The Pivotal Role of Women in Cardiology Sections in Medical Organizations: From Leadership Training to Personal Enrichment

Abstract Women in Cardiology (WIC) sections have emerged as an important leadership, career development and advocacy forums for female cardiologists. Over the last three decades, their strength has grown from small groups to large sections within volunteer science organizations. In addition to providing a sense of community and promulgating the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, the WIC sections have contributed to improving the workplace culture and dynamics by generating evidence-based and actionable data, fostering leadership and scientific enrichment of women, developing task forces and health policy documents targeted towards reduction of burnout and bias in medicine and provided a platform to voice the unique challenges and opportunities of female cardiologists. The future holds great promise as the WIC sections continue to play a pivotal role by being intentional, transparent, iterative, and sustainable and working with important stakeholders including men to share data, best practices, and strategies to create and maintain the culture and achieve its core principles.