Female Cardiothoracic Surgeons: Breaking Into a Traditionally Male Domain

Current Landscape

Less than one in ten heart and lung surgeons in the United States are women, according to recent professional data. This stark imbalance underscores a long‑standing gender gap in a specialty that demands both technical precision and high‑stakes decision‑making.

Conference Calls for Change

At the recent American Association for Thoracic Surgery annual meeting, a cohort of female cardiothoracic surgeons convened to share stories, mentor the next generation, and chart a path forward. Their commitments include:

• Creating structured mentorship programs that pair trainees with experienced women surgeons.
• Advocating for equitable recruitment and selection practices in residency programs.
• Launching research initiatives that examine gender‑related challenges within the field.

Vision for the Future

The group is confident that, with sustained effort, the proportion of women in cardiothoracic surgery will rise dramatically over the next decade. As one participant declared, “We’re not just opening a door—we’re rebuilding the entire hallway.”