Diversity is Essential in Cardiovascular Medicine and Subspecialties: A Comprehensive Report of Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Representation among Cardiovascular Fellows from 2005 to 2022.
Division
North Florida
Hospital
North Florida Regional Medical Center
Document Type
Manuscript
Publication Date
4-29-2025
Keywords
Black, Cardiovascular Medicine, Disparities, Fellowship, Women
Disciplines
Cardiology | Internal Medicine | Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The diversity of the healthcare workforce is essential for equitable and effective patient care. This comprehensive report analyzes the representation trends among cardiovascular fellows in the US over an 18-year period, focusing on gender, racial, and ethnic representation.
METHODS: Utilizing data from the National Graduate Medical Education Census, this study analyzes trends in representation across gender, race, and ethnicity among cardiovascular medicine fellows. It examines the expansion of cardiology programs and fellow positions in specialties, assessing the evolution of diversity between 2005 and 2022 using J point trend analysis software.
RESULTS: The analysis highlights a stark gender disparity with women comprising only 22% of fellows, this percentage is even lower in subspecialties. Racial and ethnic disparities are also evident, with Black and Hispanic cardiologists significantly underrepresented, comprising only 12.8% of cardiac fellows in 2021, even though these groups form 31.9% of the U.S.
POPULATION: However, a slow but positive trend toward diversity is noted, with female and Black fellows' representation in cardiology on the rise with AAPC of 5.1 and 3.9, respectively.
CONCLUSION: Our analysis revealed continued racial and gender disparities in the cardiology specialty. This report calls for concerted efforts from academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and policymakers to implement effective strategies for diversity and inclusion, reflecting the aim of creating a workforce that mirrors the diversity of the population it serves.
Publisher or Conference
Current Problems in Cardiology
Recommended Citation
Obeidat O, Tarawneh M, Abughazaleh S, Akhter N, Tong A. Diversity is Essential in Cardiovascular Medicine and Subspecialties: A Comprehensive Report of Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Representation among Cardiovascular Fellows from 2005 to 2022. Curr Probl Cardiol. Published online April 29, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2025.103067