Prior to the official start of the Annual Scientific Session, leaders in cardiology gathered to discuss important topics during two special International Symposiums yesterday afternoon. These sessions included the "7th Annual ACC Cardiovascular Conference on the Middle East" and "Conquering Healthcare Challenges in the Emerging World."

The ACC Cardiovascular Conference on the Middle East kicked-off with introductions from the conference chairs, Hani K. Najm, MD, MSC, FACC, and Aaron D. Kugelmass, MD, FACC, followed by a an in-depth look at the challenges for science and education in promoting health from Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, MACC, editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The session then moved on to a panel presentation and discussion centered on acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Presentations included information on ACS in the young, STEMI in Israel, ACS during Hajj season, and STEMI as a public health initiative, which looked at ACC's Door to Balloon program.

Following ACS, the Cardiovascular Conference on the Middle East turned the discussion to electrophysiology, led by co-chairs Michael Glikson, MD, FACC, and Richard A. Chazal, MD, FACC, president-elect of the ACC, and a panel of experts. Attendees learned about brugada syndrome and management of atrial fibrillation in the Middle East. Refaat Marwan also discussed arrhythmogenic hereditary syndromes, prevention of sudden cardiac death and ablation of supraventricular tachycardia. Following the panel discussion, attendees engaged in an 'emergency case' of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implanted in a young girl, led by Moustafa Nawar, MD.

Meanwhile, the "Conquering Healthcare Challenges in the Emerging World" sessions featured a more global approach to implementing cardiology practices internationally. After introductions from the program's chairs, Ralph G. Brindis, MD, MPH, MACC, and Andrew Kates, MD, FACC, the symposium began with the first set of lectures on applying prevention guidelines in practices around the world, introduced by co-chairs William A. Zoghbi, MD, MACC, and Olakunle O. Akinboboye, MBBS.

Next, attendees learned about caring for the aging population. Presentations varied from epidemiology to the efficacy of low dose aspirin, to differences in care in Mexico and Brazil, respectively.

After a short break, attendees returned for a session on training cardiovascular specialists in the emerging world, including lectures on "The Humanistic Side of Medicine", "Optimizing Resources for Mexican Cardiovascular Trainees", "From Medical Student to Cardiologist", and the "Clinical Cardiology and Pacing Fellowship of the Pan African Society of Cardiology."

The program concluded with a presentation from Fuster on the subclinical disease of the heart and brain.

"By bringing together thought leaders from across globe to discuss promotion of cardiovascular health, we have a unique opportunity to evaluate and share methods for improvement," said Fuster. "However, in order for these discussions to truly result in change, we need to follow through and track the impact of our recommendations and programs over the short and long term."

For additional ACC.15 International Programming, visit the ACC.15 App and stop by the International Lounge in the Lounge & Learn Pavilion.

Dr. Andrew Kates, MD, FACC, presenting at the Conquering Healthcare Challenges in the Emerging World session. Dr. Valentin Fuster, MD, MACC, at the 7th Annual ACC Cardiovascular Conference on the Middle East. Dr. William A. Zoghbi, MD, MACC, talking about prevention guidelines in practices around the world.

Keywords: Acute Coronary Syndrome, Aspirin, Atrial Fibrillation, Brain, Brazil, Brugada Syndrome, Death, Sudden, Cardiac, Defibrillators, Implantable, Electrophysiology, Fellowships and Scholarships, Israel, Mexico, Middle East, Public Health, Specialization, Students, Medical, Tachycardia, Supraventricular

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