Gladys P. Velarde, MD, FACC, FAHA – Vice-Chair

Gladys P. Velarde, MD, FAHA, FACC

Vice-Chair

Dr. Gladys P. Velarde is a professor of medicine and board-certified cardiologist at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville, where she serves as Medical Director of the Women’s Cardiovascular Program. She is nationally recognized for her leadership in women’s cardiovascular health, health equity, and preventive cardiology.

Born in Peru, Dr. Velarde earned her bachelor’s and medical degrees at New York University, followed by residency training at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and cardiology fellowships at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and Boston University. Her early career at the University of Rochester was distinguished by her role as the first woman and minority cardiologist on faculty. There she pioneered one of the earliest women-only cardiometabolic studies, founded the Strong Women’s Heart Health Program, created a Latino health pathway, and launched a longstanding medical school exchange between Rochester and Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Peru.

At the University of Florida, she has built and directed comprehensive clinical and educational programs, including the Women’s Heart Program and the cardiology fellowship training program, and continues to mentor numerous trainees who have gone on to impactful careers across the country. She is a fellow of the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), with leadership roles that include past chair of the ACC Disparities Working Group, elected member of the ACC Women in Cardiology Leadership Council, service on the ACC Diversity and Equity Leadership Committee, and ongoing leadership within the AHA as Vice Chair of the Latino Hispanic Cardiovascular Alliance and Co-Chair of the National Minority Cardiovascular Health Alliance.

Dr. Velarde has authored more than 100 publications and delivered invited presentations nationally and internationally on topics ranging from cardiovascular disease in women and pregnancy-related complications to metabolic syndrome and cardiometabolic health in Hispanic and minority populations. She is co-editor of the textbook Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Women and founder of Prime of Your Life, a community education program dedicated to women’s health across the lifespan.

Her achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including the National Hispanic Medical Association Leadership Award, the AHA Women of Distinction Award, the ACC Florida Chapter Gifted Teacher Award, the Leon Haley Inaugural Leadership Award, the Outstanding Educator Award from UF cardiovascular fellows, the Women of Heart Award from Volunteers in Medicine – Jacksonville, and repeated recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and Top Cardiologist in Jacksonville. A frequent contributor to national media and professional forums, Dr. Velarde continues to champion education, mentorship, and advocacy to advance equity and excellence in cardiovascular care.