Breaking Barriers: Dr. Sarita Rao, India's Top Female Cardiologist, Leading the Charge for Gender Equity in Cardiology
Breaking Barriers: Dr. Sarita Rao, India's Top Female Cardiologist, Leading the Charge for Gender Equity in Cardiology
Blog Article
Women’s empowerment is crucial for long-term development, particularly in fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). While many countries have achieved gender equity in primary education, significant disparities remain in higher education, especially in STEM disciplines. Although an increasing number of women are earning advanced degrees, they continue to be underrepresented in professional roles, particularly at senior levels.
This gender gap in STEM fields is further exacerbated by the underrepresentation of women in key scientific activities such as securing prestigious grants, authoring peer-reviewed papers, patenting innovations, and participating in international conferences. These activities are essential for career advancement, yet women are often less visible and less represented in these critical areas.
The field of cardiology, particularly interventional cardiology, mirrors these challenges. Globally, women constitute only about 4% of interventional cardiologists, highlighting a significant gender gap in a specialty that is vital for treating complex heart conditions. This underrepresentation of women in cardiology is part of a broader issue seen across STEM fields—where systemic barriers, gender biases, and sociocultural factors limit women’s participation and advancement.
The “leaky pipeline” effect, often cited in academia, is also evident in cardiology. Despite the increasing number of women entering medical school, few advance to senior positions or specialize in interventional cardiology. This disparity is not only due to demographic inertia but also because of the lack of support structures, mentorship, and opportunities that are critical for career progression in this demanding field.
Dr. Sarita Rao, recognized as one of the top female cardiologist in India, is making significant strides to address these challenges and bridge the gender gap in cardiology. As the first female Fellowship Director of the International Interventional Cardiology Fellowship (WIN-APSIC) at Apollo Hospitals, Indore, Dr. Rao has mentored numerous national and international fellows, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in cardiology.
Dr. Rao’s efforts go beyond individual mentorship. She is actively working to improve women’s representation in cardiology by addressing the sociocultural barriers and gender roles that often hinder women’s progress in the field. Through her leadership in the Women in Cardiology and Related Sciences (WINCARS) society, Dr. Rao has organized women-focused meetings and advocated for greater female leadership in executive roles and as conference speakers in Women cardiac Care and Shakti Conclave conferences.
In recognition of her vast contributions to cardiology, education, and gender equity, Dr. Sarita Rao was invited by the European Society of Cardiology to serve as Co-Chairperson for the EAPCI International Affairs Board, becoming the first Indian woman to hold this prestigious position. Her work is not only advancing the standards of medical practice but is also inspiring a new generation of women cardiologists to break barriers and achieve success in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Dr. Sarita Rao’s pioneering efforts are reshaping the landscape of cardiology in India and beyond. Her commitment to reducing the gender gap in cardiology is helping to foster a more inclusive and diverse future in the field, ensuring that more women can contribute to and lead advancements in this critical area of medicine.
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