Dr. Plicy Perez-Kersey emerges as the inaugural recipient of this fellowship, a distinguished early-career cardiologist and advanced cardiac imaging fellow at Seattle Children’s Hospital. She also serves as an acting instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington. Dr. Perez-Kersey’s selection underscores her profound commitment to health equity and her extensive experience serving medically underserved populations. Her clinical and research endeavors, particularly focused on congenital heart disease, offer promising pathways toward mitigating health disparities unique to rural settings.

The Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship grants up to $70,000 in funding designed to empower fellows-in-training or early-career cardiologists dedicated to rural cardiovascular care. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment not only to clinical excellence but also to community engagement and advancing health equity. This pioneering award exemplifies a strategic step toward reshaping health outcomes by supporting those on the frontline of care in areas historically lacking adequate cardiovascular resources.

Dr. Waites himself articulated the philosophical foundation underpinning this initiative, emphasizing a lifelong dedication to service and the power of giving back to the community. The fellowship represents more than financial support; it embodies a mission to dismantle structural barriers impeding rural populations from accessing quality cardiovascular care. It reinforces the transformative potential of clinical research that is deeply intertwined with the real-world complexities of societal determinants of health.

Perez-Kersey’s journey exemplifies the integration of clinical care, advocacy, and research. Early in her medical education, she co-managed a free clinic in Harlem, focusing on uninsured and homeless populations, which laid a cornerstone for her understanding of health disparities. Later, during her pediatric residency at the University of Washington, she delivered culturally responsive care to Alaska Native communities via the Alaska Medical Track program. These experiences informed her current research agenda, which probes the social drivers influencing outcomes for patients with congenital heart disease across both pediatric and adult populations.

Her current research, supported by this fellowship, will pivot toward maternal and fetal cardiac care deficiencies prevalent in rural communities, an area historically neglected in cardiovascular research. By establishing a community-based screening program for pregnant patients, Dr. Perez-Kersey aims to identify latent cardiac risks early and facilitate timely intervention. This approach not only advances clinical care but also fosters a preventative framework rooted in community empowerment and sustainable health infrastructure development.

The ACC’s honor, through its CEO Cathy Gates, highlights the fellowship’s alignment with the organization’s broader mission: transforming cardiovascular care globally and ensuring no population is left behind. With cardiovascular disease remaining the leading cause of mortality worldwide, rural health disparities represent a critical frontier where research and clinical practice must evolve. The Waites fellowship integrates this vision with actionable support for emerging leaders focused on this imperative.

The fellowship’s introduction at ACC.26, scheduled for March 28 – 30, 2026, in New Orleans, coincides with a major global cardiovascular meeting where the latest innovations and discoveries in cardiovascular medicine will be discussed. This platform offers an invaluable opportunity to amplify voices and research efforts dedicated to closing the equity gap in cardiovascular outcomes, highlighting the intersection between rural health and cutting-edge medical science.

The American College of Cardiology’s initiative reflects a broader trend in medicine emphasizing social determinants of health as integral to patient care. Dr. Perez-Kersey’s work epitomizes this approach, blending advanced cardiac imaging technologies with community-based health strategies. This fusion is essential to developing precision medicine approaches that account for environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic contexts influencing disease trajectories.

Beyond the immediate financial award, the fellowship fosters a network of collaboration and mentorship for fellows committed to rural health. This ecosystem is designed to accelerate scientific discovery while ensuring practical translation to community settings. By seeding such support, the ACC is not only addressing present disparities but also nurturing a generation of cardiologists who will carry the mantle of health equity into future decades.

In summary, the launch of the Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship Award marks a significant milestone in cardiovascular medicine. It champions a critical, yet underrepresented area of research and care—rural cardiovascular health—while honoring a legacy of commitment to underserved populations. Dr. Plicy Perez-Kersey’s groundbreaking work in this field not only promises to enhance maternal and fetal cardiac care but also sets a precedent for how evidence-based medicine, community engagement, and health equity can intersect to transform outcomes in vulnerable populations.

Subject of Research: Rural cardiovascular disparities, maternal and fetal cardiac care in underserved populations, congenital heart disease outcomes influenced by social determinants.

