Young Hearts Message from the Chair

Antonio G. Cabrera, MD FAHA

It is a great honor to follow in the footsteps of such great leaders. Over the last two years, the American Heart Association Young Hearts council has developed a strategic plan to focus our efforts and provide some directional leadership. 

In that regard, we implemented: 

1. Quarterly meeting with science committee leads and original strategic re-organization committee to increase collaboration.
2. Focused effort to improve diversity and inclusion of sub-committees, speakers for AHA sessions, and opportunities for AHA participation.
3. Discussion on how to improve funding opportunities, increase content at scientific sessions, and increase cross-collaboration with other subcommittees.
4. Improve transparency on processes associated with sessions planning, speaker selection, and award nominations.

The implementation of the strategic plan has produced the following results:

1. Increased Young Hearts content at AHA Scientific Sessions
2. Increased Funding opportunities: Fellowship funding travel, Additional Ventures, Children’s Heart Foundation, Enduring Hearts, AHA-Pediatric Heart Network Scholars
3. Cross Council Collaboration – Workshop on Scientific Statement Preparation, Subcommittee collaboration (Stroke, ClinCards, CVSN)

In 2023 Young Hearts was #1 AHA Council in Scientific Statement Productivity!

With increased engagement, we will continue to develop and expand the Council nationally and Globally.  For this purpose, we need your continued support.  On behalf of the Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in the Young, I would like to invite all new and existing members to work with us on delivering this strategic plan and help us serve our community to improve the lives of patients with congenital and acquired heart disease across the lifespan. Young Hearts Council members play an essential role in shaping public policy and clinical standards through innovative research and continued advocacy.

As the Young Hearts Council chair, I commit to inclusion, diversity and transparency at all levels of our functioning. Dedicating my time an effort to further our community of volunteers, staffers promoting and supporting the science that allows for healthier children and young adults with congenital and acquired heard disease.

Please reach out to our leadership or to me directly.  At the AHA, we want to hear from you to learn and grow together.

Warmly,

 

Antonio G. Cabrera, MD FAHA
Chair, Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in the Young (Young Hearts)