OUR COMMUNITY

Mentorship is a powerful tool in shaping careers, breaking barriers, and fostering confidence. The Women As One Mentorship Awards connects women cardiologists across the globe, providing them with invaluable guidance and support. A shining example of this program’s impact is the mentor-mentee relationship between Dr. Swati Mukherjee and Dr. Laurie-Anne Boivin-Proulx.

A Shared Mission: Breaking the Glass Ceiling

Dr. Mukherjee, the first woman of color to qualify as an interventional cardiologist in Australia, knows firsthand the struggles that come with navigating a male-dominated field. She faced discouragement early in her career, particularly as a mother pursuing cardiology, but a pivotal mentor helped her push forward. Inspired by her own experiences, she applied to be a mentor through the Awards to give back and provide international mentorship to women who might not otherwise have access to it.

Dr. Boivin-Proulx, an aspiring interventional cardiologist from Canada, applied for the program to connect with a woman mentor who truly understood the gender-specific challenges in the field. She had always had supportive male mentors but lacked the guidance of a woman who had walked the same path. Feeling limited by her environment, she saw the Mentorship Awards as an opportunity to shatter the glass ceiling and gain new perspectives on her career.

A Transformative Mentorship

When they were first matched, Dr. Mukherjee saw reflections of her younger self in Dr. Boivin-Proulx—full of questions, eager to grow, but facing uncertainty. Over time, their relationship evolved into a strong partnership. Despite the nearly 17-hour time difference, they prioritized regular check-ins, not just to discuss research but to navigate the challenges of being women in interventional cardiology.

Before their journey began, Dr. Boivin-Proulx’s fellowship funding had fallen through. Devastated but determined, she leaned on her mentorship with Dr. Mukherjee for support. Through their discussions, she regained confidence, pursued new opportunities, and eventually secured a fully funded fellowship.

Through the Awards, they embarked on a collaborative research project with the Hospital Clinico San Carlos. Their gender-based analysis of a structured strategy (AID-ANGIO) aims to identify the cause of chest pain in patients referred for invasive coronary angiogram, with the aim of identifying whether the causes of chest pain between men and women differ.

Growth Beyond the Award

For Dr. Mukherjee, the mentorship experience was just as transformative. Recognizing the need to refine her leadership skills, she sought coaching to enhance her mentorship abilities. Through this she gained a better insight into herself, her strengths and weaknesses. The Awards not only made her a better mentor and leader but also strengthened her belief of the vital roles that allies have during difficult situations.

“I will be a better leader for the experience I have had as a mentor and with my learnings from the coaching sessions.”

For Dr. Boivin-Proulx, the mentorship provided a renewed sense of self-worth and resilience. Dr. Mukherjee encouraged her to document her accomplishments, helping her recognize her growth and capabilities. This helped lead to grants, publications, guidance document participation, committee memberships, and speaking opportunities—solidifying her path in interventional cardiology.

The Lasting Impact of Mentorship

Both doctors agree that the Awards were more than just a mentorship program; they were a life-changing experience. Dr. Boivin-Proulx firmly believes that if an environment limits you, it is the environment that needs to change, not the individual. She encourages other aspiring women cardiologists to seek mentorship beyond their immediate surroundings, as there are always people willing to help.
Dr. Mukherjee and Dr. Boivin-Proulx’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship in shaping careers, fostering resilience, and breaking barriers. Their story is a beacon of hope for women in cardiology, proving that with the right support, the glass ceiling can be shattered, and new heights can be reached.