In this episode, Daniel Ambinder and Amit Goyal (CardioNerds co-founders), Dr. Gurleen Kaur (medicine resident at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Director of CardioNerds Internship), student doctor Adriana Mares (medical student at the University of Texas El Paso/Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, CardioNerds Academy Intern), and Dr. Teodora Donisan (general cardiology fellow at the Mayo Clinic and CardioNerds Academy Chief) discuss with Dr. Mayra Guerrero (Interventional Cardiologist and Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic) about challenges with diagnosing and treating valve disease in women, as well as ideas on how to increase recruitment for women in cardiology including interventional and structural cardiology. Dr. Guerrero shares her inspiring personal journey and advice for how to navigate becoming a structural cardiologist as an international medical graduate, woman, and mother. Audio editing by CardioNerds Academy Intern, student doctor Adriana Mares.

In this episode, Daniel Ambinder (CardioNerds Co-Founder), Dr. Gurleen Kaur (Director of CardioNerds Internship and medicine resident at Brigham and Women’s Hospital), and Dr. Zarina Sharalaya (Interventional and Structural Cardiologist at North Texas Heart) learn from the Dr. Sheila Sahni (Interventional Cardiologist and Director of The Women’s Heart Program at The Sahni Heart Center) regarding radiation safety in the cath lab and methods of reducing radiation exposure to the operator. She also discusses radiation safety for the pregnant interventional cardiologist and how to safely manage pregnancy during the gestational period. We hear her inspirational journey as a female interventional cardiologist and her experience in starting the Women’s Heart Program at Sahni Heart Center.

CardioNerds (Amit Goyal and Daniel Ambinder), join  Dr. Gurleen Kaur (Director of CardioNerds Internship and medicine resident at Brigham and Women’s Hospital),  Dr. Victoria Thomas (Cardionerds Ambassador, Vanderbilt University Medical Center) Dr. Katie Berlacher (Cardiology program director, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), and Dr. Julie Damp (Vanderbilt University Medical Center Cardiovascular disease fellowship program director) to discuss becoming & thriving as a fellowship program director and more in this installment of the Narratives in Cardiology Series. Special message by Tennessee ACC State Chapter Governor, Dr. John L Jefferies. Audio editing by CardioNerds Academy Intern, student doctor Akiva Rosenzveig.

CardioNerds (Amit Goyal and Daniel Ambinder), join Dr. Kara Denby (Interventional cardiology fellow, Cleveland Clinic), Dr. Tony Pastor (ACHD fellow, Harvard Medical School), Dr. Katie Berlacher (Cardiology program director, UPMC), and Dr. Stephen Cook (ACHD cardiologist, Indiana University) to discuss empowering the LGBTQIA+ community of cardiovascular patients & professionals and more in this installment of the Narratives in Cardiology Series. This episode features the Indiana ACC Chapter. Episode introduction and audio editing by CardioNerds Academy Intern, Pace Wetstein.

This discussion was inspired by this perspective piece on ACC.org titled: Finding Our Voices: Building an LGBTQIA+ Community Within Cardiology. To learn more about diversity and equity among the LGBTQIA+ population, check out this webinar organized by the ACC.

CardioNerds (Amit Goyal and Daniel Ambinder), Dr. Leticia Helms (Internal medicine resident at Columbia University), Dr. Silia DeFilippis (AHFT FIT at Columbia University), and Dr. Anu Lala (AHFT faculty and program director at Mount Sinai Hospital) to discuss diversity and inclusion in academic cardiology and more in this installment of the Narratives in Cardiology Series. The President of the New York ACC Chapter Dr. Hima Vidula discusses D&I initiatives at her chapter. Episode introduction and audio editing by CardioNerds Academy Intern, Shivani Reddy.

Although women compose 50% of medical students in the United States, cardiology remains a male dominated field. Gender disparity is even more prominent when we look at leadership positions. In this episode we discuss why and how cardiology (and advanced heart failure) can be such a rewarding field for women. The episode reflects on the significant contributions women have made to the field in the past and how they continue to move the field with respect to clinical care and research.

