In 2025, ACC Chapters across the U.S. demonstrated the power of grassroots leadership in advancing cardiovascular care. Through record-breaking educational meetings, landmark advocacy victories, innovative equity initiatives, and expanded professional development, Chapters strengthened ACC's role as the professional home for cardiovascular clinicians while delivering measurable impact for patients and communities. Collectively, these accomplishments aligned squarely with ACC's strategic pillars of relevance, actionable knowledge, equity and value and sustainable growth.

Strengthening ACC as the Professional Home

Chapters in 2025 prioritized connection, inclusion and professional identity, bringing members together across geography, discipline and career stage. Annual meetings continue to serve as primary forums for building and sustaining state and/or regional networks, with many reaching record attendance and renewed energy. Chapters in Georgia, Texas, Washington, Puerto Rico, Nebraska, West Virginia, and Wisconsin reported their largest or most successful meetings to date, reflecting local demand for in-person engagement and high-quality education.

Several Chapters reimagined how they convene members. Iowa rotated its annual meeting to a third geographic location in three years to broaden access, while South Dakota launched its first-ever state chapter meeting, laying a foundation for future growth. Puerto Rico transformed its scientific meeting through immersive, case-based learning and advanced audiovisual design, drawing nearly 300 participants and positioning the chapter as the island's leading cardiovascular professional home.

Chapters also expanded affinity-based engagement. Women in Cardiology (WIC) and Fellows in Training (FIT) programming flourished, from Rhode Island's WIC mentorship reception to Ohio's innovative "Recruiting Tomorrow's Female Cardiologists" event, which introduced students and residents to cardiology through hands-on experiences and mentorship. Michigan's Division Chiefs Open Forum created a new statewide platform for physician leaders to collaborate on shared challenges, reinforcing the chapter's convening role at the system level.

Delivering Actionable Knowledge and Education

Education, outside of annual meetings, was also a cornerstone of Chapter activity in 2025, with a clear emphasis on accessibility, innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration. Alabama launched a free monthly virtual CME series, extending education beyond its traditional in-person meetings and bringing section-focused expertise directly to members statewide. Florida leveraged its electrophysiology leadership to host virtual grand rounds that attracted more than 100 participants per session, while Connecticut's new CIED (Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device) education section combined in-person symposia with monthly journal clubs and case conferences—also driving membership growth.

Many Chapters expanded hands-on and specialty education. California's inaugural "CAL Shock" symposium united multidisciplinary teams to improve cardiogenic shock care, while Kansas debuted a FIT Imaging Bootcamp alongside its cardiovascular symposium. Washington hosted its first Technology Summit, convening cardiologists with leaders from Google, Microsoft, NASA, and digital health startups to explore artificial intelligence and clinical innovation—an example of Chapters shaping the future of care delivery.

International and cross-regional collaboration also enriched educational offerings. Maryland completed the first cohort of its Developing International Leadership Program with the German Cardiac Society, and Virginia deepened its partnership with the British Cardiovascular Society through leadership training, joint scientific sessions, and early-career exchanges.

Advancing Quality, Equity, and Value in Cardiovascular Care

Chapters made significant strides in advancing equitable, high-value care through targeted programs and community-focused initiatives. Alaska expanded hands-only CPR training to Arctic communities through a Health Equity Committee partnership, while North Carolina funded a project to expand echocardiography access for underserved populations. Tennessee and Hawaii secured grants to improve peripheral artery disease education and congenital heart disease care pathways, respectively.

Public-facing education also gained momentum. Kentucky's WIC-led social media campaign amplified women's heart health messages throughout American Heart Month, and Washington, DC, hosted hands-on nutrition and cooking classes for cardiovascular fellows, reinforcing lifestyle medicine as a core competency.

Advocacy Wins With Statewide Impact

State-level advocacy was a defining success of 2025. Illinois secured landmark legislation mandating insurance coverage for peripheral artery disease screening, while Indiana celebrated the passage of a significant tobacco tax increase and elimination of physician non-compete clauses. Nevada advanced its "Smart Heart Law," strengthening AED access and emergency preparedness in schools and athletic settings.

Chapters such as Massachusetts, South Carolina, New Jersey, Oregon, and Wisconsin demonstrated strong grassroots engagement through legislative conferences, lobby days, and practice visits—positioning ACC Chapters as trusted, evidence-based voices for cardiovascular policy.

Sustaining and Growing the Organization

Investment in long-term sustainability through leadership development, financial stewardship, and expanded programming were also at the heart of Chapter accomplishments in the last year. Louisiana launched a new grant funding program to support trainees and community initiatives, while Montana successfully navigated a leadership transition. Chapters like Missouri and Minnesota strengthened ongoing engagement through newsletters, journal clubs, and section development, ensuring continuity beyond flagship events.

Taken together, ACC Chapters in 2025 exemplified the impact of local leadership aligned with national strategy, continuing to advance education, equity, advocacy and community in service of better cardiovascular care for all. Looking ahead to 2026, ACC Chapters will continue to play a vital role as laboratories for action—implementing and testing tangible solutions that strengthen evidence-based care, advocating for policies that protect clinicians and preserve patient access, and translating national strategy into meaningful local impact. As the College advances its Mission, Vision, and major strategic initiatives, Chapters remain essential partners in turning priorities into progress on the ground.

Keywords: Cardiology Magazine, ACC Publications, CM-Apr-2026, Health Equity, ACC Advocacy, Education, Quality of Health Care