THE ACC PROFESSIONAL LIFE SURVEY - CAREER DECISIONS OF WOMEN AND MEN IN CARDIOLOGY - A REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON WOMEN IN CARDIOLOGY

Objectives. This survey was conducted to learn how the career decision s of women and men in cardiology influenced their professional and per sonal lives. Background. Women represent only 5% of practicing adult c ardiologists and 10% of trainees, Yet, women and men now enter medical school at nearly equal numbers. The factors that contribute to career satisfaction in cardiology should be identified to permit the develop ment of future strategies to ensure that the best possible candidates are attracted to the profession. Methods. A questionnaire developed by the Ad Hoc Committee on Women in Cardiology of the American College o f Cardiology (ACC) was mailed in March 1996 to all 964 female ACC memb ers and an age-matched sample of 1,199 male members who had completed cardiovascular training. Results. Women were more likely to describe t heir primary or secondary role as a clinical/noninvasive than invasive cardiologist (p < 0.0001 women vs. men). Men and women bath reported a high level of satisfaction with family life, but women were less sat isfied with their work as cardiologists (88% vs. 92%, p < 0.01) and wi th their level of financial compensation. Compared with men, women exp ressed less overall satisfaction (69% vs. 84%) and more dissatisfactio n with their ability to achieve professional goals (21% vs. 9%), These differences were most pronounced for women in academic practice. Wome n reported greater family responsibilities, which may limit their oppo rtunities for career advancement. Women were more likely to alter trai ning or practice focus to avoid radiation. A majority of women (71%) r eported gender discrimination, whereas only 21% of men reported any di scrimination, largely due to race, religion or foreign origin. Conclus ions. Women cardiologists report overall lower satisfaction with work and advancement, particularly within academic practice. They report mo re discrimination, more concerns about radiation and more limitations due to family responsibilities, which may ultimately explain the low p ercentage of women in cardiology. Attention to these issues may result in programs to improve professional satisfaction and attract the best candidates into cardiology in the future. (J Am Coll Cardiol 1998;32: 827-35). (C) 1998 by the American College of Cardiology.