Cardiac Arrhythmia Symposium for Women in Electrophysiology

In this interview, EP Lab Digest speaks with Ulrika Birgersdotter-Green, MD about the annual Cardiac Arrhythmia Symposium for Women in Electrophysiology. With the support of St. Jude Medical, Program Directors Dr. Green and Judith Mackall, MD have developed and run this symposium to encourage interest and support women in the EP field. The Cardiac Arrhythmia Symposium for Women in Electrophysiology will take place February 7-8, 2014, at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel in La Jolla, California.

How did this meeting come about? For how many years has this meeting been taking place? 

The 2014 Women in EP Symposium is the 5th annual meeting in San Diego. We identified the need for collaboration among women EP physicians. As there are relatively few female EP doctors, we find this symposium encourages and stimulates networking in an academic milieu.

Why was it important to create this type of annual meeting? Why should participants attend this meeting?

The creation of this meeting presents an opportunity for women in EP to gather together to improve and expand upon EP knowledge through networking. Our community is small, and this meeting strengthens each of us separately and collectively.

Describe the 2014 program agenda. What updates were made to the 2014 program?

The 2014 meeting offers an agenda covering all aspects of cardiac electrophysiology including devices, ablations, health policy, and work/life issues unique to women. New advances in the field regarding treatment and therapy are explored as well.

Tell us about the upcoming session on “Women in Business & Medicine – EP Panel Review on Diverse Career Paths for Women.” What can participants expect during this session? 

This session offers participants the chance to listen and interact with experienced panelists on topics important to their careers. This session is an open and engaging discussion where all attendees have the opportunity to be heard and initiate earnest discussion on issues central to their practice, work environment, and life.

To what do you attribute the success of this meeting?

The overwhelming success of this meeting can be first and foremost attributed to our outstanding faculty and active, engaging audience. Participants enjoy the sincere exchange of ideas and discussions, which value the input of every participant.

St. Jude Medical has been a great support in ensuring the inception and continued success of this event.

Will CME opportunities also be available at this meeting?

There is no plan to offer CMEs at this time.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I am delighted that our numbers continue to increase each year. I would encourage all women in EP and women cardiologists who have an interest in EP to join us and enrich this meeting with their contributions.

Disclosures: Dr. Green has no conflicts of interest to report.

REGISTRATION: To attend this event, contact your local St. Jude Medical representative.