Characteristics and Perspectives of Female Pediatric Cardiology Division Chiefs

Abstract

Background

Representation of women at successive career stages decreases within academic pediatric cardiology. Despite equal gender representation among pediatric cardiology trainees and board-eligible pediatric cardiologists, only 13% of U.S. programs have female division chiefs. There is little insight into what drives success among women who, despite these odds, attain the highest levels of academic success and leadership.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe perspectives of women pediatric cardiology chiefs.

Methods

This was a qualitative study using semistructured virtually conducted interviews. All current and former female chiefs of North American academic pediatric cardiology divisions were invited to participate. We completed inductive thematic analysis of transcribed interviews.

Results

Among eligible individuals, 16 of 20 agreed to participate. While 9 (56%) had worked under female chairs of pediatrics, only 4 (25%) previously had a female division chief. All held formal leadership roles before being chief. All participated in leadership training. Most were married (94%) and had children (81%). Three major findings were identified: “I didn't set out to be chief,” which included minor findings of the need for external validation, self-doubt, and late achievement of chief-level leadership; leveraging and discarding stereotypically feminine qualities; and solutions.

Conclusions

Women who rise to the highest leadership ranks in pediatric cardiology have shared perspectives. These perspectives are influenced by gender norms and inform ideas to address attrition of women in academic pediatric cardiology. Participants emphasized a need for increased awareness of this issue in pediatric cardiology, the importance of sponsorship, access to leadership training/coaching, and workplace and schedule flexibility as potential solutions.