Beyond the Abstract: Women in Thoracic Surgery Scholarship—Impact on Career Path and Interest in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Hosted by Thomas K. Varghese Jr., MD, MS, the “Beyond the Abstract” program explores the “whys” behind articles in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery and discusses next steps with authors and thought leaders. In the latest episode, Leah M. Backhus, MD, MPH, and Lauren C. Kane, MD, join Dr. Varghese to discuss how women remain underrepresented in cardiothoracic surgery. In this male-dominated specialty—only 5% of practicing surgeons are women—what needs to be happen in order to improve the pipeline into cardiothoracic surgery? Dr. Varghese suggests—and Drs. Kane and Backhus agree—that pragmatic, active interventions such as mentorship and scholarship can directly influence “outstanding results” and actually effect change in a meaningful way. Hear what else Drs. Kane and Backhus have to say about “doing the work” and helping to form a strong and committed community of women cardiothoracic surgeons. Read the related Annals article online: Women in Thoracic Surgery Scholarship: Impact on Career Path and Interest in Cardiothoracic Surgery.