NEWS

At the 2026 Alliance Annual Conference, Women As One presented a poster that asked a powerful question: What if continuing professional development (CPD) did more than teach clinical knowledge— and instead helped shape the future of the workforce itself?

For decades, professional education in medicine has focused primarily on what clinicians know and how they practice. That work remains essential. But persistent gender gaps across cardiology—from leadership positions to research participation and speaking opportunities—demonstrate that knowledge alone is not enough to ensure equitable advancement.

To truly strengthen the field of cardiology, professional development must also support who clinicians become, the opportunities they access, and the voices that shape the future of cardiovascular medicine.

Our poster, More Than Education: Elevating Equity and Identity Through CPD, explores how a new model of advocacy-oriented CPD can help close these gaps. Advocacy-oriented CPD expands the traditional model of professional education. In addition to building clinical expertise, it intentionally supports the structural elements that shape career advancement—mentorship, sponsorship, leadership development, visibility, and professional networks. By integrating these elements into professional education, CPD can become a powerful engine for advancing equity—and ultimately improving patient care.

Why this matters

Gender inequities in medicine are not simply workforce issues. They influence research priorities, clinical trial representation, leadership decision-making, and ultimately the care patients receive. When women clinicians have equitable opportunities to lead, research, and shape clinical practice, the entire healthcare system benefits.

Yet structural barriers remain. Women physicians often have less access to mentorship, sponsorship networks, and leadership pathways—factors that are critical for career advancement.

This is where advocacy-oriented CPD comes in.

By intentionally designing programs that foster mentorship, build leadership skills, create visibility, and support long-term professional growth, organizations can help ensure that the next generation of cardiovascular leaders reflects the diversity of the patients they serve.

Turning opportunity into impact

Since its founding, Women As One has supported thousands of women cardiologists across more than 100 countries, expanding access to mentorship, research opportunities, and leadership development.

Through programs like CLIMB, RISE, Mentorship Awards, and our global digital community, The Pulse, thousands of women cardiologists have gained mentorship, leadership training, and opportunities that accelerate their careers and expand their influence.

Today, the outcomes of these programs are shaping the field in tangible ways:

• Women As One alumnae are leading clinical trials and advancing cardiovascular research
• Clinicians supported through our programs are building registries, launching new care models, and expanding access to specialized care
• Women cardiologists are gaining greater representation on speaker panels, advisory boards, and leadership pathways
• A global community of more than 3,000 women cardiologists is strengthening collaboration, mentorship, and visibility across the profession

These outcomes demonstrate what becomes possible when professional development goes beyond traditional education to intentionally support leadership, identity, and community.

A call to the cardiovascular community

Advancing equity in cardiology is not the responsibility of one organization—it requires a collective effort across the entire ecosystem of clinicians, educators, institutions, and industry partners.

For women cardiologists, this means engaging in the programs, mentorship networks, and leadership opportunities that help shape the future of the field. Whether through CLIMB, RISE, research initiatives, or participation in The Pulse community, your involvement strengthens a growing movement dedicated to advancing women in cardiology.

For our partners and supporters, this work demonstrates the powerful impact that strategic investment in equity-focused professional development can have on the workforce and the patients we ultimately serve.

Together, we can redefine what professional development looks like in medicine—not just as a pathway for learning, but as a catalyst for leadership, opportunity, and lasting change.

Explore the poster

We invite you to explore the poster below (click here to download it) to learn more about the evidence, framework, and real-world impact behind this work—and to join us in continuing to expand what professional development can achieve for the future of cardiovascular medicine.

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