After a whirlwind year that included a CEO search, the end of one Strategic Plan and the development of a new one, countless plane and train trips to visit cardiovascular professionals in states, countries and regions around the world, and, of course, treating patients in his hometown of Lynchburg, VA, ACC President C. Michael Valentine, MD, FACC, is preparing to pass the proverbial "torch" to incoming President Richard J. Kovacs, MD, FACC, during tomorrow night's Convocation Ceremony.

ACC.19 Daily asked Valentine about some of the highlights of his year as president.

What are you most proud of over the last year?

The incredible vision and courage of the ACC Board of Trustees (BOT). They began the year by building a new Vision and Core Values to guide the College moving forward. They continued by developing several key strategies, including to identify and more fully develop benefits for institutions; transform relationships with ACC's partner cardiovascular societies; and promote and leverage the tremendous growth in international membership. The fact that we have made great strides in all three of these areas in the past year is something of which I am very proud.

Our recent acquisition of MedAxiom, a cardiovascular services and consulting firm and now an ACC company, greatly expands the College's offerings for the entire cardiovascular team. We can now supply services and education in non-clinical domains such as interpersonal and organizational leadership, strategic design, operational and performance management, and improvement and technological infrastructure.

We have also made significant headway with our efforts to engage subspecialty society partners around advocacy and other areas where our combined voices can have a true impact on the profession. Our new Self-Assessment Products – ACCSAP, CathSAP and EP SAP, are a direct result of teamwork and collaboration with Heart Rhythm Society, Heart Failure Society of America and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions.

Last, but certainly not least, the BOT has approved an enhanced global strategy that will harness the strengths of our members and chapters on the ground in countries and regions around the world.

What are some of your most memorable moments?

Introducing ACC's new CEO Tim Attebery, DSc, MBA, FACHE, to staff and the College was one highlight. More recently, I had the privilege of spending a day with Sir Magdi H. Yacoub, MD, BCH, FACC, a renowned cardiovascular surgeon and icon in the cardiovascular field.

Yacoub was raised in Egypt but practiced in England for over 40 years. While he could be retired in the luxury of the English countryside, he instead returned to Egypt nine years ago and started the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation – one of the most impressive cardiovascular centers in the world. There is no charge to patients who can't afford to pay – and it has engaged the entire city and nation.

Any advice for the year ahead?

The College is in a great position. We have a new global Vision and Core Values to guide us. A new Strategic Plan with clear goals that we must – and will – achieve. We also have fantastic leadership in our boards, committees, chapters and sections. I could not think of a better person to lead the College on the road to 75 than Dick Kovacs.

I look forward to ACC.23, when we can realize our vision of a world where innovation and knowledge truly optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes.

Keywords: ACC Publications, ACC Scientific Session Newspaper, ACC Annual Scientific Session, ACC19

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