Efforts to get more women involved in electrophysiology and why it is important
In electrophysiology (EP), female representation remains strikingly low. Despite women making up approximately 15% of cardiologists, their numbers dwindle to about 5% in the specialized area of EP. This disparity has prompted the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) and industry partners such as Biosense Webster and Abbott to create programs to try and mentor women in EP to increase their participation in leadership roles.
Cardiovascular Business spoke with Anne Kroman, DO, PhD, director of lead management and the device clinic, and assistant professor at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), who is an advocate for greater female participation in EP. She was among the first graduates of the HRS Growth and Leadership Opportunity for Women in Electrophysiology (GLOWE) program.
"Historically, women were less represented in EP than in many other specialties," Kroman said. "However, we've seen improvements over the last couple of years, thanks in part to initiatives like the HRS GLOWE Program, which focuses on growth and leadership for women in electrophysiology."
She said the GLOWE Program, funded by Biosense Webster, has played a crucial role in raising the visibility of women in EP, helping make gains in the field over the past few years since it started. Under the leadership of figures like doctors Ulrika Green, Jennifer Silva, Andrea Russo, and HRS Immediate Past President Jodie Hurwitz, the program has facilitated the emergence of strong female leaders in EP. Kroman emphasizes the importance of these leaders in encouraging more women to pursue careers in this specialty.
"The more that we can see strong female leaders in electrophysiology and HRS overall has really helped to increase the visibility of women in EP. And I think that's what's going to help encourage women to continue on this journey and go into EP," Roman explained.
Abbott also sponsors the Women in EP program, which also hosts networking events and provides a platform for women to connect, share experiences, and foster collaboration.
The challenges in attracting women to EP begin early in their medical careers. Kroman highlights the importance of academic institutions in laying the groundwork for this shift. At MUSC, for example, four female electrophysiologists are actively involved in teaching and mentoring students, from pre-med to cardiology fellows. This exposure is crucial in inspiring and guiding women towards a career in EP, she said
Discrepancies women face in EP
Despite these efforts, women in EP face unique challenges, including salary discrepancies, differential treatment by colleagues, bullying, intense training schedules, inflexible working hours, and poor work-life balance.
"I think in the medical field that women in general are having to face salary discrepancies, [poor] treatment by colleagues, all of those things are where we continually need to work to be vocal, to advocate for ourselves and to really help kind of move the needle forward," Kroman said.
Women also perceive issues in EP when it comes to parenthood and finding a work-life balance conducive for raising a family.
"There’s a historical bias suggesting that the demands of EP, with long training, long procedural times and fluoro exposure, are incompatible with motherhood," Kroman explains. "However, many successful female electrophysiologists have families and overcome these challenges, just as their male counterparts do."
Kroman stresses the importance of having visible female electrophysiologists who can serve as role models and challenge these biases. By showcasing successful women in the field, the perception that EP is unsuitable for women is gradually being dismantled.
Female doctors increase trust and comfort levels
The presence of female electrophysiologists also has significant implications for patient care.
"Many female patients prefer to see female physicians. Increasing the number of female EPs can enhance patient comfort and trust, particularly for women seeking treatment for heart arrhythmias or device management," Kroman explained.
She also pointed out that there is a greater need for addressing gender disparities in EP care to improve treatment outcomes. Studies have shown that certain population groups, including women, often receive treatment later than their male counterparts, often because women have different cardiovascular presentations, or there is a preception, even among physicians, that heart problems are a disease that is more prevalent among men. By increasing the number of female electrophysiologists, healthcare systems can better serve female patients, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate therapies, Kroman said.
Clinical trial data also have been tainted by bias, since the majority of participants in clinical trials have historically been white males. But Kroman said that is now changing, with vendors now requiring higher numbers of women in their trials.
Watch the video interview with Kroman at the top of the article.
Dave Fornell has covered healthcare for more than 17 years, with a focus in cardiology and radiology. Fornell is a 5-time winner of a Jesse H. Neal Award, the most prestigious editorial honors in the field of specialized journalism. The wins included best technical content, best use of social media and best COVID-19 coverage. Fornell was also a three-time Neal finalist for best range of work by a single author. He produces more than 100 editorial videos each year, most of them interviews with key opinion leaders in medicine. He also writes technical articles, covers key trends, conducts video hospital site visits, and is very involved with social media. E-mail: dfornell@innovatehealthcare.com