American College of Cardiology

American College of Cardiology
source
Name	American College of Cardiology
Founded	0 1949
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Key people	B. Hadley Wilson (President)
Focus	Cardiology, Cardiovascular medicine
Website	acc.org

American College of Cardiology. The American College of Cardiology is a leading professional society dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health. With over 56,000 members worldwide, it provides comprehensive education, advocates for cardiovascular professionals and patients, and sets clinical standards through evidence-based guidelines. The organization's mission centers on advancing a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes.

History

The organization was founded in 1949 in Boston by a group of 15 cardiologists, including Dr. Franz M. Groedel and Dr. Burt L. Davis, who sought to improve the quality of cardiovascular care through advanced education. Its early growth paralleled major advances in the field, such as the development of cardiac catheterization and open-heart surgery. In 1977, it established its permanent headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, before later moving to Washington, D.C. in 2013 to enhance its advocacy and policy influence. Key historical milestones include the launch of its flagship journal, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, in 1983 and its pivotal role in founding the American Heart Association's joint guideline programs.

Organization and governance

The organization is governed by a Board of Trustees, which includes elected officers such as the President, a position held by leaders like Dr. B. Hadley Wilson and past presidents including Dr. Athena Poppas. Its membership is divided into several councils representing subspecialties like interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and heart failure. Key operational divisions focus on education, science, and advocacy, with staff working alongside member-led committees. The American College of Cardiology Foundation serves as its charitable and educational arm, managing major registries like the National Cardiovascular Data Registry.

Publications and guidelines

The organization publishes several leading peer-reviewed journals, most notably the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), along with specialty journals such as JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions and JACC: Heart Failure. It is renowned for developing influential clinical practice guidelines and expert consensus documents in collaboration with the American Heart Association, covering conditions like hypertension, heart failure, and valvular heart disease. These documents are foundational to cardiovascular care globally and are regularly updated by committees of experts from institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic.

Educational programs and meetings

Its premier annual scientific session, ACC.24 (held in Atlanta), attracts tens of thousands of attendees from around the world for the latest research and education. The organization also hosts specialized conferences like the Care of the Athletic Heart symposium and provides extensive online learning through platforms like ACC Anywhere. Educational offerings are designed for all career stages, from cardiovascular fellowship training via the Adult Cardiovascular Medicine Board Review to continuing medical education for practicing clinicians at institutions like Stanford University.

Advocacy and quality initiatives

The organization maintains a strong advocacy presence in Washington, D.C., focusing on federal policy issues affecting cardiovascular research funding, patient access to care, and workforce challenges. It runs major quality improvement programs, such as the Hospital to Home initiative and the Diabetes Collaborative Registry, aimed at improving patient outcomes. Through its National Cardiovascular Data Registry, it collects real-world data to inform performance measures and support initiatives like Surviving Sepsis Campaign partnerships, working closely with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Affiliated organizations

The organization works closely with numerous national and international societies, including the American Heart Association on joint guideline tasks forces and the World Heart Federation on global health initiatives. Its foundation, the American College of Cardiology Foundation, oversees charitable programs and major research registries. It also maintains partnerships with subspecialty societies like the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions and the Heart Rhythm Society, and collaborates with global bodies such as the European Society of Cardiology on international congresses and clinical standards.

Category:Medical and health organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Cardiology organizations Category:Organizations established in 1949