Article Title: American College of Cardiology Honors Dr. Plicy Perez-Kersey with Inaugural Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship Award

News Publication Date: Not specified; anticipated announcement during ACC.26 in March 2026

Web References: https://www.acc.org/Membership/Join-Us/Benefits/Award-Programs/Waites-Rural-Cardiovascular-Research-Fellowship; http://www.ACC.org

Keywords: Cardiology, Rural Health, Cardiovascular Research, Health Equity, Maternal Cardiac Care, Congenital Heart Disease, Community Health, Pediatric Cardiology, Cardiovascular Imaging, Underserved Populations, Medical Fellowship, Health Disparities

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) disproportionately affects segments of the population that often face systemic barriers to healthcare access, education, and preventative interventions. Despite being largely preventable through lifestyle modifications and timely medical care, heart disease continues to claim millions of lives, highlighting pervasive gaps in health equity worldwide. The ACC’s mission-driven approach seeks not only to elevate cardiovascular care but also to confront social determinants of health—such as poverty, geographic isolation, racial disparities, and cultural factors—that contribute to unequal cardiovascular outcomes.

Melvin Echols, MD, FACC, serving as ACC’s Chief Health Equity Advancement and Inclusion Officer, articulates the urgency of this mission. Dr. Echols emphasizes that inequities in cardiovascular health lead directly to suboptimal patient care, poorer outcomes, and broader negative implications for population health. The ACC acknowledges these disparities as modifiable through collaborative efforts across healthcare systems, policymakers, community organizations, and professionals. He asserts that improved health is achievable even in the absence of ideal conditions, noting the College’s leadership role in spearheading these initiatives.

The annual Health Equity Summit convenes a diverse assembly of stakeholders from the cardiology community, healthcare industries, and related fields. This year’s summit theme, “Building and Sustaining Adaptive and Resilient Health Systems,” focuses on harnessing innovation and practical strategies to fortify healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural and underprivileged settings. Participants discuss the economic imperatives of advancing health equity, share successful community engagement case studies, and co-develop pragmatic solutions to combat real-world inequities in cardiovascular care delivery.

In addition to strategic dialogues among senior leaders, the ACC is also dedicating resources to cultivate future leaders in cardiovascular health equity by engaging young American Indian and Alaska Native scholars through the NNAYI program. By immersing these students in interactive cardiology workshops and providing mentorship from ACC leaders, the initiative seeks to inspire and empower Indigenous youth to champion heart health within their own communities. This educational pipeline directly addresses representation gaps while fostering culturally-informed approaches to disease prevention.

Historically marginalized communities, especially Indigenous populations, face a range of health disparities rooted in socioeconomic disadvantage, limited healthcare access, and historical trauma. The ACC’s sustained collaboration with the Association of American Indian Physicians, ongoing for over three years, epitomizes a long-term commitment to bridging these gaps. Dr. Echols underscores the significance of this partnership and reiterates the College’s pledge to support NNAYI’s mission to mitigate health inequities for Native communities through education, advocacy, and inclusive care models.

Scientific evidence reinforces the importance of culturally sensitive cardiovascular interventions. Studies have demonstrated that tailored health education and community-based prevention efforts lead to improved risk factor control, earlier intervention, and increased adherence to treatment regimens among underserved populations. By integrating such insights into their equity-focused strategies, the ACC is positioning itself at the vanguard of a movement to transform cardiovascular medicine into a more inclusive and effective discipline.

The ACC’s commitment extends beyond summits and youth programs. The organization leverages a comprehensive suite of resources, including its robust National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR), to track patient outcomes and identify disparities in real time. Advanced data analytics enable practitioners and health systems to pinpoint gaps in care delivery and tailor quality improvement initiatives. This data-driven methodology complements educational efforts and advocacy, creating a holistic framework for systemic change.

Complementing these infrastructure and educational endeavors, the ACC produces a wealth of clinical guidance via its flagship journals, such as the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), which disseminate cutting-edge research on cardiovascular disease pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment modalities. Publications emphasize the growing recognition of social determinants as pivotal factors influencing cardiovascular risk, encouraging clinicians to adopt more comprehensive assessments that incorporate patient environment and social context.

