AIG Work Groups

Created by the Assembly of International Governors (AIG), the AIG Work Groups unite global ACC members passionate about advancing cardiovascular care. Explore current groups to boost your impact and visibility within the College.

The AIG Work Groups accept applications for new members in February of each year.

The current Work Groups include:

Interested in Joining?

AIG Work Groups accept new member applications in February of each year. The application period is currently open until February 20th, 2026.

Global Heart Attack Treatment Initiative (GHATI)

Established: 2019

GHATI is dedicated to collecting data and improving acute myocardial infarction (AMI) care. This international quality improvement program welcomes institutions in low- and middle-income countries.

Jaigopal-Lakshmi Balagopalan, MD, FACC – India
Chair

Initiatives and Focus

  • Collect data to evaluate and improve evidence-based STEMI care
  • Achieve consistent application of optimal, evidence-based treatment for STEMI
  • Use data/QI efforts to enact change within health systems

Members

  • Alan Fong, MD, FACC - Malaysia – Immediate Past Chair
  • Pedro Gabriel Melo de Barros, MD, FACC - Brazil
  • Rehan Malik, MSc - Pakistan
  • Mary Ignacious L. Bicol, BSN - United Arab Emirates
  • Jose Navarro Estrada, MD, MSc, FACC - Argentina
  • Mostafa M. Abd-Rabou, MSC - Egypt
  • Tamara Kovačevic-Preradović, MD, FACC - Republic of Srpska
  • Kedir Negesso Tukeni, MD, FACC - Ethiopia

Learn more about the Global Heart Attack Treatment Initiative.

Global Graduate Educators (GGEWG)

Established: 2023

GGEWG supports cardiovascular educators. Working to learn best practices, develop tools and programs, and how cardiovascular education is taught and funded. By understanding cardiovascular education, we can support future cardiovascular professionals.

Daniel Chavez Quesada, MD, FACC – Costa Rica
Chair

Initiatives and Focus

  • Learn and share best practices for cardiovascular education globally
  • Lead cardiovascular educator round tables to share cardiovascular educational resources and information
  • Support ACC International Mentoring Program

Members

  • Hasan Ali Farhan, MD, FACC, Chair-Elect - Iraq
  • Rafael Vidal-Perez, MD, FACC - Spain
  • Camila Ramos Malcuori, MD - Uruguay
  • Aaysha Cader, MD, FACC - United Kingdo
  • Diego Echazarreta, MD, FACC - Argentina
  • William Kong, MD, FACC - Singapore
  • Chathurika Withana, MD - Sri Lanka
  • Aylin Yildirir, MD, FACC - Turkey

Digital Health

Established: 2024

The Digital Health Work Group supports the new Global Digital Health Award, honoring international innovators – outside the U.S. – who are revolutionizing care delivery with cutting-edge digital health technologies.

Initiatives and Focus

  • Advance global digital health innovation and impact
  • Foster collaboration across international digital health leaders
  • Support and elevate the Global Digital Health Award

Members

  • Luz Zarate, MD - Colombia
  • Christina Chrysohoou, MD, PhD - Greece
  • Luis Sergio Carvalho, MD, PhD - Brazil
  • Arun Jose, MD - India
  • Tarik Kivrak, MD, FACC - Turkey
  • Tzung-Dau Wang, MD, PhD - Taiwan
  • Mariano Benzadón, MD - Argentina
  • Amam Mbakwem, MD, FACC - Nigeria

Learn more about the Global Digital Health Award.

TAVR Global Data Initiative

Established: 2019

This work group drives the TAVR Global Data Initiative (TAVR GDI), a global push to improve cardiovascular care by focusing on outcomes and cost. It empowers clinicians and health systems with real-world data to deliver high-value, patient-centered care.

Fumiaki Ikeno, MD, FACC – Japan
Chair

Initiatives and Focus

  • Collect and evaluate the TAVR GDI's survey data
  • Advance value‑based cardiovascular care through outcomes and cost focus
  • Equip clinicians and systems with real‑world data for better decisions

Members

  • Len Kritharides, MD, FACC - Australia (Immediate-Past Chair)
  • Caio Fernandes, MD, FACC - Brazil
  • Angel Garcia, MD, FACC - Colombia
  • Alexandra Konradi, MD, PhD, DSc - Russia
  • Bashir Hanif, MD, FACC - Pakistan
  • Ahmed Adel Elamragy, MD, PhD, MSc - Egypt
  • Sotirios Nedios, MD, FACC - Germany
  • Mahboobeh Gholipur, MD, FACC - Iran
  • Paul Casale, MD, FACC - U.S. (Domestic Liaison)

Learn more about TAVR GDI.