Phoenix, AZ - A newly piloted program from the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI), the leading society representing interventional cardiology, hopes to increase access and encourage interest in interventional cardiology early in students' medical careers. 

SCAI's Ready to Launch - Careers in Cardiology program is designed to introduce future physicians to the field of interventional cardiology through a half-day program where attendees will get the opportunity to have impactful conversations with nationally recognized interventional cardiologists, learning about training paths, barriers to care and solutions for the future, the importance of health equity, as well hands-on demonstrations showcasing the latest interventional therapies and technologies from leading industry representatives.  

This year’s program will host a diverse group of medical students from various colleges and universities in the Phoenix area on May 20 at the SCAI 2023 Scientific Sessions at the Phoenix Convention Center. Participating institutions include the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, and Creighton University School of Medicine - Phoenix.  

“Programs like Ready to Launch will create avenues through which women and under-represented minorities can connect with interventional cardiology early enough in their medical careers to help foster an interest in the field later in their careers,” said Joaquin E. Cigarroa, MD, MSCAI, chair of the SCAI Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and chief of cardiology at Oregon Health & Science University. “Students will be offered mentorship opportunities with SCAI members who share similar backgrounds and experiences. We hope that by fostering these connections between SCAI and local communities, that we can increase access to care and knowledge of the vast interventional therapies available to patients.” 

Moving forward, SCAI hopes to host the program annually, taking it nationwide to each host city of the SCAI Scientific Sessions. To learn more, visit the SCAI website.