The first focused update, published in May 2016, introduced guidance on new pharmacological therapies for patients in Stage C heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. This second part incorporates the guidance from part one, and includes a new figure that puts new heart failure pharmacotherapies in context with previous therapies. In addition, the guideline includes a revision to the sections on biomarkers, including recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and prevention or added risk stratification of heart failure; updates on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; new data on important comorbidities including sleep apnea, anemia and hypertension; and new insights regarding prevention. Read more on ACC.org.

<<< Return to top

Recommendations to encourage informed imaging to achieve appropriate study quality at the lowest achievable radiation dose were published May 7 in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging. The position statement, created by the Image Gently Alliance, was endorsed by the ACC.

<<< Return to top

Each Trustee will serve up to a three-year term. The vice president serves a one-year term, and is thereafter eligible to assume the position of the president. To serve as vice president, an individual must have first served at least one term on the Board of Trustees.

<<< Return to top

Hirsch graduated from Harvard University in 1976 and earned his medical degree at the University of California, San Francisco. He completed fellowships at Beth Israel Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. At the University of Minnesota, he was a professor of medicine and director of the Vascular Medicine Program at the Lillehei Heart Institute.

“Dr. Hirsch was a highly-regarded and accomplished clinician investigator focused on improving outcomes for patients suffering from a variety of vascular diseases,” write Gregory Piazza, MD, MS, FACC, chair of ACC Peripheral Vascular Disease Section, and Herbert D. Aronow, MD, MPH, FACC, immediate past chair of the PVD Section, in an ACC.org piece. “Perhaps best known for his tireless passion and determination, Dr. Hirsch was a master clinician to his patients, committed advocate to the vascular medicine community, and beloved mentor to countless junior colleagues, trainees, and students. … As we remember Dr. Hirsch and carry on his legacy, we will continue to be inspired by the example that he set for us all as clinicians, investigators, advocates, and educators.”

<<< Return to top

A. Allen Seals, MD, FACC

Mark Hertling

“In the U.S. military – like in medicine – life or death scenarios are often presented,” they write. “Similarly, in the military as it is in medicine, it is a requirement of leaders to bring a group of differentially skilled individuals together as a high-performing team to succeed in a mission.”

Seals and Hertling focus on the characteristics of an effective leader, noting that “effective leaders must first understand themselves and understand those around them.” Next, they suggest that effective leaders need to master being both a strong team builder and a strong team player. “The military uses 7 characteristics to define effective teams: trust, standards, accountability, confidence, teamwork, challenge, and rewards,” they write. “In a similar manner, a physician leader must understand how these characteristics contribute to high-performing teams, and then embrace the responsibilities inherent in each of these areas.”

Outside of leadership characteristics, Seals and Hertling also note the importance of organizational competencies. “As the ACC continues its charge to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health, a strong foundation of leaders is critical to help the College accomplish its mission and to provide value to its members as they grow and become more effective, empowered leaders,” they write.

<<< Return to top

He discusses the two types of cardiovascular outreach: 1) the general medical mission trip; and 2) a structured, collaborative, educational program connecting institutions. Wilson encourages those looking for a professional challenge, leadership or growth opportunity to sign up for an outreach trip and enjoy the journey. “Remember that by helping to save one life, you validate the ripple effect and prove that we can all be cardiologists without borders,” he writes. Read more at OnlineJACC.org.

<<< Return to top