In an article published in NBC News, experts detailed how greater representation among medical professionals may reduce disparities in cardiovascular disease–related mortality among Black patients. About 60% of Black adults in the United States have cardiovascular disease; nationally, Black patients have the highest rate of cardiovascular disease–related mortality of any racial and ethnic group; and they have a low rate of participation in cardiovascular clinical trials—leading to poorer treatment options for this patient population. One such patient, 59-year-old Elston Harris, had a family history of heart attacks. In 2017, Mr. Harris himself had a heart attack after noticing symptoms of back pain and trapped gas. While receiving treatment, he was referred to Marlon Everett, MD, a cardiologist at Advocate Health Care, who advised him to follow a healthy diet and adhere to his regular follow-up appointments. Because Dr. Everett was the same race as Mr. Harris, he stated he felt more trusting and comfortable following his advice and making the necessary lifestyle changes. The experts noted that Black cardiologists may be able to provide more culturally sensitive care to Black patients as well as improve their cardiovascular health and outcomes; however, currently, less than 5% of cardiologists in the United States identify as Black. Further, the path to becoming a cardiologist is burdensome. Requiring at least 10 years of training, many Black medical students may face financial woes, discrimination, microaggressions, and other types of mistreatment that could dissuade them from becoming cardiologists. Previous studies have demonstrated that compared with White medical students, Black medical students reported higher levels of stress and had lower access to already-limited cardiology training programs. Dr. Everett commented that these programs may need to mandate greater inclusivity for underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in order to boost Black representation in the cardiology workforce. Nonetheless, several existing initiatives—such as the American Heart Association’s scholars programs and the American College of Cardiology’s internal medicine program diversity efforts—offer resources for Black medical students pursuing cardiology; work to increase the number of Black students in graduate science, research, and public health programs; and introduce Black students and other underrepresented groups to the field of cardiology. Having a cardiologist who can hear and understand a Black patient’s needs and experiences “creates this kind of trust and improves a patient-provider relationship,” concluded Zainab Mahmoud, MSc, MB BCh BAO, Instructor of Medicine and a cardiologist at Washington University in St. Louis.