Our Mission

Since the founding of the Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology (ACPC) Section in 2005, ACPC Section objectives have been aligned by the College’s mission, to promote quality cardiovascular care through the promotion of endeavors in:

• Education
• Advocacy
• Quality

Below, please find a brief review of accomplishments realized by the ACPC Section. Although this overview provides only a glimpse into the Section’s achievements, we hope you will have an appreciation for the dedication and commitment of nearly 1,000 ACPC Section members.

Education News

ACPC Section Spearheads Efforts for ACHD Specialty Certification –
The ACPC Section is spearheading a multi-society effort to request the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics to establish a specialty certification in adult congenital heart disease. This initiative has its roots in the 32nd Bethesda Conference (2000) and has drafted support from leadership in the ABP, the ABIM, ACC, patient advocacy groups and several other leading CV and pediatric societies.

Congenital Cardiology Solutions Debuts at ACC.09 –
This enhanced specialized education track for pediatric and congenital cardiologists, CCAs and surgeons was a direct result of ACPC members request to strengthen education offerings as well as include a full day of live congenital cases for attendees.

NEW! McNamara Lecture Announced –
The Section is pleased to announce the new McNamara Lecture honoring the late Dr. McNamara. Dan Goodrich McNamara, MD, MACC was a past president of the College, and is internationally recognized for his contributions to the field of pediatric and congenital cardiology. Charles E. Mullins, M.D., F.A.C.C. will present the inaugural McNamara Lecture at ACC’s Congenital Cardiology Solutions in 2010. Stay tuned for details!

Quality News

ACPC Section Helps Development of IMPACT Registry –
In response to the well-recognized issues regarding availability of clinical evidence, the concept of establishing a registry for congenital heart disease patients undergoing diagnostic or interventional catheterizations was developed. Section members were a crucial part in working with the ACC’s National Cardiovascular Registry Database (NCDR) leadership to gain approval and funding to develop the IMPACT registry (IMproving Pediatric and Adult Treatment). Pilot sites are expected this year.

Advocacy News

ACPC Section supports the National Congenital Heart Coalition’s Lobby Day –
For the third year, Section members joined forces with patients and family members to advocate for increased funding for research and education efforts. This year, Coalition members introduced the Congenital Heart Futures Act, which requests specific funding for a national registry, in addition to funding for CHD research and education. The Act was introduced in March, 2009 by Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL).

Section Publications

Quarterly Section eNewsletter –

- Spring 2009: ‘ACC Lends Support to Trio of Quality Improvement Projects’
- Winter 2009: ‘Lobby Day 2009: Securing Funds for our Patient’s Future’

Bi-Annual ACHD International Society Newsletter –

- Winter/Spring 2009

Section Activities
The ACPC Section has supported activities within the CHD community and the College which have served to advance the overall objectives of CCAs, cardiologists and surgeons involved with adult and pediatric congenital issues. A few activities include:

Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition, (CIIC)
ACC and the ACPC Section are proud participants in this national coalition comprised of leading public health, medical, patient and parent groups committed to protecting children's health and encouraging wellness. CIIC seeks to address and improve the low influenza immunization rates among children.

Demonstrate Your Influenza Vaccination Commitment
With an unusual influenza season fast approaching, the Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition (CIIC) developed a helpful tool, the Health Care Professionals' Influenza Vaccination Commitment, or “proxy,” to help facilitate discussion among parents and health care professionals about influenza vaccination.
The proxy is designed for display in medical practices and other health care facilities, as well as on Web sites, to let people know their health care professional and local department of health recommends annual vaccination against flu.
As a member of CIIC, ACC encourages health care professionals to display the statement prominently, as an ongoing reminder to patients that their provider takes influenza, and its prevention, seriously.

Health Care Professionals’ Influenza Vaccination Commitment for Vaccinating Practices

Health Care Professionals’ Influenza Vaccination Commitment for Non-Vaccinating Practices

Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA)
ACPC Section members support the objectives of ACHA, which seeks to improve the quality of life and extend the lives of congenital heart defect survivors. ACHA serves and supports the more than 1.8 million individuals with congenital heart defects, their families, and the medical community.

Additional professional and patient resources

Get Involved

The ACPC Section thrives due, much in part, to the incredible contributions of ACPC Section members. If you are not already involved, we invite to join us. More than 200 Section members are involved with ACPC activities. Members include CCAs, FITs, pediatric and adult congenital cardiologists, surgeons and general cardiologists. Send an e-mail with your interest to acpcsection@acc.org.

Join a Working Group and Advance Priorities Today –

Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Working Group
The objective of the ACHD WG is to promote advocacy, education, quality of care and research on behalf of adults with congenital heart disease. Activities include support of patient advocacy efforts, development of a multi-society ACHD newsletter, and development of educational resources for general cardiologists who see ACHD patients in their practice.
WG Chair, Gary Webb, M.D., F.A.C.C.

Pediatric Cardiology Working Group
The objective of the Pediatric Cardiology WG is to promote advocacy, education, quality of care and research on behalf of pediatric patients with congenital heart disease.
WG Chair, Jeffrey Feinstein, M.D., F.A.C.C.

Quality Metrics Working Group
Eight clinical teams support the development of meaningful clinical metrics in pediatric and congenital cardiology. WG members have access to a quality metrics portal to exchange. The WG has been fortunate to receive input from sub-specialty societies, strengthening this effort.
WG Chairs, Kathy Jenkins, M.D., M.PH., F.A.C.C.
Geoff Rosenthal, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.C.

ACPC – Advocacy Working Group
In development, contact acpcsection@acc.org.

ACPC – Training WG
In development, contact acpcsection@acc.org.

ACPC – Publications WG
In development, contact acpcsection@acc.org.

Section Governance

The ACPC Section is governed by the ACPC Council. Council members are appointed by the ACC President.

Gerard R. Martin, M.D., F.A.C.C. - Chair
Meryl S. Cohen, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Curtis J. Daniels, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Jeffrey A. Feinstein, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Susan M. Fernandes, PA-C (CCA member)
Michael Gaies, M.D. (FIT member)
Kathy J. Jenkins, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.C.
Michael J. Landzberg, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Geoffrey L. Rosenthal, M.D., Ph.D, F.A.C.C.
James S. Tweddell, M.D., F.A.C.C. (CHD surgeon)
Gary D. Webb, M.D., F.A.C.C.