. Hosted at Rush University Medical Center in downtown Chicago, this event was a huge success! Female physicians at every career stage – from FITs to late career cardiologists (and even a couple of internal medicine residents!) – traveled from near and far to attend.

Do not hesitate to walk up to people at a reception and introduce yourself. Hand out your card to give people a way to get back in touch with you if they want.

In a recent post on the Fellows in Training (FIT) Section Page, Jenine John, MD, an FIT at Stony Brook Hospital, discusses how to understand one's own biases regarding women in cardiology and how to overcome them. 

In a recent interview with Hena Patel, MD, a Fellow in Training at Rush University in Chicago, Harrington discusses gender disparities in cardiology and his involvement with ACC’s Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section.

Bring business cards to a networking event with your current work address and an email and a phone number that you actually answer and have them in a place in your pocket or purse that is easily accessible to give out.

Ever-increasing numbers of women are pursuing careers as physicians, with women comprising nearly half of all medical school graduates in 2014. However, according to a 2009 ACC workforce survey, only 12 percent of all cardiologists are female. 

This article was authored by Sahar Taqui, MD, general cardiology fellow, PGY-5, at the Oregon Health and Science University.

Attending ACC.17? Join us for the All-Section Meeting & Reception at ACC.17! The event happening THIS Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis will give you a chance to learn more about what ACC's 19+ Member Sections are working to accomplish and to connect with members in your specialty or interest areas.

Will you be attending ACC.17 this weekend? You won't want to miss the Women in Cardiology Section Meeting & Speed Mentoring Session this Saturday from 4:45 – 6:00 p.m. We'll be discussing Section accomplishments, initiatives and ways you can get involved. Our speed mentoring session is also your chance to put your questions to women leaders in the field and get tips on interviewing, networking and succeeding in the field. Register now!

In a field typically dominated by men, pioneering women have brought diversity and innovation to cardiovascular medicine, enriching heart health and patient care. Female cardiologists were once a rarity, with the first women physicians training during the 19th century. These early women physicians were determined to serve and broke down traditions and barriers to enter medical schools, crossing such hurdles as having their medical school admissions contingent on approval of their classmates. Their work created a strong model to build upon, setting the stage for the next generations to grow and thrive within the field. The members of the Women in Cardiology Section continue to grow their accomplishments, and honor their contributions.

Tips For Getting Promoted in an Academic Center

Establishing a Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section in your local ACC chapter may seem like a daunting endeavor, but fear not, it can be done! I started a WIC Section for ACC’s Missouri’s Chapter last year, and while it was a lot of work, it has been extremely rewarding to see so many of my female colleagues come together to advocate for issues that important for all women. If your Chapter doesn’t have a WIC Section yet, I encourage all of you to take the initiative to start one. Here’s a checklist to help you get started. Also, come to the WIC Lounge at ACC.17 on Saturday, March 18 at 1:30 pm to hear more about how you can do this in your chapter!

Although our daily lives are filled with negotiations, we receive very little formal training in this integral skill. In September 2015, we launched a Women in Cardiology (WIC) group at ­Columbia University Medical Center and invited two post-doctoral candidates from Columbia Business School who have written theses on negotiation to speak to us about the approaches to take, building the necessary skills and achieving success in communication. Our group then had an opportunity to role play a negotiation with a colleague. Below is a summary of their key takeaways for successful negotiations:

Join us at the Washington Marriott Marquis on Saturday, March 18 from 4:45 – 6:00 p.m. for a special event at ACC.17. The Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section Meeting and Speed Mentoring Session is your chance to interact with female leaders in the field and get advice on networking, interviewing and how to succeed as a woman in cardiology. Plus, we’ll offer a recap of WIC Section activities, accomplishments and future initiatives. Reserve your spot today!

Save the Date for the All-Section Meeting & Reception at ACC.17! Happening on Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis, this event will give you a chance to learn more about what ACC’s 19+ Member Sections. Submit your RSVP to attend.

Check out January's tip for getting promoted in an academic center!

A majority of female cardiologists become pregnant during their careers, however, many face a number of challenges, some starting even before conception and continuing after their children are born, according to a Council Perspective from ACC's Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section recently published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. "The experience of pregnancy among cardiologists has never been investigated, though it is speculated that concerns surrounding pregnancy may deter women from choosing a career in cardiology," said author Amy Sarma, MD, MHS, et al.

The transition to becoming a first-year cardiology fellow is both exciting and intimidating. As a woman, it can feel like entering the set of Mad Men: an arena dominated by men, where women are present but not in the spotlight.

Tips For Getting Promoted in an Academic Center and Success in Private Practice.

In an opinion editorial published on Nov. 30 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Toniya Singh, MD, FACC, discusses how to become your own best advocate. 

Differences in career experiences between female and male cardiologists have lessened over the past 20 years; however, personal life choices and levels of discrimination continue to diverge significantly according to a Council Perspective from ACC’s Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section, published on Dec. 21 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

I have always had an interest in women's cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in women, with one in three women dying from heart disease compared to one in 13 from breast cancer based on the 2015 American Heart Association heart disease and stroke data.

My fellowship experience is, in a way, a case study on increasing the number of women in cardiology. My class consists of four women and one man. Yes, eighty percent of my cardiology fellowship year is female. We are probably making history here.

Upon receipt of the Early Career Travel Award for the ACC Legislative Conference, I immediately registered for the Women in Cardiology (WIC) Leadership Conference that was scheduled for the day before.

The 'Conversations With Cardiologists' article series highlights prominent cardiologists throughout the country and shares their invaluable insight on cardiology and sage advice for Fellows in Training (FIT).

In a recent post on the Fellows in Training (FIT) Section Page, Jenine John, MD, an FIT at Stony Brook University Hospital, NY, explores the challenges of being a woman in cardiology and how to deal with those challenges.

Women in Cardiology career development tips for getting promoted in an academic center, and for success in private practice.

Over 75 members of ACC’s Women in Cardiology (WIC) Section met in Washington, DC for the 3rd annual Leadership Workshop. The workshop had its highest attendance yet and met prior to the ACC Legislative Conference.

Tips For Getting Promoted in an Academic Center: Share goals for promotion with administration: working with your division director or other senior faculty who have already gone through the promotion process can be helpful to better understand the process, including how to be successful and avoid potential pitfalls. – Sharon L. Roble, MD, FACC, an assistant professor of clinical medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

According to an ACC survey, only 10 percent of practicing cardiologists are women. Female cardiologists are rare indeed, but Veena Gupta, MBBS, FACC, our mother, has done her best to increase the numbers. Both of us are board certified cardiologists and Fellows of the ACC (FACC).