This year, ACC deepened its work to transform cardiovascular for all. From convening industry leaders and partners at Heart House to define solutions that address health equity, to spearheading new educational pathways and programming that empower underrepresented communities in cardiology — ACC is continuing to bring its Mission to life.
Paving the Road to Health Equity For All:
ACC Hosts First Health Equity Summit
In April, ACC convened nearly 100 cardiovascular leaders, health equity advocates, industry partners and stakeholders in Washington, DC, for its first-ever Health Equity Summit. The two-day event engaged participants in discussions around creating tangible solutions for creating a culture of health equity in cardiovascular medicine; prioritizing health equity in all ACC activities; and eliminating disparities by ensuring equitable cardiovascular care for all. The information-sharing conversations and diverse panel discussions were another step toward creating clear, tangible solutions for addressing health equity among patients and in the profession.
WATCH THE Health Equity Summit Video and Take the ACC Health Equity Pledge.
Advancing Learning:
ACC's Health EQUITY HUB
ACC's inaugural Health Equity Hub debuted at ACC.23/WCC, offering a dedicated space for learning, networking and courageous conversations around achieving a culture of health equity for all. The Hub also featured a Virtual Reality Health Equity experience along with a Health Equity Heat Map providing a localized look at the global burden of cardiovascular disease.
Expanding ACC's Internal Medicine Cardiology Programs
ACC expanded the Internal Medicine Cardiology Program in 2023 by introducing its newest cohort: Indigenous Peoples. The newest cohort joins four others – African American, Women, Hispanic/Latinx, and LGBTQ+ – all of which aim to connect individuals traditionally underrepresented in medicine with mentors, peer support and resources to understand career opportunities in cardiology.
Did you know?
The ACC established the Diversity & Inclusion Task Force in 2017, recognizing the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce on improving CV patient outcomes.
ACC Young Scholars: Inspiring the Next Generation
ACC's Young Scholars program continues to provide promising young students with an introduction to the field of cardiology with the goal of strengthening the workforce of the future. In 2023, the College welcomed 247 high school and college students as part of our Young Scholars program —76% of them from groups underrepresented in medicine!
A record 116 Young Scholars attended ACC.23/WCC in New Orleans, getting a chance to experience the science, networking and energy of an Annual Scientific Session.
ACC Young Scholars once again convened upon Heart House for a deep dive into careers in cardiology. Participants connected with mentors and learned practical, hands-on skills like CPR/AED and point-of-care ultrasound training.
The generosity of donors to the ACC Foundation makes these programs possible. Click here to learn more about the programs and how you can make an impact!