The ACC has named Richard "Dick" J. Kovacs, MD, MACC, as its Chief Medical Adviser (CMA)/Chief Medical Officer (CMO) – a role in which he will work with physician leadership and staff to provide clinical advice in fulfilling the College's Mission of transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health. Kovacs is a past president of the College and has been an ACC member for over 30 years.

"Dick has been an exemplary leader in the College throughout his tenure as an ACC member, leading not only at the highest roles, but also in various committees and task forces ranging from finance to science and quality," said ACC CEO Cathleen C. Gates. "His history of leadership in medicine and his breadth of experience throughout the different areas of the College make him a perfect fit to serve as CMA/CMO and bring his clinical expertise and knowledge to the ACC staff."

In his role as CMA/CMO, Kovacs will counsel ACC staff on emerging clinical issues and help assess complex medical and scientific data. As a member of the senior executive staff, he will also work closely with partner cardiovascular societies, medical specialty organizations and external collaborators, including regulatory and governmental agencies, payers, and credentialing and licensing organizations.

"I've devoted a large portion of my professional career to volunteer member service to the ACC to help advance the Mission and propel the field of cardiology forward," said Kovacs. "I'm honored to expand my involvement as ACC Chief Medical Adviser and Chief Medical Officer and more closely work with the College staff and physician leaders to transform cardiovascular care on a global scale."

Kovacs is the Q.E. and Sally Russell Professor of Cardiology at Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine and served as the cardiology service line leader of IU Health Physicians. He also served as the clinical director of the Krannert Institute of Cardiology.

Kovacs received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine and completed an internship and residency at IU Medical Center. His fellowship training was also at IU, where he served as chief fellow and chief medical resident. He joined the IU School of Medicine in 1986 as an assistant professor, subsequently serving as the medical director and CEO of Methodist Research Institute. He then worked as a senior clinical research physician at the Lilly Research Laboratories of Eli Lilly and Company. Kovacs returned to the IU School of Medicine faculty in 2003 and has since served as the associate dean for Clinical Research and associate director of the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute.

Kovacs will begin his role as CMA/CMO in November.

Keywords: Internship and Residency, Physician Executives, Leadership, Medicine, Cardiology

< Back to Listings