2026 MENTORSHIP AWARDS
Advancing women through mentorship
Building on the achievements of previous years, the 2026 Awards will continue to tackle critical gaps in cardiovascular science, while fostering the leadership of women physicians and enabling them to drive research that transforms clinical practice.
The 2026 Mentorship Awards accelerate the advancement of women in cardiology through structured mentorship and research support. Early-career women physicians are paired with experienced women cardiologists, gaining guidance, protected time, and opportunities to lead high-impact research. By fostering cross-institutional collaboration and centering sex-specific science, equitable care, and leadership development, the awards help close gaps in cardiovascular research and representation while empowering women to shape the future of the field.
The Awards
Each award creates one mentorship pairing, with the award year running from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2026. Mentors will receive $15,000, and Mentees will receive $10,000 toward completing their project. All applications are made through The Pulse – create your account today.
Mentorship pairing #1: AI and equity in ATTR-CM
Sponsored by 
This award is open to women physicians worldwide and will support research focused on transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, or ATTR-CM, and its impact on women. Areas of interest include the development of AI models trained specifically on female datasets for ATTR-CM and research that explores how female ATTR-CM patients interact with healthcare systems.
Projects may examine factors contributing to diagnostic and treatment delays, including whether outcomes differ when female patients are treated by female versus male cardiologists, as well as potential provider-level bias in diagnosing and managing ATTR-CM. By prioritizing female-specific datasets and lived patient experiences, this award seeks to advance a more precise and equitable understanding of ATTR-CM in women.
Open to: Global physicians with demonstrated clinical interest in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy.
Mentorship pairing #2: Women and ATTR-CM detection
Sponsored by 
Open to US-based women physicians only, this award will support research on the importance and impact of early diagnosis of ATTR-CM, with particular attention to the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of women.
Projects may explore the role of advanced imaging in diagnosis and monitoring, evaluate patient-reported outcomes focused on women, and identify strategies to reduce disparities in access to timely care. Women with ATTR-CM are often diagnosed later in the disease course, which can limit therapeutic options and worsen outcomes. By supporting research that centers on women’s experiences, this award aims to generate insights that can improve diagnostic pathways and long-term management.
Open to: US-based physicians with a demonstrated clinical interest in the diagnosis and treatment of ATTR-CM.
Mentorship pairing #3: Lipid-lowering therapy in women
Sponsored by 
This award is open to women physicians based in Europe and will focus on adherence to lipid-lowering therapy in women. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women globally, yet treatment adherence gaps persist.
Projects may examine barriers and drivers influencing adherence to lipid-lowering therapy, as well as practical interventions to improve long-term compliance and achieve better cardiovascular outcomes.
Open to: Europe-based physicians with a demonstrated clinical interest in lipid-lowering therapies.
Application information
The 2026 Mentorship Awards are open to applications from both mentors and mentees. Applications are made through The Pulse and will be accepted from March 16 to April 2.
Requirements for Mentors
- Submit a letter of interest outlining your qualifications and career goals.
- Provide a letter of recommendation from an institutional leader.
- Submit a current curriculum vitae (CV).
- Have a complete profile within The Pulse.
- Provide proof of good standing with your local medical licensing organization.
Requirements for Mentees
- Submit a letter of interest explaining your qualifications and how you will support your mentee’s career.
- Submit a current curriculum vitae (CV).
- Have a complete profile within The Pulse.
- Provide proof of good standing with your local medical licensing organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mentorship and networking benefits are part of the Awards?
Winners benefit from meeting renowned expert physicians and clinical researchers. Award recipients can form new connections during these meetings and receive valuable project feedback and suggestions and career advice. Furthermore, our support of award winners does not end with the award cycle. We are committed to amplifying the work of our Award recipients throughout their careers.
How are 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 may participate in video interviews before the award winners are selected.
Can pre-formed pairs apply for the Mentorship Award?
No, in order to create new connections through the Awards, we pair Mentor and Mentee applicants from complimentary subspecialties.
Who is eligible to apply for the Mentorship Award?
Each 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.
What makes Women As One's Awards different from others in medicine?
Our Awards are uniquely targeted at identifying and proactively resourcing a select group of high-potential women physicians. Through the awards, we advance more women in their careers and ultimately into leadership positions, effectively breaking the cycle of underrepresentation for future generations.
Why sign up to our Community
The Pulse is a global professional community explicitly tailored for women cardiologists across diverse medical specialties.
Join us to embark on a journey of professional growth, collaboration, and empowerment. Together, let’s redefine the future of medicine.
Benefits and Opportunities
- Access tailored professional programs
- Unlock professional opportunities for thought leadership
- Lead in clinical trials and committees
- Gain access to a global network of women cardiologists
- Work with industry to develop your career and create better patient outcomes
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