Abstract 15591: Well-Being of Interventional Cardiologists: Sex Differences

Abstract

Background: Sex differences in the well-being of interventional cardiologists have received limited study. Methods: We conducted an international, anonymous, online survey exploring the sex variations in the well-being of interventional cardiologists. Results: Of 1,251 survey participants 121 (9.7%) were women. Women were more likely to be under 50 (82.6% vs 73.1%, p=0.031) and single (25.6% vs 7.9%, p<0.001) and were more commonly practicing at academic institutions or hospitals with academic affiliation (69.2% vs 59.3%, p=0.046). There was no difference in overall burnout between women and men (68.7% vs 63.4%, p=0.353). On a scale of 0-10, men reported more often that too much paperwork (6.9±2.5 vs 6.2±2.7, p=0.013) and government regulations (4.8±3.1 vs 3.6±2.8, p<0.001) are contributors to burnout. Women reported less often getting well along with colleagues (7.0±2.9 vs 7.5±2.1, p=0.047) and more often felt lonely during the last year (5.5±3.1 vs 4.3±3.2, p=0.001). Men reported that they more commonly choose exercise as a coping mechanism for burnout (4.8±3.2 vs 3.8±3.1, p=0.005), while women more often choose talking with family/friends (6.8±2.5 vs 5.8±2.8, p=0.003). Women prioritize additional paid time off (7.5±2.5 vs 6.9±2.7, p=0.041) as the most preferable wellness-related action and asked more often for respect/recognition from administration, opportunities for professional growth and mentorship opportunities. Conclusions: This survey indicates sex differences in contributors and coping mechanisms to burnout. Our data suggest that communication with administration and career development opportunities could be explored as remediable factors for burnout among all interventional cardiologists; and might be especially valuable in women.