CHAPTER ENGAGEMENT | Cardiologists, fellows in training, residents and medical students gathered for the 10th anniversary of the ACC Women in Cardiology (WIC) Michigan Chapter annual business meeting, which took place Jan. 29 at the Hyde Park Steakhouse in Northville, MI.

The gloomy weather was quickly forgotten as the enthusiasm and energy of this group of women filled the room.

The event was sponsored by ZOLL LifeVest^® who started the evening off by speaking about the concerning prevalence of heart failure and constant need for life-saving therapies such as wearable ICDs.

With increasing sex disparities noted in the optimal treatment for our female population, there was a request for providers' involvement to further the discussion of improved and equitable care for our at-risk population.

ACC WIC Michigan Chair Deirdre Mattina, MD, FACC, continued the evening with inspiring words of wisdom. The theme of this year was established as, "Get a Title, Join a Board, Refer a Friend."

Anecdotal and group discussions were held about building one's value through defining and meeting expectations, findings areas to excel, making a plan and executing it. The ongoing need for equity and sponsorship in achieving value-based career goals was prominent for our current and future women leaders. How can you make a difference? How will your strongest attributes allow you to contribute?

Diversity and inclusion in medicine, especially in cardiology, still merit substantial attention. With our strong and fierce #ACCWIC leadership, we look forward to more inspiring sessions for a productive year as Michigan women in cardiology.

This article was authored by Lindsey Aurora, MD, first-year cardiology Fellow in Training (FIT) at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI.