This post was authored by Richard A. Chazal, MD, FACC, president-elect of the ACC.

The annual European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress not only provides opportunities to learn about the latest cardiovascular research from across Europe and the rest of the world, but it also creates a unique venue for cardiovascular leaders to come together to discuss opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Over the course of the five-day meeting, I and other ACC leaders will have met with our counterparts from societies like ESC, the American Heart Association, the World Heart Federation and others; chaired several joint sessions with ESC touching on important trends in cardiovascular medicine; and given interviews with media from around the world addressing findings from the research being presented. In fact, just today, I had the privilege of chairing a Hotline Session presenting new research on Diabetes.

One of my favorite activities at ESC is the ACC's own Assembly of International Governors (AIG) meeting. This half-day meeting brings together the leaders of the College's 34 International Chapters to share insights and knowledge about how to ensure members around the globe are getting the most value for their membership. This year's meeting was especially timely as the College finalizes its population health strategy. At its core, the ACC's population health strategy is focused on partnering to pursue global cardiovascular-related objectives; support members to improve the health of various populations; and encourage cardiovascular team-facilitated patient education. A more detailed plan is expected in the coming months, but this effort is crucial as we continue to work with world partners to meet the goal of reducing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25 percent by 2025.

This year's meeting also allowed for an update on several new ACC International activities, ranging from NCDR registry growth to the International Leadership Academy led by Anthony N. DeMaria, MD, MACC, and William A. Zoghbi, MD, MACC. The Leadership Academy is a unique effort offering the chance for 30 individuals from around the world to come to Washington, DC, for hands-on-training around leadership skills, teamwork dilemmas, effective negotiating, running successful meetings, and more.

On the NCDR side of things, it was exciting to hear that 15 sites in eight countries are using one or more of the ACC’s clinical data registries, with more sites expected in the coming months. ACC International Affairs Director Neal Kovach said it best when he noted that increased involvement with NCDR will offer an unprecedented platform from which we can work together scientifically into the future. Additionally, six international institutions are currently participating in the College’s International Centers of Excellence program, of which registry participation is a key requirement.

Looking to the future, there are many opportunities to build on the great work already being done around the world. In particular, the ACC, working with its International Chapters and the AIG, is committed to increasing engagement among international cardiovascular professionals as they move from trainees to practicing cardiologists. Recent survey results suggest educational opportunities, as well as access to ACC’s JACC journals and clinical quality guidelines and tools, are crucial to this effort.

Other potential areas for growth: finding new ways to bring the latest cardiovascular research directly to a region or country, as well as increased international contributions to JACC. Lots of great ideas on how to accomplish these activities were discussed at the AIG meeting, so stay tuned!

Cardiovascular disease is a global issue that doesn’t stop at borders or oceans. Each year, the ESC Congress is a tangible reminder of just how far we’ve come in tackling this issue, while also providing first-hand looks at ways we can continue to make progress into the future.

View full ESC Congress 2015 meeting coverage at ACC.org/ESC2015.

 

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