Women as leaders in cardiovascular medicine

Abstract

Cardiology remains a specialty that is dominated by men. Even though half of all medical students and over 40% of internal medicine residents are women, the number of women in the field of cardiology remains low. The reasons for the persistent lack of increase in cardiology trainees are not well understood and are likely multifactorial. Despite this under-representation, women cardiologists are increasingly visible in leadership roles, including those in research science, health systems administration, professional societies, and clinical practice. This review will highlight the various leadership roles and paths taken on by prominent women in the practice of cardiovascular medicine.