Stroke Council Message from the Chair

Cheryl Bushnell, MD, MHS, FAHA

The Stroke Councilof the American Heart Association is dedicated to the advancement of stroke care through scientific engagement, research, and education. I am truly honored to serve as Chair of the Stroke Council from July 2025 to June 2027. I find caring for stroke patients incredibly rewarding because I can witness the entire spectrum of care—from telestroke, hyperacute care, hospital care, and transitional care to home/rehabilitation and long-term prevention and recovery. I have been involved in stroke research since I was a neurology resident and have been a member of the AHA since 1999 when I started stroke fellowship training. Being involved with the AHA/ASA as a professional member and a Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA) has been instrumental in my academic career.

The Stroke Council is comprised of a multidisciplinary and diverse group of members striving towards improving acute stroke treatment, prevention, and recovery, and its impacts more broadly on brain health. The core activities of the Stroke Council focus on identifying, promoting, and supporting the best science in the field of stroke. The most impactful new stroke science is featured annually at the International Stroke Conference, a venue for the latest in both basic and clinical research, as well as a forum for professional education and networking.

The Science committees of the Stroke Council contribute to educational content and support the commissioning of the globally influential AHA/ASA Stroke Guidelines and Scientific Statements. These serve as guides to optimal clinical care based on the best available scientific evidence and identify gaps in knowledge for future research, which are disseminated to the healthcare community through the high-impact AHA/ASA Stroke journal.

The Stroke Council thrives from the contributions of our members and is especially invested in the support and career development of early career colleagues, with the involvement of fellows-in-training and early career members in our scientific meetings, science sub-committees, and scientific statements, in conjunction with travel awards and grants to encourage and reward engagement. Council members contribute to advocacy initiatives and help to shape priorities for research funding.

Membership and active involvement with the council offer the opportunity not only for advancing stroke-related patient care but also for lifelong career development and professional fulfillment. I encourage you to join the Stroke Council and invite you to get involved as a volunteer so you can see all the benefits for yourself!

Sincerely,

Cheryl Bushnell, MD, MHS, FAHA
Chair, Stroke Council