“The House of Cardiology is definitely not broken.”

The recent House of Cardiology Roundtable at RISE @ ESC Congress 2025 highlighted the progress and challenges for women in cardiology today. Led by our co-founder, Dr. Roxana Mehran, the panel brought together four global leaders: Dr. Chris Kramer, President of the American College of Cardiology; Professor Thomas Lüscher, President of the European Society of Cardiology; Dr. Athena Poppas, Board Member of the World Heart Federation; and Dr. Stacey Rosen, President of the American Heart Association.

Progress is happening, but it requires accountability and collective action. Most importantly, women in cardiology are no longer on the margins of the conversation; they are helping to lead it.

Here’s what we learned during the house of cardiology table at RISE @ ESC Congress 2025:

Progress Requires Intentionality

Change is not accidental; it is built deliberately.

Professor Thomas Lüscher shared how the ESC has embedded equity into its structure, with women now making up 40% of the current board. “We have a gender committee run by Maria Rubini, and the current board is the most diverse ever. We have 40% women at this point, that’s the highest value so far, and we have very active, good women that help us to shape the society.” 

Dr. Mehran reflected on her own work with the ESC program committee. “You must be intentional if you want to make this change,” she stated. “If we had a session that didn’t have at the very least 50% women, the session was rejected and brought back. There’s a lot that’s going on behind the scenes that many of us are not aware of.”

There has to be some intentionality, there has to be some data, and then we have to hold ourselves accountable for that.
Dr. Athena Poppas

Sponsorship Creates Opportunity

The AHA has long emphasized mentorship, but Dr. Stacey Rosen reminded us that real change requires going further.

“The AHA has spent over 100 years empowering women through education, through networking, through not just mentorship, but sponsorship, which I think is very important. Putting women in the room where the magic happens, and supporting them in a way that is different than just mentorship,” she said. 

Through initiatives like Go Red for Women in Science and Medicine and leadership councils across 16 specialties, the AHA ensures that women aren’t just invited into the room; they are recognized, elevated, and celebrated. 

“Throughout our education and advocacy groups, we see the opportunities for women to be at the table to learn new skills and to advance their careers”, Dr. Rosen added.

Equity is a Global Mandate

At the World Heart Federation, gender equity is woven into the fabric of global health.

Dr. Athena Poppas reminded us that equity is not optional; it is tied to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. “Goal five is empowering women and gender equity, so it’s really perceived as a fundamental human right,” she said. “At World Heart Federation, part of their code of conduct requires that no more than 60% of either a committee or board should be of any one gender. There has to be some intentionality, there has to be some data, and then we have to hold ourselves accountable for that.”

And through the Emerging Leaders Program, WHF is equipping a diverse group of professionals, including physicians, policymakers, and public health leaders, with the tools to drive systemic change.

For the ACC, equity is not a statement but a system.

ACC President Dr. Chris Kramer explained: “At every board meeting, we look at the number of women fellows, the number of women in leadership positions, and the number of women in committees. [We’re] talking about being intentional. On top of that, we have a number of leadership programs that help women rise.”

With programs like the Sandy Lewis Mid-Career Leadership Academy and the Global Leadership Institute, the ACC is providing concrete pathways for women to develop their careers. “The number one piece of our strategic plan is health equity. And equity in terms of women in cardiology, obviously, is front and center,” Dr. Kramer added.

The Future Belongs to the Courageous

When asked what the future may hold, the panelists were united in their encouragement:

Chris Kramer: “Our vision is a world where science and knowledge is used to improve heart health for all, and that includes all sizes, shapes, colors and genders. Health equity is our number one strategic pillar in our strategic plan. And so we are full speed ahead.”
Thomas Lüscher: “I see this as an opportunity. We really have to stand up all together for science, for reasoning, for evidence, rather than fake news. It’s very, very important that we all stand together and say, only data, only facts count.”
Athena Poppas: “It does feel like a scary time, but history is long. I think the strength of being together, being intentional and being outspoken is going to bring us forward. So I’m excited about the future. It’s sometimes dark before the light.”
Stacey Rosen: “I think the future is bright. When science is pushed, we push back – it’s courage, it’s facts, sex as a biological variable is science. We will prevail because of the strength of our message. Now is the time that we as organizations will rise to the occasion of this challenge.”

Find the area of cardiovascular medicine that you love. Find your squad, whether they’re men or women.
Dr. Stacey Rosen

Supporting the Young Female Leaders of Tomorrow

Dr. Roxana Mehran asked the panel for advice on how younger women in cardiology can develop their careers, and our global leaders shared key actions, with mentorship, role models, and connections at the forefront.

Dr. Chris Kramer: “Mentorship is so critical. Seek out leadership opportunities and join groups like Women As One to find like-minded individuals.”
Prof Thomas Lüscher: “We need role models for young people that show you can make it, and you can be excited about science, and you can be successful.”
Dr. Athena Poppas: “Find your connections locally, find your support system and reach out globally. You can do it in person and online.”
Dr. Stacey Rosen: “Find the area of cardiovascular medicine that you love. Find your squad, whether they’re men or women. You’ll see that this doesn’t become work, and your passion and excitement for what we’re all doing together, it becomes almost easy.”

Building Castles, Together

The session closed with RISE Program Director Dr. Roxana Mehran reframing the metaphor that has long defined this conversation.

“The House of Cardiology is definitely not broken. It’s exciting to see what’s going on. The vision is strong and certainly is not looking like a broken house of cardiology, but rather building castles for many, for everyone: for men, women, and anyone of any gender, any race, anyone to actually feel empowered within these homes,” Dr. Roxana Mehran said in her closing statement.

We will continue to support women not only to be welcome in the ‘house of cardiology’, but also to thrive as leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Together – with intentionality, sponsorship, accountability, and courage – we are building a future where no woman is left behind.

Join the Women As One Talent Directory today

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The panel during the house of cardiology roundtable

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