In recognition of Black History and Women’s History Months in February and March 2023, Cardiometabolic Health Congress (CMHC) hosted a one-hour virtual experience to address cardiometabolic considerations – pearls and pitfalls – in both of these populations. In this Q&A-style webinar, experts discuss where the industry is at in addressing and overcoming gaps in care and outcomes in women and Black patients, and where we can expect to be at this time next year.
Rachel M. Bond, MD, joined fellow experts and diversity and inclusion advocates Drs. Keith C. Ferdinand and James R. Gavin III, to address the importance of diversity and inclusion in cardiometabolic health during this special webinar.
Meet Dr. Bond, Leading Authority on Diversity and Inclusion
As system director of Women’s Heart Health at Dignity Health, in Chandler, Arizona, co-chair of the Women in Cardiology Committee and chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the Arizona Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, Dr. Bond has devoted her career to the treatment of heart disease. She was recently appointed to serve on the Women in Cardiology Section Leadership Council for the National Chapter of the American College of Cardiology and was named one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona of 2022.
Most Influential Women in Arizona 2022 Honoree
In July 2022, Az Business and AZRE magazines released their 11th annual list of the Most Influential Women in Arizona. Topping the list was Dr. Bond, whose work to close gaps in maternal, sexual, and gender-diverse cardiovascular health has impacted the scientific community. The publications cited her opinion statements and pivotal review papers addressing health equity and promoting the professional development of women and minorities in health sciences as key reasons for her elite position on the list.
In Dr. Bond's Own Words
Here’s what Dr. Bond shared with AZ Big Media about what inspires and motivates her:
BACKGROUND: Rachel M. Bond, MD, FACC is a board-certified cardiologist with Dignity Health in Arizona. She is a women’s heart health & prevention specialist and the author of several review papers referencing maternal health, sex and gender differences and cardiovascular conditions that predominantly affect women, along with opinion pieces aimed at addressing health equity, reducing health disparities, and promoting the professional development of women and minorities in the health-science profession.
SOURCE OF PRIDE: “I’m most proud of becoming the first medical doctor in my family. This has fostered my mission of increasing diversity in the medical field, where Black women only encompass 2% of the population. I have such pleasure in mentoring young women of color who may also be “the first”, as I know I’m making an impact on our society.”
SURPRISING FACT: “When I have time to watch television, the show I tend to binge over and over is ‘Bridgerton.’ Thankfully, the episodes are released in bulk to allow for this!”
SOURCE OF INSPIRATION: “I’m most inspired by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who has left such an immeasurable impact on our country, society and the advancement of women’s equality. She is an icon who, despite being one of nine women in her Harvard law class and only the second woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court, preserved in the fight for equality.”
"Thank you again AZ Big Media for the honor of receiving the most influential women in Arizona Business for 2022 & placing me in the safe company of so many exceptional women who we are fortunate to have in Arizona."