Moreover, the ACC’s CardioSmart initiative empowers patients with accessible tools and information to engage proactively in their cardiovascular health. Acknowledging that patient literacy and engagement are crucial to successful prevention and disease management, this patient-centered platform addresses the knowledge gap exacerbated by inequities in education and healthcare delivery. By coupling patient activation with health system reforms, the ACC adopts a multipronged strategy to reduce cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

The importance of adaptive, resilient health systems has been starkly highlighted by recent global healthcare challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed and amplified health disparities across multiple domains. The ACC’s emphasis on resilience involves strengthening the capacity of cardiovascular services to continue uninterrupted care, especially for the most vulnerable populations, during crises. This involves embedding flexibility, resource equity, and community trust as cornerstones of health system design.

Looking forward, the ACC envisions a future where cardiovascular health equity is not a peripheral goal but a fundamental principle guiding all levels of cardiovascular care. This vision implies systematic dismantling of barriers related to race, geography, socioeconomic status, and other social determinants. Central to this aspiration is the belief that achieving optimal heart health is a natural right inherent to every individual, demanding accountability from healthcare providers, institutions, and policymakers alike.

The American College of Cardiology’s multifaceted approach exemplifies a commitment to transforming the landscape of cardiovascular care through education, research, advocacy, and community engagement. By centering equity as an organizing principle, the ACC fosters an ecosystem wherein scientific advancement, clinical practice, and social justice converge. The Health Equity Summit and NNAYI partnership represent tangible manifestations of this commitment, setting a precedent for other medical fields to emulate.

For further inquiries regarding the College’s health equity initiatives, interested parties may contact ACC Media Relations Director Nicole Napoli via email at nnapoli@acc.org. Additional information about the College’s broad portfolio of programs, resources, and advocacy efforts is accessible through their website at www.ACC.org and social media channels under the handle @ACCinTouch.

Subject of Research: Cardiovascular health equity initiatives and strategies to reduce disparities in cardiovascular disease outcomes.

Article Title: The American College of Cardiology Advances Health Equity Through Summit and Youth Engagement Programs

News Publication Date: Not specified

Web References:

• https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Diversity-and-Inclusion/Resources-and-Tools/Health-Equity-Summit-Page
• http://www.ACC.org

Keywords: Health equity, Health disparity, Cardiovascular disease

The ACC has a storied history since its establishment in 1949, and with the appointment of Kramer, it seeks to further its mission of transforming cardiovascular care across the globe. His statement reflects not only the complexities of the current environment but also his commitment to embracing these challenges head-on. He emphasizes his eagerness to connect with members of the ACC, encouraging dialogue surrounding their experiences and innovations as they navigate the intricacies of cardiovascular health. Leadership in healthcare often demands a nuanced understanding of both local and global perspectives, and Kramer’s outreach aims to cultivate a collaborative atmosphere conducive to impactful change.

Kramer’s journey in medicine began rather humbly during a summer scholarship program in high school, which sparked his enduring interest in cardiology. He pursued his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, laying a foundation of knowledge that he would later expand upon through rigorous training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Here, he honed his skills through a residency in internal medicine, followed by a fellowship in cardiology. Each step of his training served to deepen his expertise, emphasizing the importance of thorough education in one’s chosen field.

After completing his training, Kramer began his illustrious career in academia and clinical practice, starting at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. This early experience cemented his role as a key player in the cardiology landscape. His subsequent tenure at MCP/Hahnemann University School of Medicine allowed him to direct the cardiology fellowship, further demonstrating his capacity for leadership. Kramer’s eventual move in 1999 to the University of Virginia School of Medicine marked a pivotal development in his career, where he has since contributed significantly as the chief of the Cardiovascular Division.

A pivotal aspect of Kramer’s career has been his focus on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. His dedication to advancing the capabilities of CMR has positioned him as an innovator in the field, contributing to both translational and clinical studies that push the boundaries of cardiac imaging technology. The recognition of his work is underscored by receiving the prestigious Gold Medal from the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in 2015, an accolade that honors his dedication and contributions to the advancement of CMR imaging. This form of imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing a range of cardiovascular conditions, underpinning the importance of innovation in medical technology.

