The increasing need for cardiovascular clinicians to be equipped with the business know-how to navigate the rapidly evolving practice landscape is the focus of the Business of Cardiology Intensive Sessions at ACC.24. Kicking off today's Business of Cardiology Intensive Session IV, Gerald Blackwell, MD, MBA, FACC, president and CEO of MedAxiom, will deliver the Louis F. Bishop Keynote, touching on the future of value-based care and the growing role of private equity in the field of cardiology.

According to Blackwell, advancing value-based care will require cardiovascular professionals to embrace new technologies and methodologies while maintaining their commitment to medical professionalism. "Clinical care, while essential, is just the tip of the iceberg," he says. "We must broaden our focus to include nonclinical competencies that are vital in today's health care environment."

The development of a precise nomenclature when discussing concepts such as quality, value and cost – historically nebulous topics, will also be important, he says. When clinicians can adopt a nuanced understanding of these terms, they are better able to navigate the complex interplay between medicine, economics and politics in both the present and the future.

Blackwell says the topics being explored across the Business of Cardiology Intensive are much needed for practitioners trying to adapt to the rapid scientific and technological industrialization taking place across the field of cardiology.

"We can no longer afford to overlook economic and political dimensions relevant to our profession," he says. "Without a strong understanding of the financial implications of clinical decisions and the significance of advocacy, even the most groundbreaking scientific advancements will struggle to reach those in need."

Presentations during today's Business of Cardiology Intensive Session III will explore the sustainability of the system, dissecting issues like working toward an "ideal" compensation model, evaluating organizational structure, addressing care disparities and exploring how consumerism can affect cardiology. More hot topics in the Business of Cardiology Intensive Session IV include the importance of advocacy, the future of invasive cardiology, and electronic medical record solutions and technology improvements.

"What the ACC has done with this series is commendable," says Blackwell. "Never before have we seen such a comprehensive exposure to the business side of cardiology within the confines of a scientific meeting. This underscores ACC's commitment to bridging the gap between clinical practice and business strategy."

Dive Deeper Into the Business of Cardiology

Five years ago, the ACC acquired MedAxiom, the premier destination for cardiovascular organizational performance solutions, to create one professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team.

Visit booth #3045 to meet MedAxiom experts and explore additional business of cardiology resources.

The Louis F. Bishop Keynote will kick off the Business of Cardiology Intensive Session IV, taking place today from 9:45 – 11 a.m. in Murphy Ballroom 4.

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