Contact: Nicole Napoli, nnapoli@acc.org, 202-375-6523

WASHINGTON (Jan 29, 2019) -

John Gordon Harold, MD, MACC, American College of Cardiology Past President and Editor-in-Chief of Cardiology—ACC’s flagship member magazine, has been selected to participate in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC) hosted by the secretary of defense. The JCOC program is the oldest and most prestigious public outreach program in the Department of Defense.

As a JCOC participant, Harold will spend April 14-17, 2019, at the Pentagon and military medical installations, engaging with senior military officials and U.S. service members. In addition to engaging with his military peers, Harold will gain a better understanding of the roles and mission of the U.S. Armed Forces, including their skills, capabilities and equipment employed in defense of our nation.

“I thank and honor all who have served in armed services, including those serving in the Veteran’s Administration (VA) system,” Harold said. “It’s important that we keep in mind that the U.S. health care system as a whole—Including all cardiovascular clinicians and the ACC as an organization—shares the responsibility, and honor, of providing high-quality care for our veterans and those providing active military service.”

The objective of the JCOC public liaison program is to:

• Educate and inform participants about the strength and readiness of the U.S. Armed Forces through personal observation of Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard operations.
• Provide a better understanding of the rewards and challenges of military service.
• Provide the American public opportunities to obtain a better understanding of national defense policies and programs through the eyes of JCOC participants who have spent time with their military.

“The American College of Cardiology has long recognized the important role military physicians and the VA play in cardiovascular care and in recent years has moved to further strengthen the role of its military members in college-wide activities,” said ACC CEO Timothy Attebery, DSc, MBA, FACHE. “We are excited that Dr. Harold has been selected to participate in the JCOC program and will be able to bring valuable feedback to our members regarding the critical role that military medicine plays in the United States.”

The College has several military physicians who have previously served or are currently serving within its leadership, including on its Board of Governors and other national ACC committees. Also, multiple Fellows of the College are working in the VA system. The ACC Federal Cardiology Member Section and Leadership Council is the home for cardiac professionals working in the VA, Department of Defense or Public Health Service within the ACC, advocating for and advancing the priorities of interest to the community.

The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its more than 52,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org.

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