Honoring excellence has always been at the heart of the ACC's Mission, and each year the Distinguished Awards remind us just how many remarkable individuals shape the future of cardiovascular medicine. These awards are more than ceremonial acknowledgments; they are a living record of the people whose work, leadership and vision elevate our profession and improve lives around the world.

Since their inception, the Distinguished Awards have evolved alongside the field itself. What began as a small set of recognitions has grown into a robust portfolio spanning clinical excellence, scientific discovery, education, service and global impact. Today, up to 18 awards are presented annually, along with the conferral of Master of the ACC (MACC) on four distinguished members. Each honor is bestowed only when rigorous eligibility and criteria are met, underscoring the prestige of these recognitions.

This year, the Awards Committee reviewed nearly 70 nominations, including a record number for MACC. This growth reflects the dedication of ACC members who invest time and care to capture a colleague's achievements and character, ensuring each nomination tells a complete, compelling story. A nomination is more than a form – it is a narrative of impact, character and commitment.

The Committee's work begins even before the call for nominations opens, ensuring categories remain aligned with the ACC's Mission and responsive to the evolving landscape of cardiovascular care. Some awards, like the Distinguished Scientist Award, have expanded to recognize basic, clinical and translational science. Others, such as the education honors, have been refined to better reflect the breadth of teaching and mentorship in our community. And new awards added over the past decade highlight emerging areas of influence across the profession.

The deliberation process is both joyful and challenging. With so many exceptional nominees, selecting just one honoree per category is never easy. Yet the result is a slate of awardees whose work inspires all of us. As we celebrate this year's recipients, we also encourage every member to continue nominating colleagues whose contributions deserve recognition. These thoughtful nominations sustain a tradition that strengthens our community and elevates our shared Mission.

While we honor the past and present through the Distinguished Awards, this month's cover story turns our attention to the future. We take an inside look at the Adipokine Hypothesis proposed by Milton Packer, MD, FACC – a provocative framework that could reshape how we understand heart failure and open new pathways for treatment and management. Packer's exploration of adipose‑derived signaling offers a fresh lens on disease mechanisms and raises compelling questions about where therapeutic innovation may go next. It's a piece that challenges assumptions and invites deeper inquiry, exactly the kind of scientific dialogue that drives progress.

And speaking of progress, ACC.26 is just around the corner. This year we gather in New Orleans, a city known for its energy, resilience and unmistakable spirit – an ideal backdrop for the exchange of ideas, breakthroughs and collaborations that define the Annual Scientific Session. Get a sneak peek of the exciting program ahead in our special feature. We hope to see many of you there as we celebrate excellence, explore new science and chart the next steps for cardiovascular care.

Richard A. Chazal, MD, MACC, Awards Committee Chair
John Gordon Harold, MD, MACC, Cardiology Editor-in-Chief

Clinical Topics: Arrhythmias and Clinical EP, Genetic Arrhythmic Conditions

Keywords: Cardiology Magazine, ACC Publications, CM-Mar-2026, Anniversaries and Special Events, Awards and Prizes, Mentors, Genetics, Leadership