The ACC has named Plicy Perez-Kersey, MD, as the first recipient of the Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship Award. Perez-Kersey will be honored at ACC.26, taking place March 28-30, in New Orleans.

The Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship was funded through Thad F. Waites, MD, MACC, in honor of his wife Gerry. It reflects their commitment to combating cardiovascular disparities and uplifting underserved populations through evidence-based clinical interventions and innovative research. The fellowship provides up to $70,000 in research funding to a Fellow in Training or an early-career cardiologist who demonstrates a commitment to rural cardiovascular care, community engagement and health equity.

“I've always believed in the power of giving back. Over the years, I've witnessed the barriers many face to achieving good health. I envision our fellowship will help break down those barriers and move us closer to improving heart health for all,” Waites said.

Perez-Kersey is an advanced cardiac imaging fellow at Seattle Children’s Hospital and an acting instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington.

Guided by a commitment to equity, advocacy and service, Perez-Kersey has consistently sought opportunities to support underserved communities. As a medical student, she co-managed a free clinic in Harlem that provided medical care for people without health insurance and those experiencing homelessness. During pediatric residency at the University of Washington, she provided culturally conscious health care to Alaska Native communities through the Alaska Medical Track program. Perez-Kersey’s research seeks to identify and address social drivers of health that impact outcomes for children and adults with congenital heart disease.

“Throughout my training, I have developed a deep awareness of the barriers that prevent vulnerable populations from receiving optimal care – and an enduring commitment to addressing them so that circumstance no longer dictates cardiovascular outcomes,” Perez-Kersey said. “The Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship is an extraordinary opportunity to advance this mission, and I am honored and excited to be selected as the inaugural fellow for this innovative program.”

Through this research fellowship, Perez-Kersey will investigate gaps in maternal and fetal cardiac care in rural communities and establish a community-based screening program for pregnant patients.

“The ACC is honored to recognize Dr. Perez-Kersey and the legacy of Thad and Gerry Waites with the inaugural Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship Award,” said Cathy Gates, ACC CEO. “This fellowship embodies the heart of the ACC’s Mission to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health for all.”

Clinical Topics: Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, Congenital Heart Disease, CHD and Pediatrics and Quality Improvement

Keywords: Community Health Services, Health Equity, Rural Population, Heart Defects, Congenital