Mary Norine Walsh, MD, FACC, president-elect of the ACC, will take on the role of president during tonight’s Convocation Ceremony to close out ACC.17. Walsh currently serves as the medical director of the heart failure and cardiac transplantation programs and director of nuclear cardiology at St. Vincent Heart Center in Indianapolis, IN. Additionally, she is program director of the St. Vincent Advanced Heart Failure and Transplantation Fellowship.

As president of the ACC, Walsh plans to focus on a few primary areas – in addition to and in concert with the College’s Strategic Plan and priorities. With the health care environment in a constant state of flux, and as it moves from a volume-driven to a value-driven environment, Walsh says that equipping members to most effectively and efficiently function – and thrive – is critical. She adds that the ACC is in a prime position to provide help in this area. “Team-based care has been a passion of mine in my own practice and the College will continue to have a focus on this in the next few years to come. Working in teams will allow us to better serve patients.”

"Team-based care has been a passion of mine in my own practice and the College will continue to have a focus on this in the next few years to come. Working in teams will allow us to better serve patients."

Walsh says another goal throughout her presidential year is to engage more members in ACC’s advocacy efforts. “We need to make our voices heard on Capitol Hill and at our state houses by advocating for patient access, quality care and even public health issues that result in a decrease in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality,” she says. “Being an advocacy leader can be a goal for all of our members and I hope to help foster that leadership.”

Walsh notes that one of the biggest challenges facing the field of cardiology is the ability of the profession to adapt to the rapidly-changing landscape of cardiology and patient care. Additionally, Walsh notes that fellows will need to remain aware of changing market forces as they choose their preferred practice setting and sub-specialty.

As the third female president in ACC’s nearly 70-year history, Walsh points out that another challenge in cardiology is the continued underrepresentation of women. “Although nearly half of all internal medicine residents are women, only slightly over 20 percent of cardiology fellows are women,” says Walsh. “Our field is missing out on many talented women who are choosing other fields.”

"Although nearly half of all internal medicine residents are women, only slightly over 20 percent of cardiology fellows are women. Our field is missing out on many talented women who are choosing other fields.”

Fortunately, the ACC has engaged members working to meet these challenges head on. Walsh notes that the College’s Academic and Cardiovascular Training Sections are well-versed in the needs of Fellows in Training (FITs) and issues involving graduate medical education, and our FITs are a very engaged group.

Walsh’s engagement with the ACC began decades ago and now, after participating in many leadership roles along the way, she steps into the role as ACC’s president for 2017 – 2018 with gratitude, humility and passion. “To succeed the many gifted leaders who are past presidents of the College is truly a dream come true for me,” says Walsh. “I am so inspired by the dedication of so many of our staff and members who contribute their talents to make our organization better. It is truly my honor to take the helm and lead this year.”

Walsh speaking during ACC.17 Walsh with her two children, Gil and Hanna, and husband Bob. In her free time and to stay fit, Walsh is an avid runner.

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