CardioNerd (Amit Goyal), Dr. Zarina Sharalaya (Interventional cardiology fellow at the Cleveland Clinic), Dr. Ashley Mohadjer (Interventional cardiology fellow, Vanderbuilt Heart and Vascular Institute), and Dr. Laurie Mbuntum (Cardiology fellow, UTSW) join Dr. Ki Park (Associate professor of medicine and an interventional cardiologist at the University of Florida and Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, FL.) for a a well-rounded discussion on all things ‘Women-in-Cardiology’ #WIC . Dr. Ki Park discusses how she nurtured her interest in interventional cardiology, and further shares her thoughts and passion for cardio-obsetrics. She shares her advice for trainees thinking about interventional or cardioobetrics and anecdotes from her training as a successful woman in the field. We discuss the need for education on pregnancy outcomes and long-term cardiovascular risk, ideas to lower maternal mortality, how to start a women’s cardiovascular clinic, and her thoughts on how the field may look in the future. Special message by Florida ACC State Chapter Governor, Dr. David Perloff. Episode introduction and audio editing by CardioNerds Academy Intern, Shivani Reddy.

CardioNerds (Amit Goyal and Daniel Ambinder), Dr. Zarina Sharalaya (Interventional Cardiology Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic), and Dr. Simrat Kaur (General Cardiology Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic) join Dr. Samir Kapadia, the Chair of the Robert and Suzanne Tomsich Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic. They discuss future advancements in the field of structural interventional cardiology. Dr. Kapadia sheds light on his journey starting as an international medical graduate from India and speaks about his mentors that helped shape his career and his life. We later delve into several advancements in the field of structural and interventional cardiology, along with the amalgamation of different sub-specialities with intervention such as heart failure and critical care cardiology. We also discuss the measures being taken to reduce the occupational hazards associated with interventional cardiology and how to make this field more appealing to women in cardiology. Special message by Ohio ACC State Chapter Governor, Dr. Kanny Grewal.

CardioNerds (Amit Goyal and Daniel Ambinder) join CardioNerds Ambassadors Dr. Pablo Sanchez (FIT, Stanford University) and Dr. Christine Shen (FIT, Scripps Clinic) for a discussion with Dr. Bob Harrington (Interventional Cardiologist, Professor of Medicine, and Chair of the Department of Medicine at Stanford University) about diversity and inclusion in the field of cardiology. This episode discusses Dr. Harrington’s broader approach to mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship; and particularly how (and why) he used his position as the president of the American Heart Association to advocate against all-male panels, or “manels.” Listen to the episode to learn the background and motivations behind his evidence-based efforts to make Cardiology a more inclusive field. Special message by California ACC State Chapter President, Dr. Jamal Rana.

In the PA.ACC – CardioNerds Narratives in Cardiology episode, CardioNerd Amit Goyal joins Dr. Miranda Merrill (FIT, Oregon Health & Science University), Dr. Stephanie Fuentes Rojas (FIT, Houston Methodist Hospital), and Dr. Natasha Cuk (FIT, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center) for a discussion with Dr. Kamala Tamirisa (Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia, National ACC Women in Cardiology Leadership Council Member and Co-Chair for ACC Women in Cardiology Advocacy Work Group, and current co-chair of the Texas Chapter ACC EP section) about gender equity and women in cardiology and electrophysiology. This episode focuses on the experiences of women in cardiology across the spectrum of training, from medical school, fellowship, through the procedural field of electrophysiology, to local and national leadership and beyond. Listen to the episode to learn about the factors which have led to Dr. Tamirisa’s success as a private practice electrophysiologist incorporating leadership roles in medical education and national organizations. Closing remarks by Texas ACC chapter governor, Dr. Kenneth Shaffer. Episode script was developed by Dr. Miranda Merrill and episode notes were developed by Dr. Natasha Cuk.

