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OPENING PATHWAYS IN CARDIOLOGY
Building a More Diverse Future for Heart Care
Women As One is pleased to introduce Opening Pathways in Cardiology, a global initiative designed to transform who enters, advances in, and ultimately leads the field of cardiovascular medicine. This program creates early exposure, hands-on learning, mentorship, and community for young women, particularly those from underrepresented and non-traditional backgrounds—long before career trajectories are set.
Why This Program Matters
Despite meaningful progress in medicine, cardiology remains one of the least diverse specialties. Women represent less than 30% of cardiology trainees globally, with even fewer progressing to procedural specialties or leadership roles. For young women from historically excluded communities, the barriers are even steeper, spanning socioeconomic limitations, lack of mentorship, academic inaccessibility, and the absence of relatable role models.
These disparities do more than limit career opportunities. They also restrict innovation, narrow clinical perspectives, and perpetuate inequities in cardiovascular health. Women, communities of color, rural populations, and gender-diverse individuals already experience disproportionate cardiovascular risk. Without a more diverse pipeline of future cardiologists, these gaps will widen.
Opening Pathways in Cardiology addresses this challenge at its root, creating early, meaningful exposure to the field for those who might otherwise never see cardiology as a possibility.
A Multi-Layered Model Designed for Impact
Opening Pathways in Cardiology is built around a modular, regionally adaptable structure designed to spark interest, build skills, and foster belonging. Each component works together to create a supportive, inspiring, and sustainable pathway into cardiology.
1. Targeted Outreach
We identify young women who historically have limited access to medical careers due to socioeconomic barriers, geographic isolation, racial or ethnic exclusion, or lack of academic exposure. Depending on the region, outreach includes:
- Secondary school students
- University undergraduates
- Early medical trainees and junior clinicians
Our aim is to bring cardiology to young women who have never been invited into the conversation.
2. Immersive Regional Events
High-energy, one-day events introduce participants to the world of cardiology through:
- Inspiring talks from women leaders across subspecialties
- Hands-on skill-building (e.g., ECG, echo, digital health, AI applications)
- Mentorship circles that demystify training pathways
- Peer connection and reflection activities
- Travel support to ensure equitable participation
These experiences create the spark that many talented young women simply haven’t had access to before and support them in their next step in the field.
3. Global Mentorship & Community
After each regional event, participants join an international, cross-border community powered by Women As One:
- A 12-month mentorship program, pairing participants with women cardiologists
- Access to the Women As One career resources
- Optional observerships or virtual clinical exchanges
- Longitudinal engagement with 6- and 12-month follow-ups
Through global connection and guided development, participants gain the encouragement, confidence, and visibility that propel long-term success.
Building the Future—Together
Opening Pathways in Cardiology is more than a program; it is a long-term investment in the future of cardiovascular medicine. Women cardiologists, academic partners, and industry supporters all play a pivotal role in opening doors, elevating new voices, and ensuring that the next generation reflects the communities we serve.
Join us in shaping a more diverse, innovative, and equitable future for cardiology.
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