AWARDS AND GRANTS
Investing in women to create a more equitable future in medicine
Women make up only 13% of currently practicing cardiologists, and these already low numbers decrease dramatically when considering those in leadership positions in both academic and clinical settings. Meaningful progress towards gender parity in cardiovascular leadership must include financial support. Our awards and grants are designed to provide this support to high-potential women cardiologists at all levels and to fortify the pipeline of women leaders in medicine.
The Escalator Awards
The Escalator Awards are an annual recognition of highly qualified women cardiologists who are taking action to improve patient care in their specialty. These awards offer targeted funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. By providing support and visibility to talented women cardiologists, we hope to develop a more equitable healthcare workforce.
The 2024 Escalator Awards
Women As One has refined the Escalator Awards program to focus exclusively on mentorship, which has consistently been identified as a key factor in career success for women cardiologists.
The program will develop mentorship pairings with a unique global focus, joining an experienced mentor physician with a mentee who is currently in fellowship training. These cross-institutional pairs will work together to advance the field of cardiology and the specific goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Each award has been sponsored by a partner organization in a particular area of clinical interest.
Related FAQs
What makes the Escalator Awards different from others in medicine?
The Escalator Awards are uniquely targeted at identifying and proactively resourcing a select group of high-potential women physicians. Through this program, we advance more women in their careers and ultimately into leadership positions, effectively breaking the cycle of underrepresentation for future generations.
What are the Escalator award categories?
Since their creation in 2020, there have been different award categories, which are detailed below. As of 2024, the awards focus exclusively on the Mentor-Match pairings as mentorship has consistently been identified as a critical element for success for women physicians.
Inaugural Award
International high-potential women interventional cardiologists accessed clinical and leadership skills training, research support, speaking opportunities and financial investment to support their growth.
Research Award
A financial award was granted to women physicians to support the completion of their research projects. Research award projects must benefit the population of an underserved community,
Mentor-Match Award
Each award pairs two applicants, a current Fellow and a physician with at least ten years of experience, who work together to complete a project. Mentors receive $20,000, and Mentees receive $7,000 toward completing their project.
Kickstarter Award
This award was open to women physicians practicing in nations with transitional or developing economies to support their work.
What mentorship and networking benefits are part of the Escalator Awards?
Winners benefit from periodic mentorship meetings with renowned expert physicians and clinical researchers. Award recipients can form new connections during these meetings and receive valuable project feedback and suggestions. Furthermore, our support of award winners does not end with the award cycle. We are committed to amplifying the work of our Escalator Award recipients throughout their careers.
How are Escalator Award winners selected?
Applicants are reviewed by a committee of experts determined by Women As One. The committee will choose a short list of finalists who will participate in video interviews before the award winners are selected.
Can pre-formed pairs apply for the Mentor-Match Award?
No, in order to create new connections through the Escalator Awards, we pair Mentor and Mentee applicants from complimentary subspecialties.
Who is eligible to apply for the Mentor-Match Award?
Each Escalator Award typically has a specific clinical focus and is therefore open to physicians within specific subspecialties. These specialties will vary by year but are typically within cardiology and related subspecialties. Mentees should be current Fellows, and mentors should have over ten years of practical experience.
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