A group of women in cardiology have called for increased awareness of the risks pregnant people encounter during cardiology training. The group voiced their concerns in an editorial published Aug. 7 in JAMA Cardiology, where group members also serve as editors.
The editorial's authors are affiliated with Dallas-based University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Chicago-based Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Seattle -based University of Washington School of Medicine, Philadelphia-based Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania and New York City-based Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Here are five takeaways from the editorial:
- The authors cite a recent study that found 40% of 57 cardiologists who experienced pregnancy during training reported pregnancy-related complications, including miscarriage.
- The authors said more action needs to be taken to address radiation safety, while also preserving the privacy of the trainee.
- Radiation safety can influence a woman's choice to join the field of cardiology, according to the authors.
- The authors believe hospitals are responsible for providing adequate protection, such as shields to minimize radiation exposure to healthcare professionals.
- Improving radiation safety may increase the number of women entering cardiology, the authors said.