CardioNerds (Amit Goyal and Daniel Ambinder) join fellow lead, Dr. Giselle A. Suero-Abreu (FIT, Massachusets General Hospital), Dr. Isadora Sande Mathias (FIT, Houston Methodist and CardioNerds Academy Fellow), and Dr. Victor Nauffal (FIT, Brigham and Women’s Hospital) for a discussion with Dr. William Zoghbi about international medical graduates in the cardiology workforce. This episode focuses on the narratives of international medical graduates (IMGs) who have trail-blazed amazing careers in cardiology. Listen to the episode to learn the state of IMGs in the US physician workforce and the field of Cardiology, an overview of factors that influence IMG selection when applying to residency and fellowship training programs in the US, the impact of recent changes in licensing exams and immigration restrictions, and how to address challenges and support IMGs throughout their medical careers. Audio editing by CardioNerds Academy Intern, Dr. Leticia Helms.

CardioNerds Cardio-OB series co-chairs University of Texas Southwestern Cardiology Fellow, Dr. Sonia Shah (FIT, University of Texas Southwestern) and Dr. Natalie Stokes, (FIT, University of Pittsburgh) join  Dr. Nanette Wenger, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology at the Emory University School of Medicine and a consultant to the Emory Heart and Vascular Center and Dr. Sharonne Hayes, Professor of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases and founder of the Women’s Heart Clinic at Mayo Clinic for an in depth discussion about lifelong advocacy for women’s cardiovascular health. Audio editing by CardioNerds Academy Intern, Dr. Leticia Helms.

CardioNerds (Amit Goyal and Daniel Ambinder), Dr. Victoria Thomas (Cardionerds Ambassador, Vanderbilt University Medical Center), and Dr. Quentin Youmans, cardiology fellow at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, join Dr. Clyde Yancy, Vice Dean for Diversity and Inclusion and Chief of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine at Northwestern for an important discussion about underrepresentation in clinical trials and guidelines. This episode was recorded during a live event hosted by the ACC Illinois Chapter. Listen in to hear why diversity matters in clinical trials, how we can recruit more minorities in representation in CV trials and so much more! Stay tuned for a message by chapter Governor, Dr. Annabelle Volgman.  

CardioNerds (Amit Goyal and Daniel Ambinder) are joined by Dr. LaPrincess Brewer and Dr. Norrisa Haynes for a Narratives in Cardiology episode, with a special introduction by Dr. Sharonne Hayes. They discuss health inequities especially in communities of color, impact of projects utilizing community based participatory research (including FAITH! and SHARP founded by Dr. Brewer and Dr. Haynes respectively), and their experiences as underrepresented minority women physician-scientists.

CardioNerds (Amit Goyal and Daniel Ambinder), Dr. Pablo Sanchez (CardioNerds Ambassador, Stanford University Medical Center), Dr. Maria Pabon (CardioNerds Ambassador, Brigham and Women’s Hospital), and Karen Malacon (Student doctor and LMSA co-chair at Stanford University Medical Center) join Dean for Students at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Fidencio Saldana, for an important discussion about Latinx representation in cardiology. We established the multifaceted benefits of diversity in healthcare, including improving access, cultural competency, and quality of care delivered. We also talked about the need to increase the number of underrepresented minority students in medicine in addition to the importance of removing barriers to improve education. By providing appropriate resources as well as early mentorship and exposure to the medical field, we can address the “leaky pipeline,” or as Dr. Saldana reframed it, “the clogged pipeline.”  Then, we dove into Dr. Saldana’s experiences in medical school, the barriers he overcame, and how his parents’ hard work and generosity motivated him to become the cardiologist he is now. This event hosted the ACC Massachusetts Chapter. Stay tuned for a message by chapter Governor Dr. Malissa Wood 

CardioNerd (Amit Goyal), Narratives in Cardiology FIT representative Dr. Zarina Sharalaya and Cleveland Clinic fellow Dr. Gregory Ogunnowo join Dr. Quinn Capers IV, UTSW as Professor of Medicine, Associate Dean of Faculty Diversity, and the inaugural Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Department of Internal Medicine, for an important and moving discussion about diversity, implicit bias, and #BlackMenInMedicine. Special thanks to Dr. Kimberly Manning for her introductory remarks for Dr. Capers. Audio editing by CardioNerds Academy Intern, Dr. Maryam Barkhordarian.

