日本小児循環器学会雑誌 Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery

In April 2024, Japan implemented new regulations that will be capping doctors’ overtime work hours, marking the full-scale launch of the “Work Style Reform for Doctors.” This marks a pivotal step toward revising the long-standing medical delivery system, which has relied heavily on excessive workloads, and in moving toward a sustainable and high-quality healthcare framework. Therefore, the 60th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery conducted a special session organized by the Committee on Work Style Reform entitled, “Rethinking Pediatric Cardiology in the Era of Diversity.” Herein, four institutions who have been actively implementing reformed initiatives, shared their practices, thereby sparking discussions on diverse approaches to achieving work–life balance for professionals in pediatric cardiovascular care. This study compiles the contributions from all presenters and offers a written record of the session’s insights. It aimed to re-examine physicians’ work styles, considering diversity promotion and gender equity in the clinical setting. Ensuring healthcare quality and safety requires a workplace in which everyone can continue to work without bearing unreasonable burdens. We envision a future in which various professionals can thrive in truly inclusive medical environments.