July 2016


www.hamptonroadsmessenger.com


The Hampton Roads Messenger 3


Association of Black Cardiologists announces new president and chairman


The Association


of Black Cardiologists (ABC), an inclusive organization dedicated to eliminating disparities in cardiovascular diseases, has elected Felix Sogade, MD as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Barbara Hutchinson, MD, PhD as President.


“We are very excited


to welcome Dr. Sogade and Dr. Hutchinson to their


new leadership


roles,” said Malcolm Taylor, MD, chairman of the Nominating Committee. “Their outstanding contributions to ABC across many sectors and proven leadership and business experiences will serve our organization well as we embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.”


Dr. Sogade currently serves


as the CEO/President of Georgia Arrhythmia Consultants and Research


He is ABIM board certified in clinical cardiac electrophysiol- ogy and cardiovascular diseases


Institute(GACRI). ABC President Barbara Hutchinson, MD, PhD


and has provided services to the mid-Georgia area for more than nineteen years. In addition, he serves as Associate Professor of Medicine at Mercer University.


“ABC as an organization


and its constituent members have played a tremendous role in my personal career development,” comments Dr. Sogade. “21 years ago I was awarded the very first ABC fellowship to continue my training in Cardiac Electro- physiology at Duke University.


I am honored today to serve as chairman of the board and shall continue to remain appreciative for this opportunity. This depth of gratitude makes commitment and determination to ensure success of this organization unfaltering.”


Dr. Hutchinson is the managing


partner of Chesapeake Cardiac Care, P.A., a cardiology practice in Annapolis, Maryland. She is board certified in both cardiovascular disease and sleep medicine as well as a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC). Dr. Hutchinson is an instructor in the Department of Internal Medicine at University of Maryland Hospital and a noted international speaker.


“I am thrilled to accept the


Board and membership appointment as President,” remarked Dr. Hutchinson. “The organization is at an exciting place in its 42 year history and I look forward to advancing its mission through the collaborative efforts of our board, our membership and staff. We want to build on the successes we have achieved thus far in education, research and advocacy while cultivating expansive progress in


eliminating disparities. As an organization, we are strongly positioned to deliver reliable solutions to achieving health equity and diversity strategies (workforce, clinical trials) through high quality partnerships.”


ABC also elected new board


members Aaron Horne, Jr., MD, MBA; Onyedika Ilonze, MD, MPH; Heather Kinder; Wilma McGee, RN; Cheryl Pegus, MD; and Chima Nwaukwa, MD. Returning members and new officers include Andre Artis, MD, Mahfouz El Shahawy, MD (Secretary), Mark Thompson (Treasurer); and Michael Weamer, CAE. New officers were inducted earlier last month at ABC’s General Membership Dinner held during the American College of Cardiology’s Scientific Sessions in Chicago.


The ABC Board of


Directors comprises a wide range of experience in various fields, including healthcare, organizational


management


and capacity building. To learn more, visit www.abcardio.org/ boardmembers.php.


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