Contact: Beth Casteel, bcasteel@acc.org, 202-375-6275

CHICAGO (March 26, 2012) — The American College of Cardiology (ACC) today elected William Zoghbi, MD, FACC as president for 2012 at its 61st Annual Scientific Session.

Dr. Zoghbi, a Houston-based cardiologist, is the William L. Winters Endowed Chair of Cardiovascular Imaging at the Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center and director of the Cardiovascular Imaging Institute at The Methodist Hospital in Houston. 

As a leader in the field of cardiology, Dr. Zoghbi has developed new techniques to evaluate valvular disorders and cardiac function; improved the non-invasive evaluation of diastolic function with Doppler; and refined the use of stress and contrast echocardiography for detecting ischemic heart disease. He is also known for his research on myocardial hibernation and his development of 3-D technologies to evaluate valvular dynamics and measure valvular regurgitation.

“I’m honored by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me to lead the ACC,” said Dr. Zoghbi. “As ACC president, I want to continue placing an emphasis on science and quality. I believe one way to do that is to build stronger partnerships between doctors and their patients so that patients become more engaged and educated consumers of health care.”

Dr. Zoghbi plans to work to continue to improve patients’ health literacy through resources such as the ACC’s CardioSmart.org, a website that shares information with consumers about preventative measures and heart and vascular disease treatment options. During his term, he also plans to create and improve existing research and educational programs for scientists, assistants, fellows and students; actively increase the ACC’s involvement in shaping health care policy; and enhance communication between national and international ACC chapters.

Dr. Zoghbi has a long history of involvement with the ACC. In 2000, he served as chair of the ACC’s annual scientific session. He has served on the College’s board of trustees since 2001, when he served as ACC treasurer. He was elected ACC vice president in 2010 and served as president-elect throughout 2011. He currently serves as associate editor of JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging. 

He has authored more than 200 original publications and has been invited to lecture on his work at every major cardiology conference around the globe.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Dr. Zoghbi earned a degree in biology and chemistry from American University of Beirut. He completed medical school in the U.S. before entering his residency in internal medicine and cardiology at Baylor University, where he joined the faculty in 1985.

About the American College of Cardiology
The American College of Cardiology (www.cardiosource.org) is a 40,000-member nonprofit medical society comprised of physicians, surgeons, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists and practice managers. The College transforms cardiovascular care and improves heart health as it supports and advocates for quality improvement, patient-centered care, payment innovation and professionalism. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular specialists who meet its stringent qualifications and leads the formulation of health policy, standards and guidelines. It provides professional education, supports and disseminates cardiovascular research, and operates national registries to measure and promote quality.

The ACC’s Annual Scientific Session brings together cardiologists and cardiovascular specialists from around the world each year to share the newest discoveries in treatment and prevention.

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