Women in Cardiology Twitter Network: An Analysis of a Global Professional Virtual Community From 2016 to 2019

Abstract

Background Social media is an effective channel for the advancement of women physicians; however, its use by women in cardiology has not been systematically studied. Our study seeks to characterize the current Women in Cardiology Twitter network. Methods and Results Six women‐specific cardiology Twitter hashtags were analyzed: #ACCWIC (American College of Cardiology Women in Cardiology), #AHAWIC (American Heart Association Women in Cardiology), #ilooklikeacardiologist, #SCAIWIN (Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions Women in Innovations), #WomeninCardiology, and #WomeninEP (Women in Electrophysiology). Twitter data from 2016 to 2019 were obtained from Symplur Signals. Quantitative and descriptive content analyses were performed. The Women in Cardiology Twitter network generated 48 236 tweets, 266 180 903 impressions, and 12 485 users. Tweets increased by 706% (from 2083 to 16 780), impressions by 207% (from 26 755 476 to 82 080 472), and users by 440% (from 796 to 4300), including a 471% user increase internationally. The network generated 6530 (13%) original tweets and 43 103 (86%) amplification tweets. Most original and amplification tweets were authored by women (81% and 62%, respectively) and women physicians (76% and 52%, respectively), with an increase in original and amplification tweets authored by academic women physicians (98% and 109%, respectively) and trainees (390% and 249%, respectively) over time. Community building, professional development, and gender advocacy were the most common tweet contents over the study period. Community building was the most common tweet category for #ACCWIC, #AHAWIC, #ilooklikeacardiologist, #SCAIWIN, and #WomeninCardiology, whereas professional development was most common for #WomeninEP. Conclusions The Women in Cardiology Twitter network has grown immensely from 2016 to 2019, with women physicians as the driving contributors. This network has become an important channel for community building, professional development, and gender advocacy discussions in an effort to advance women in cardiology.

Social Media as a Tool to Advance Women in Cardiology: Paving the Way for Gender Equality and Diversity

“…The use of "hashtag activism" has allowed WIC to connect through a common experience, but more importantly share that experience on a public platform through Twitter, elevating their voice and creating allies in the process. This social media activism has been used to promote a culture shift within the field of cardiology to create a more inclusive, respectful work environment 23 . Social media provides a unique opportunity to foster collaboration, networking, and mentorship, and dissemination of research which may help increase representation and help close the gender gap within the field 17,21 .…”

“…Analysis of the six key hashtag phrases identified showed that, over the period of three years (2016-2019), there was a 706% increase in tweets and retweets of tagged posts, a 207% increase in impressions, and a 440% increase in Twitter users, globally, sending tweets within the "Women in Cardiology Twitter Network" 23 . The momentous increase in Tweet shares and global impressions signifies the power of hashtags to reach a target audience.…”

“…By using gender activist hashtags in combination with specialty-focused hashtags, WIC can put their experiences of gender inequity and sexual harassment front-and-center on the pages of their cardiology peers who need to confront, evaluate and adjust their behavior and hopefully impact the culture they are a part of at their institution. An analysis of various women-centric hashtags like #WIC, revealed that community-building was the focus of most posts by social media users using the hashtag 23 . In both the percentage of original tweets and the percentage of tweets "amplified" (via re-tweets), professional development and mentorship were key content focuses of tweets by WIC and those within the cardiology network 23 .…”

“…An analysis of various women-centric hashtags like #WIC, revealed that community-building was the focus of most posts by social media users using the hashtag 23 . In both the percentage of original tweets and the percentage of tweets "amplified" (via re-tweets), professional development and mentorship were key content focuses of tweets by WIC and those within the cardiology network 23 . Social media has therefore increased visibility of WIC achievements and increased awareness of gender discrimination within the workplace, as well as generated solidarity 23 .…”

The Pivotal Role of Women in Cardiology Sections in Medical Organizations: From Leadership Training to Personal Enrichment

“…This network is highlighted by the consequential generation of >48,000 tweets, 266 million impressions and 12,485 users over a 3-year timeframe. 45 . Members often form real-life connections when they meet up at in-person cardiology conferences.…”