Breaking Down Gender Disparities in Cardiovascular Clinical Trials Leadership-Breaking Down Gender Disparities in Cardiovascular Clinical Trials Leadership

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This session focused on identifying and addressing gender inequality in cardiovascular clinical trials and leadership, particularly concerning women in electrophysiology (EP). The event featured a comprehensive agenda that included statistical assessments, barriers to participation, and actionable solutions for improving gender representation.<br /><br />Key problems discussed included the low percentage of female cardiologists, particularly in EP and interventional cardiology, and the even more limited presence of women in leadership roles within clinical trials. Institutional barriers such as lack of funding, mentorship, and protected research time were highlighted as significant obstacles. Personal barriers noted were the lack of visibility and opportunities compared to male colleagues.<br /><br />To address these issues, the session proposed several solutions:<br /><br />1. Institutional Support: Emphasize the need for academic institutions to prioritize diversity in clinical trial leadership and provide structured mentorship and career development for women in research.<br /><br />2. Industry Collaboration: Engage industry stakeholders to ensure equal opportunities for women scientists in clinical trial leadership. Leverage existing databases to identify qualified women for these roles, and consider developing new ones to enhance visibility and connection to opportunities.<br /><br />3. Building Networks: Encourage women to partake in affinity groups and databases, such as Women as One, to facilitate networking and mentorship. Consider creating EP-specific initiatives to support women researchers.<br /><br />4. Innovative Programs: Promote programs like the ACC Clinical Trial Research Program to train women in clinical trials, potentially developing EP-specific cohorts supported by industry sponsors.<br /><br />These discussions aim to instigate an environment where women's participation in clinical trials is normalized and equally valued, advancing both scientific research and patient care.

Keywords

gender inequality

cardiovascular clinical trials

women in electrophysiology

female cardiologists

leadership roles

institutional barriers

mentorship

diversity

industry collaboration

networking

Women as One

affinity groups

clinical trial research

EP-specific initiatives

patient care