CASE STUDY

Why did we collaborate?

Women remain significantly underrepresented in cardiac electrophysiology, a complex and highly specialized field within cardiology. Data consistently show that women physicians often face systemic barriers to accessing advanced procedural training, limiting their opportunities for professional advancement and leadership. To help bridge this gap, Women As One created the CLIMB Clinical EP learning track in 2021, a virtual learning initiative specifically designed to empower women cardiologists seeking procedural skill-building in electrophysiology. To maximize reach and strengthen support for women in cardiology, Women As One partnered with the Heart Rhythm Society to co-sponsor the initiative.

What did we do?

The Heart Rhythm Society, a leading authority in the field of electrophysiology, collaborated with Women As One by co-sponsoring the CLIMB Clinical EP learning track. Through this partnership, Heart Rhythm Society provided critical cross-promotional support by sharing program information with its extensive network of cardiac electrophysiologists. This outreach helped ensure that the opportunity reached physicians who might otherwise be unaware of or excluded from similar professional development programs.

In return, Women As One offered each CLIMB Clinical EP participant a complimentary one-year membership to Heart Rhythm Society. This not only gave participants access to an expanded range of professional resources and continuing education but also helped build a strong and sustainable network of support and mentorship for women in electrophysiology. By connecting these early-career and mid-career women cardiologists with an established professional society, the program fostered a sense of belonging and reinforced long-term career development pathways.

What was the impact?

Due to the success of the program in 2021, the collaboration between Women As One and Heart Rhythm Society continued through subsequent years, where EP featured in 2022 and 2024. In total, 89 women cardiologists participated in CLIMB Clinical EP across the three cycles and received a one-year Heart Rhythm Society membership. These women, many of whom work in under-resourced or male-dominated clinical settings, gained exclusive access to high-quality procedural training delivered by a global faculty of leading electrophysiologists.

The personalized, virtual format of the CLIMB Clinical EP learning track allowed for flexibility and meaningful engagement, regardless of geographic location. Participants not only advanced their clinical skills but also grew their professional networks and strengthened their confidence as future leaders in the cardiology space. By supporting the advancement of women in electrophysiology, this collaboration actively contributes to improving gender equity in cardiology and increasing the visibility and impact of women cardiologists in subspecialties where they have been historically underrepresented.

This partnership between Women As One and the Heart Rhythm Society illustrates the power of cross-organizational collaboration in expanding procedural opportunities for women in cardiology and addressing the ongoing disparities that exist within the profession.

Women As One is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the inclusion, development, and advancement of women physicians in cardiology. By creating opportunities and resources specifically designed to support women in the field, we aim to address long-standing gender disparities and foster a more equitable and representative cardiovascular workforce.

We believe that partnerships with industry organizations are essential to creating meaningful, systemic change. Through collaboration, we can amplify our reach, align on shared goals, and develop innovative initiatives that promote gender equity across all areas of cardiology, from clinical trials and leadership to education and visibility. If your organization is committed to making cardiology a more inclusive and diverse specialty, we would be delighted to explore potential opportunities for collaboration. To learn more about partnership opportunities with Women As One, please contact us at info@womenasone.org.

Let’s create a lasting impact, together.

More examples of our work

Heart Rhythm Society powers CLIMB Clinical EP forward

Our Partners Case Studies

Women As One and the Heart Rhythm Society collaborate on CLIMB Clinical EP to advance women in electrophysiology.

Global CVCT Forum – Advancing gender equity in cardiology clinical trials

Our Partners Case Studies

Women As One and CVCT are driving gender equity in cardiology, increasing women’s leadership in clinical trials and research opportunities.

RISE @ ESC Congress 2024 – Advancing Gender Equity in Cardiology on the Global Stage

Our Partners Case Studies

Women As One and ESC partnered to hose RISE 2024 to advance gender equity in cardiology, uniting 300+ women for leadership development.

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