Challenges and disparities faced by women cardiologists and cardiac surgeons

Despite increasing female participation in medicine, gender disparities persist in cardiology and cardiac surgery globally. In Greece, data on gender disparities in these specialties have been limited.

This study aimed to systematically investigate the professional experiences, perceived barriers, and career development challenges faced by women cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in Greece.

A national, cross-sectional survey was distributed electronically to all female members of the Hellenic Society of Cardiology and the Hellenic Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons. The 47-item questionnaire captured demographic, academic, and professional data, including perceptions of gender-related bias, leadership representation, and work-life integration.

Among 743 recipients, 243 women responded (response rate: 33%). Although 47% held an MSc, 39% a PhD, and over 55% a subspecialization, only 3.8% occupied academic positions. Most participants reported prioritizing maternal responsibilities over their careers (78%) and considered their gender a barrier to career progression (64.7%). Gender-based discrimination and workplace bullying were reported by 58.7%, and 49.6% indicated patient mistrust. Only 27.5% believed they had equal career advancement opportunities, and only 21.2% felt equally represented in research leadership. Representation in national scientific societies and academic leadership remains markedly low, consistent with European data, with only a few female heads of cardiology departments in Greece.

Women cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in Greece face multifaceted and deeply entrenched structural barriers despite high levels of qualification. These findings call for urgent policy, institutional, and cultural reforms to advance gender equity in cardiovascular medicine and surgery.