Bridging the Gender Gap: The Urgent Need for Interventional Cardiology Training for Women – Perspectives from Latin America on Behalf of Mujeres Intervencionistas Latinoamericanas by SOLACI
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Women have made remarkable progress across many medical specialties.Yet, interventional cardiology (IC) remains one of the most gender-segregated subspecialties in clinical practice worldwide.[1] In Latin America, where cultural norms such as "machismo" persist, these disparities are not only present -they are deeply entrenched.is imbalance has far-reaching implications, affecting not only gender equity but also the quality of cardiovascular care, innovation, and leadership in a field critical to global health.e persistent underrepresentation of women in IC reflects deeply ingrained cultural and institutional attitudes -an issue that goes beyond equity.As leadership theory and the lived experiences of women in high-stakes roles suggest, [2] meaningful progress requires more than symbolic gestures.It demands comprehensive institutional change and a truly inclusive approach that values the full contributions of women in this vital specialty. WHY PRIORITIZE WOMEN'S TRAINING IN IC?Achieving a balanced workforce in IC, with equal representation of women and men, is essential for enhancing patient care and fostering a more equitable healthcare environment.Research indicates that female cardiologists are often more attuned to the unique presentations and treatment needs of cardiovascular disease in women.[3] eir increased participation can lead to more inclusive and representative research, ultimately improving clinical practice.Clinical excellence and diverse perspectives are key, as studies have shown that diverse care teams yield better patient outcomes, particularly in sex-specific disease presentations such as acute coronary syndromes in women.[4] Moreover, increasing women's presence in the field ensures more equitable participation in clinical trials, research authorship, and innovation pipelines.Female interventionalists also serve as catalysts for structural reform, reshaping hierarchical norms and promoting more collaborative, empathetic leadership styles.[2,5
Authors: Carla Romina Agatiello, Sanali Paiva, Giuliana Corna
Institution: Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires
Language: English
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4415073561