Perceptions of cardiology, professional preferences and impact on career choices among Portuguese cardiologists

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Cardiology has not been seen as an attractive specialty, and women have avoided it for many years. Some surveys have been performed in other countries, but in Portugal, the situation is largely unknown. Methods: An online survey on perceptions of cardiology and professional preferences was sent to 1371 members of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology, of whom 18.2% completed the survey. Results: We included 219 cardiologists or cardiology trainees, of whom 50.2% were female, with decreasing proportions from younger to older age groups, in which males still predominate. Women are less often married and more frequently childless, particularly those working in an invasive subspecialty, where they represent only 16% of all respondents working in these areas. Men's perception is that women do not choose these areas due to family reasons, radiation concerns and difficult working conditions, but from the female perspective, male dominance, lack of female role models and restricted access are the main barriers. Women consider it is difficult for them to obtain a leadership role, but men do not think the same (75.5% vs. 27.5%). Conclusion: In Portugal, females predominate in younger age groups, suggesting a paradigm change. Women are less frequently married and more frequently childless, particularly women working in invasive subspecialties. Women consider that it is more difficult for them to obtain a leadership role. Moreover, the barriers reported by women are substantially different from men regarding the reasons for not choosing an invasive subspecialty.