The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) is championing initiatives to create lead-free cath labs and improve work-life balance for interventional cardiologists.
SCAI President Srihari S. Naidu, MD, emphasized the health toll of traditional lead aprons, citing cases of severe back issues and even paralysis. “We ignore ourselves. That time has to change,” Naidu said, highlighting a 5–10 year plan to shift cath labs away from lead reliance, supported by partnerships with industry and government.
Key objectives include:
- Enhancing radiation protection to prolong careers and attract more women to the field
- Reducing burnout through on-call reform, stress reduction, and better day-to-day support
- Improving recruitment and retention by making safety a competitive advantage for hospitals
Naidu underscored the urgency: “We need people to build a better work-life harmony and reduce administrative burdens.”
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