This post is authored by Christoph Bode, MD, PhD, FACC, chair of the ACC Assembly of International Governors.

ACC.14 provided many excellent opportunities for cardiologists from all over the world to examine global approaches to cardiovascular medicine, share insights and forge new relationships. We saw impressive attendance at two international sessions held on Friday, March 28, one day prior to the official start of the meeting. With large international attendance, ACC.14 served as a superb venue for international colleagues to come together in the common goal of improving the quality of cardiovascular worldwide.

Our first international session, the 6th Annual ACC Cardiovascular Conference on the Middle East, was opened with a plenary lecture from Eugene Braunwald, MD, FACC, on the most notable achievements in cardiology of the last century. The session examined emerging technologies and treatments for the management of cardiovascular disease in Middle Eastern nations, and included lively discussions on non-invasive imaging and transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Experts from Brazil, China, India and Mexico came together for Friday’s half-day symposium, “Conquering Healthcare Challenges in the Emerging World,” to discuss public health in some of the world’s fastest growing nations. I was struck by the insightful look at the challenges each region is facing and the promising advances on the horizon.

On Saturday, the Joint Symposium of the Caribbean Cardiac Society and Emirates Cardiac Society and the ACC brought us “The Rising Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases in the Developing World.” This was an informative session looking at a region with increasing incidences of cardiovascular disease.

The momentum continued with 15 International Lunchtime Symposia taking place Saturday through Monday. These Symposia provided an opportunity for ACC.14 attendees to meet with leaders from 30 cardiology societies around the world to discuss hot clinical topics. I also took part in and witnessed many meaningful conversations among members in the International Lounge.

As the meeting drew to a close, I was impressed by the caliber of education provided and the global perspective on the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It was an honor to be joined by so many of our international colleagues and it was exciting to witness the cross-cultural exchange of knowledge, ideas and best practices. ACC is truly emerging as the "United Nations of Cardiology."

Learn more about the ACC’s international activities on CardioSource.org.

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