The latest issue of Cardiovascular Medicine deals with various topics on cardiovascular diseases, again with a focus on sex-specific subjects.
I would like to draw particular attention to the comment of a young female cardiologist in response to the editorial by Prof. Lüscher about young doctors and a “paradox to think about” in the previous issue. Prof. Lüscher wrote about the changes in hospitals, the medical profession and especially the approach of the younger generation of doctors and expressed concerns about current developments.
New demands and requirements arise in a changing society and environment, including in medicine.
The young cardiologist writes from a different perspective and shows that vocation and passion continue to be the basis of the medical profession. But times, society, and the environment have changed. The medical profession is changing. Today, more women are working in medicine and family responsibilities make part-time work necessary; it is not only about work-life-balance. Whether these and other developments are positive or not remains to be seen, but new demands and requirements arise in a changing society and environment, including in medicine.
This should make us think that the “old days” in medicine may not yet been overcome.
Even though both authors present their respective opinions in a pointed and clear manner, the young cardiologist and Prof. Lüscher are probably not so different in their opinions as it may seem. From my point of view, it is worth considering that the young cardiologist wants to remain anonymous out of “fear of negative consequences” expressing her opinion. This should make us think that the “old days” in medicine may not yet been overcome. On the other hand, the young cardiologist's comments show that the new generation of doctors is fighting back advocating their concerns and needs. This should be seen as positive for the future.
Other important articles in the issue include an obituary for Prof. Paul J. E. Erne, who passed away on 22nd July 2023 after a long illness. A review article reports on “sex-specific aspects of chronic coronary syndrome”, with a special focus on ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA). Another article discusses “the role of sex in the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of patients with ACS”. One article reports on “Takotsubo syndrome and spontaneous coronary artery dissection”, a review article describes the latest knowledge of “sex-specific aspects of arrhythmias”, and two case reports conclude the issue.
I hope you like the issue and we would be pleased if some of the exciting and instructive articles meet your interest.
Kind regards, Peter Matt
