On Demand: From Vision to Reality: Building a World-Class Women’s Health Program-ACC Toolkit

ACC Toolkit
Pdf Summary
The "How to Start a Women’s Heart Program: A Toolkit" is a comprehensive guide designed to assist cardiologists and healthcare providers in establishing specialized cardiovascular care programs focused on women. Its mission is to enhance cardiovascular health for women through multidisciplinary clinical care, research, community engagement, and advocacy.<br /><br />The toolkit outlines various program structures suitable for different settings, including academic institutions, private practices, and underserved or rural areas. Essential infrastructure components include comprehensive patient intake questionnaires, women's health educational materials, access to specialized resources (dietitians, psychologists, physical activity professionals), and interdisciplinary referral collaborations.<br /><br />Funding sources vary by setting, involving institutional support and philanthropy in academics, practice group backing in private settings, and grants for underserved populations. Key program areas emphasize prevention through risk identification and modification, general cardiology, management of complex conditions like MINOCA and SCAD, and multidisciplinary care covering cardio-obstetrics, cardio-oncology, reproductive and transgender health, neuro-cardiology, and cardio-gynecology.<br /><br />Research activities encouraged include participation in registries such as HOPE, clinical trials, collaborative review papers, quality improvement, and behavioral interventions. Advocacy efforts are aimed at addressing broader women's health issues, including reproductive rights and domestic violence.<br /><br />The toolkit includes detailed recommendations for academic and private practice heart centers, focusing on clinical programs, education, community outreach, and diagnostic advancements using imaging technologies tailored for women.<br /><br />A position description for a Women’s Heart Program Director emphasizes leadership, strategic program development, clinical protocol establishment, quality assurance, financial oversight, and advocacy within the medical community and broader public. The director should possess clinical expertise, leadership qualities, and alignment with evidence-based practices.<br /><br />Practical advice for success includes securing support from cardiology chiefs and multidisciplinary partners, engaging philanthropy, prioritizing clinical expertise development before physical center expansion, and networking through professional organizations to foster collaborations, education, and mentorship.<br /><br />This toolkit, created by the American College of Cardiology’s Women in Cardiology section, serves as a foundational resource to improve cardiovascular outcomes for women through dedicated programs that integrate clinical excellence, research, education, and advocacy.
Keywords
Women's Heart Program
Cardiovascular Health
Multidisciplinary Care
Cardiology
Women's Health Education
Cardio-Obstetrics
Clinical Research
Healthcare Advocacy
Program Development
Cardiology Leadership