CardioNerds (Amit Goyal and Daniel Ambinder) join Dr. Gina Lundberg (Associate Professor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, Clinical Director of the Emory Women’s Heart Center, and Chair Elect for the ACC WIC Section) and Dr. Zarina Sharalaya (interventional cardiology fellow at CCF, CardioNerds Narratives FIT Council Member) for a Narratives in Cardiology episode. Dr. Lundberg highlights the disparities that exists with representation of women in cardiology and cardiology subspecialties, and how to navigate the challenges that exist for women in cardiology. Dr. Lundberg takes us through her career journey and gives several pearls for fellows-in-training regarding achieving career goals, networking, mentorship, and the use of social media to further your career. Special message from Dr. Annabelle Volgman. Audio editing and episode introduction by Gurleen Kaur.

CardioNerds (Amit Goyal and Daniel Ambinder) join Dr. Christine Albert (Professor of Medicine, Founding Chair of the Department of Cardiology at Cedars-Sinai, and President of Heart Rhythm Society) and Dr. Rachita Navara (FIT at Washington University, soon to be EP fellow at UCSF) for a Narratives in Cardiology episode. We learn from their experiences as physician scientists and women in cardiology, and specifically in electrophysiology.

CardioNerds (Amit Goyal and Daniel Ambinder) join Dr. Bryan Smith (Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist at the University of Chicago) and Dr. Shirlene Obuobi (rising cardiology fellow, CardioNerds ambassador for the University of Chicago, and creator of ShirlyWhirl, M.D.) They discuss the story of a patient with end stage heart failure due to peripartum cardiomyopathy that highlights racial disparities in healthcare and advanced heart failure. They emphasize the importance of providing mentorship for Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and share personal stories of their journey to Cardiology. Dr. Andi Shahu joins us to read his AHA blog titled “Let’s Ban the Phrase “Social Issues”: Social Justice and Advanced Heart Failure Therapies”. Audio editing by CardioNerds Academy intern, Pace Wetstein.

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CardioNerds (Amit Goyal and Daniel Ambinder) introduce the CardioNerds Narratives in Cardiology Series which will feature the stories of amazing cardiovascular faculty and trainees representing diverse backgrounds, subspecialties, career stages, and career paths. To kick this series off, Dr. Pamela Douglas, who heads the Diversity and Inclusion task force for the American College of Cardiology, provides valuable insights in the field and shares her personal story. We are joined by the CardioNerds Narratives #FIT Advisors, Dr. Zarina Sharalaya, Dr. Norrisa Haynes and Dr. Pablo Sanchez for this very important discussion.

Special messages by: Dr. Vanessa Blumer, Dr. Robert Harrington, Dr. Richard Chazal, Dr. Nosheen Reza, Dr. Neha Pagidipati, Dr. Mary Norine (Minnow) Walsh, Dr. Melissa Daubert, Dr. Gerald Bloomfield, Dr. Angela Lowenstern, Dr. Ralph Brindis, Dr. Michael Valentine, Dr. Anna Lisa Crowley, Dr. Malissa Wood and Dr. Geoffrey Ginsberg.

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CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Carine Hamo) discuss the past, present, and future of Women’s Heart Health & Women in Cardiology with Dr. Nanette Wenger, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology at the Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Wenger is a true leader in the field of women’s heart health and a strong proponent for women in cardiology and medicine. Her passion, dedication, and advocacy have inspired countless trainees to carry this torch and continue to build on her truly impactful work. Special introduction by Dr. Martha Gulati and birthday wishes to Dr. Wenger by the entire CardioNerds Team! Special thanks to Dr. Kimberly Manning for her invaluable mentorship.