2026 Mentorship Awards

2026 Mentorship Awards

Overview: The 2026 Mentorship Awards accelerate the advancement of women in cardiology through structured mentorship and research support. Early-career women physicians are paired with experienced women cardiologists, gaining guidance, protected time, and opportunities to lead high-impact research. By fostering cross-institutional collaboration and centering sex-specific science, equitable care, and leadership development, the awards help close gaps in cardiovascular research and representation while empowering women to shape the future of the field.

Award Year: June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027

Funding:

Mentors: $15,000

Mentees: $10,000

Award Focus Areas

Three mentorship pairings are available in 2026:

#### Mentorship Pairing #1: AI and Equity in ATTR-CM
Geographic Scope: Global physicians worldwide

Focus: Support research focused on transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) and its impact on women. Areas of interest include:

Development of AI models trained specifically on female datasets for ATTR-CM

Research exploring how female ATTR-CM patients interact with healthcare systems

Examination of factors contributing to diagnostic and treatment delays

Whether outcomes differ when female patients are treated by female versus male cardiologists

Provider-level bias in diagnosing and managing ATTR-CM

Eligibility: Global physicians with demonstrated clinical interest in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy

#### Mentorship Pairing #2: Women and ATTR-CM Detection
Geographic Scope: US-based women physicians only

Focus: Support research on the importance and impact of early diagnosis of ATTR-CM, with particular attention to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of women. Projects may:

Explore the role of advanced imaging in diagnosis and monitoring

Evaluate patient-reported outcomes focused on women

Identify strategies to reduce disparities in access to timely care

Eligibility: US-based physicians with demonstrated clinical interest in diagnosis and treatment of ATTR-CM

#### Mentorship Pairing #3: Adherence to Lipid-Lowering Therapy in Women
Geographic Scope: Europe-based physicians only

Focus: Focus on adherence to lipid-lowering therapy in women. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women globally, yet treatment adherence gaps persist. Projects may:

Examine barriers and drivers influencing adherence to lipid-lowering therapy

Explore practical interventions to improve long-term compliance

Achieve better cardiovascular outcomes

Eligibility: Europe-based physicians with demonstrated clinical interest in lipid-lowering therapies

General Eligibility

Mentees:

Current Fellows in cardiology or related subspecialties

Demonstrated clinical interest in the specific award focus area

Good standing with local medical licensing organization

Mentors:

Minimum 10 years of practical experience

Demonstrated expertise in the specific award focus area

Good standing with local medical licensing organization

Mentorship & Networking Benefits

• Winners benefit from meeting renowned expert physicians and clinical researchers
• Award recipients can form new connections and receive valuable project feedback and suggestions
• Career advice provided
• Support continues beyond the award cycle with commitment to amplifying the work of award recipients throughout their careers

Application Process

Applications made through The Pulse online community platform

Selection Process:

Applicants reviewed by committee of experts determined by Women As One

Committee will choose a short list of finalists who may participate in video interviews

Award winners selected by committee

Important Notes

• Pre-formed mentor-mentee pairs are NOT eligible; Women As One pairs complementary applicants from complimentary subspecialties to create new connections
• Award year runs June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027
• Applications made through The Pulse platform (account creation required)
• Mentees and mentors are paired by Women As One based on compatibility and subspecialty alignment

Contact Information: Women As One Inc, 574 Ritchie Hwy, Ste E172, Severna Park, MD 21146

Organization Background: Women As One is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization founded to provide women physicians with opportunities to develop their careers through specialized program offerings. Since 2020, Women As One has distributed over $1.7 million in medical funding grants to high-potential women cardiologists. The organization serves 2,900+ women cardiologists active in The Pulse community across 100+ countries with 30+ subspecialties represented.