SCAI seeks female interventional cardiologists for radiation risk study
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has launched a new study focused on real-world radiation exposure in the cath lab and how it may impact female interventional cardiologists. Radiation is believed to be a primary reason so few women choose to go into the field of interventional cardiology
SCAI is inviting younger female interventional cardiologists and fellows within five years of training to participate in the WONDER (Women Exposed to Occupational Doses of Radiation) study. People interested can take a quick survey to see if they quality. Enrollment for the study closes May 30.
For those who qualify, a more in-depth survey form will be sent to gather more information. Participants will be sent surface and under-the-lead dosimeters that provide real-time, on-demand radiation dose data. These devices will interface with the physician's Bluetooth-enabled mobile device for data transmission.
SCAI said this is an opportunity for female cardiologists to contribute to meaningful research that will shape the future interventional practice. Women often have concerns about the impacts of long-term occupational exposure to X-rays on a daily basis in the lab and how that could impact future pregnancies. The goal is to provide more details about this topic.
SCAI President Dawn Abbott, MD, director of interventional cardiology at the Brown University Health Cardiovascular Institute, said she wants to help elevate the visibility and participation of women within interventional cardiology and address concerns about radiation exposure. Only about 10-12% of interventional cardiology fellows are women, and Abbott radiation might help explain why. SCAI is actively working to address this concern through improved safety standards, advocacy efforts and a push for new technologies to be adopted that are designed to reduce radiation exposure.
Abbott added that the physical nature of wearing heavy lead aprons in the cath lab is also a barrier for some women, but newer radiation protection systems can help reduce or eliminate the need for these aprons.
"SCAI led the way on developing statements to assure women they could work safely in the cath lab environment should they choose with the proper monitoring," she said, noting that efforts to improve safety and awareness are ongoing.
SCAI's dedication to this message goes back many years. The group created the Women in Innovations (WIN) initiative to get women more involved in interventional cardiology, for example, and WIN launched a social media campaign in 2024 designed to medical students that women are involved in the specialty and present facts about radiation exposure. SCAI has also led efforts to push for a faster adoption of new types of radiation barrier technologies that can help eliminate the need for cardiologists to wear lead aprons in the cath lab.
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: [email protected]