This post was authored by Daniel José Piñeiro, MD, FACC, chair of the ACC Assembly of International Governors.

Cardiovascular disease is a global health issue that affects countries and communities around the world in myriad ways. As such, international viewpoints and experience are critical to the advancement of cardiovascular medicine everywhere. To this end, the College is continually working to expand its international reach. ACC’s 52,000-strong membership includes nearly 15,000 international members whose innovation and ingenuity make invaluable contributions to the College’s mission.

Nowhere is the importance of ACC’s international presence more evident than at the Annual Scientific Session. Last year during ACC.15, 40 percent of the attendees were international participants and we are continuing this trend this year as well. The International Perspectives Program at ACC.16 will provide a wide range of opportunities to learn more about cardiovascular disease concerns in other parts of the world and how cardiovascular professionals in those regions cope with those concerns. More than 18 sessions with representatives from 36 countries will offer insights into the latest research, as well as best practices and challenges associated with treating cardiovascular patients around the world. The International Perspectives Program will touch on each of ACC.16’s learning pathways.  

Leaders in cardiology will gather prior to the official start of ACC.16 to discuss important cardiovascular issues, during two special international conferences: 8th Annual Cardiovascular Conference on the Middle East and Emerging World Healthcare Systems– Lessons Learned and Challenges Ahead. Both sessions will take place on Friday, April 1. The Cardiovascular Conference on the Middle East will explore the topics of congenital heart disease, aortic stenosis and transcatheter aortic valve replacement, as well as how they apply to physician practices in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the “Emerging World Healthcare Systems” sessions will deep dive into the topics of valvular heart disease, heart failure, the economic burden of cardiovascular disease and the impact on some of the world’s fastest growing nations.

Multiple joint international society programs will be featured throughout ACC.16, including the joint ESC/ACC Symposium on Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Diseases, the Annual ACC China Chapter Session and the joint ACC Symposium with the Chinese Society of Cardiology. The 15th Annual Maseri-Florio International Lecture featuring Jagat Narula, MD, PhD, MACC, will take place on Sunday, April 3. During the session, Narula will discuss atherosclerosis in 4-Dimensions and ways to promote cardiovascular health globally.

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the number one cause of death in the world and we must fight it in a smarter, more effective way. Nearly every ACC.16 attendee has something to gain from this year’s international sessions as they provide an opportunity to learn more about cardiovascular disease concerns in other parts of the world and ways to improve patient care worldwide.

Search the ACC.16 App for additional International Sessions, and for the most up-to-date times and locations. Be sure to follow @ACCCardioEd on Twitter and use the hashtag #ACC16 to join the conversation.

 

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