Kramer’s extensive involvement with the ACC over more than three decades showcases his deep-rooted commitment to the organization and the field of cardiology as a whole. He has held various key leadership positions, including vice president and treasurer, as well as serving as chair of the ACC’s Imaging Council. Such diverse roles have allowed him to influence policy and best practices within the organization, advocating for imaging as a cornerstone of cardiovascular care. It is through these experiences that he has gained a well-rounded perspective on the needs and aspirations of ACC members.

Moreover, Kramer has also made significant contributions to the academic literature in cardiology, formerly serving as an associate editor for imaging at the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) and as executive editor for JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging. His dedication to education and mentorship in the field has been publicly recognized, culminating in his distinction as a Distinguished Mentor by the ACC in 2021. He regards this honor not only as a personal achievement but also as a reminder of the collective undertaking inherent in advancing cardiovascular health through education.

As Kramer officially assumes the presidency during the upcoming Convocation Ceremony scheduled for March 29 – 31, 2025, at the ACC’s Annual Scientific Session in Chicago, the spotlight will undoubtedly shine on the initiatives he plans to implement. The new leadership team includes key individuals such as Vice President Roxana Mehran, MD, FACC, and several members of the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors who are aligned with ACC’s vision of excellence in cardiovascular care. This collaborative leadership structure is poised to foster dialogue and innovation as the organization navigates the complexities within healthcare.

In an age where the digital transformation of healthcare is accelerating, Kramer recognizes the need for the ACC to embrace artificial intelligence-driven solutions. These advancements hold the potential for revolutionizing how cardiovascular diseases are diagnosed and treated. Employing AI not only enhances data interpretation but also enables personalized treatment strategies that can improve patient outcomes significantly. As president, Kramer is committed to integrating these technological advancements while ensuring that they are applied in ways that are ethical, equitable, and focused on enhancing patient care.

Health equity and diversity remain paramount subjects in contemporary discussions surrounding medicine. Under Kramer’s leadership, the ACC aims to tackle workforce issues that disproportionately affect minority groups, creating a more inclusive environment that serves all communities. This involves both addressing the underrepresentation of minorities in cardiology and ensuring equitable access to care for diverse populations. Failure to confront these disparities would be a disservice to the mission of improving heart health for everyone.

The ACC’s mission transcends the established norms of cardiovascular medicine, advocating for the use of health policy development to facilitate improvements in patient care. The organization stands at the forefront of establishing robust guidelines that healthcare professionals can rely on for best practices, emphasizing the importance of rigorous scientific evidence in shaping health policy. The role of the ACC as a leader in this space cannot be overstated, particularly as it relates to influencing practices on a national and international scale.

As Christopher M. Kramer embarks on this new chapter as president of the ACC, his leadership is set against a backdrop of great potential and profound challenges. His extensive background in cardiology, research, and organization governance positions him uniquely to address these multifaceted issues. As he takes the helm, the cardiovascular community eagerly anticipates the innovations and contributions he will cultivate to ensure that cardiovascular care continues to evolve in a meaningful way.

In summary, the new leadership of the ACC under Chris Kramer represents a pivotal moment for the cardiovascular community. Through his vision, engagement with diverse membership, and commitment to innovation and reform, Kramer is poised to champion the essential advancements required to improve heart health globally. As the ACC navigates the complexities of the modern healthcare landscape, there is optimism that this era will be characterized by transformative change, guided by a leader who recognizes the vast responsibilities and potential of the organization.

In conclusion, the next few years will be critical for the American College of Cardiology, as the organization seeks to influence not only how practitioners approach cardiovascular care but also how policy and education are shaped in this domain. Christopher M. Kramer’s presidency is a beacon of hope for a future marked by equitable care, technological advancements, and a foundation of collaborative leadership that honors the diverse perspectives inherent in the cardiology community. The future of cardiovascular medicine may indeed be brighter under his stewardship.

Subject of Research: Leadership and Innovations in Cardiovascular Medicine
Article Title: Christopher M. Kramer, MD, FACC, Assumes Presidency of the ACC Amidst Challenges and Opportunities in Cardiology
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References: www.ACC.org
References: Not applicable
Image Credits: Photo by ACC

Keywords Cardiology, Health Equity, AI in Healthcare, Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical Leadership, ACC, Workforce Issues, Diversity in Medicine, Health Policy, Cardiovascular Research.