The ACC has named Maureen Knechtel, DMSc, PA-C, as the Annual Scientific Session Cardiovascular (CV) Team Lead for ACC.28 and ACC.29. In her new role, she will help guide the development of educational content and programming that highlights the vital contributions of the entire cardiovascular care team and supports interprofessional collaboration across the ACC community.

Knechtel is a PA, educator, author and national speaker who brings more than two decades of experience in cardiovascular medicine and PA education to this role. She practices at Ballad Health Cardiovascular Associates Heart Institute in Kingsport, TN, and focuses on atrial fibrillation management, and serves as an Associate Professor with the Milligan University PA Program. She earned her Doctor of Medical Science degree from the University of Lynchburg and her Master of Physician Assistant degree from Duquesne University.

In addition, she is an active member of ACC's EP Member Section, currently serves as the CV Team Lead for ACC's Cardiac Arrhythmias Work Group and as a consultant and educator with MedAxiom.

"What drew me to this role was the opportunity to help shape programming that reflects team-based cardiovascular care. I look forward to identifying meaningful and innovative ways to incorporate the perspectives and expertise of the entire cardiovascular team throughout ACC.28 and ACC.29, while creating educational experiences that can immediately be put into practice," Knechtel says. "I hope to identify, develop and elevate ideas that encourage collaboration, influence clinical practice and ultimately improve patient outcomes."

Keywords: Leadership, ACC Annual Scientific Session