The American Heart Association (AHA), American College of Cardiology (ACC), Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA), Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) joined forces in 2023 to propose the creation of a new medical board completely independent of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). Now, the groups are one step closer to making their vision a reality and officially launching the Board of Cardiovascular Medicine.
The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) announced the beginning of a 90-day open comment period to help its members consider the proposal. Physicians, patients, public figures and any stakeholders with an opinion have until July 24 to have their voices heard. Details on how to leave a comment can be found on the ABMS website.
“The open comment period is the time for cardiovascular physicians, allies in other medical specialties, patients, and others to make their voices heard on why an independent cardiovascular board is the best path for cardiologists to stay up-to-date on best practices and evidence-based care, ensuring patients receive the best possible care,” Jeffrey Kuvin, MD, senior vice president of cardiology and chair of cardiology for North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center, said in a statement. “The field of cardiovascular medicine has evolved dramatically over the past few decades; now is the right time to develop an independent cardiovascular board.”
Meet the Board of Cardiovascular Medicine Board of Directors
Leaders from the proposed Board of Cardiovascular Medicine also announced its very first board of directors. Kuvin, a fellow of the ACC and AHA, will serve as president. The full list of initial directors includes, in alphabetical order:
- Mark H. Drazner, MD (Treasurer)
- Peter L. Duffy, MD
- David P. Faxon, MD
- Edward T. A. Fry, MD
- Judith S. Hochman, MD
- Jodie L. Hurwitz, MD (Secretary)
- Michelle Maya Kittleson, MD
- Daniel M. Kolansky, MD
- Jeffrey T. Kuvin, MD (President)
- Gregory F. Michaud, MD
Group pledge to ‘transform the future of cardiovascular medicine’
On April 1, the AHA, ACC, HFSA, HRS and SCAI collaborated on a joint statement designed to illustrate why they support the creation of a brand new medical board focused exclusively on cardiovascular health.
Click here to read the full statement in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.[1] The text was simultaneously published in Heart Rhythm, the Journal of Cardiac Failure, the Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions and Circulation.
“At the end of the day, achieving and maintaining proficiency in clinical cardiovascular knowledge and skills are essential for delivering suitable and valuable healthcare, constituting a core aspect of our ethical and professional obligations to our patients,” the groups wrote, adding that “now is the opportune time for the ‘house of cardiology’ to unite and transform the future of cardiovascular medicine.”
For additional context, click here for an interview B. Hadley Wilson, MD, did with Cardiovascular Business about this topic in September 2023. Wilson, an interventional cardiologist with Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, was the ACC’s president at the time of the interview.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.