This post was authored by Huon H. Gray, MD, FACC, Chair of the ACC’s Assembly of International Governors.

As a longtime member of the ACC, I have had the pleasure of seeing even greater attention directed towards producing internationally relevant content within the ACC’s Annual Scientific Session. Offerings at ACC.13 are the most diverse ever and I would like to briefly highlight these and hopefully encourage as many members as possible to attend and enjoy the great opportunities that exist to meet up with friends and colleagues.

In addition to the ever popular “Cardiovascular Conference on the Middle East”, which will be held on Sunday, March 10, there will also be a new half-day international session chaired by ACC Past President Ralph Brindis, MD, MPH, MACC, called “Conquering Healthcare Challenges in the Emerging World.” This will be held on Saturday, March 9 and will feature experts from Brazil, China, Mexico and India discussing common difficulties encountered in cardiovascular care around the world. This should be a great session, partly because of the topics covered but also because of the assembly of such a distinguished faculty. International attendees are invited to a special reception from 6:00 – 7:45 p.m. at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis – Nob Hill following this session, where you will have the chance to network with cardiovascular experts and the ACC’s Presidential Team.

The Joint International Lunchtime Symposia will take place on Monday, with 18 joint sessions running in parallel and 22 international cardiovascular societies participating. These symposia have become an international highlight of the ACC program over recent years, and reflect the close collaboration that exists between the College and its international sister societies. With such a variety of regions and topics represented, I am confident that you will find a symposium to meet your tastes, whether you work outside or within the U.S.

In addition, on Monday, March 11, the Maseri-Florio international lecture will be given by Alain Cribier, MD, FACC, on the subject of transcatheter aortic valve replacement, and the College again has a joint session with the European Society of Cardiology, this time on the subject of managing multivessel coronary artery disease on Sunday.

Finally, I want to invite you all to visit the International Lounge in the Expo Hall, Booth S447. The lounge is a dedicated space for international professionals to network with colleagues and learn about the multitude of international ACC initiatives and partnerships. Whether for business or relaxation, I encourage you all to stop by and take advantage of this resource.

This is only a snapshot of what the College has prepared for its international audience. I hope you all will take advantage of and enjoy the ever growing international content at the ACC’s Annual Scientific Session. See you in San Francisco!

For more information about International activities at ACC.13 visit accscientificsession.org.

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