An Indiana University School of Medicine faculty member has been selected to lead the nation’s top cardiovascular organization for the next year.
Richard Kovacs, MD, FACC, officially assumed his role as president of the American College of Cardiology on Monday, March 18, 2019, during the ACC’s 68th Annual Scientific Session in New Orleans. Kovacs is the Q.E. and Sally Russell Professor of Cardiology at IU School of Medicine and the cardiology service line leader for IU Health. He also serves as the clinical director of the Krannert Institute of Cardiology.
IU School of Medicine has a strong legacy of leadership with the American College of Cardiology. Kovacs is the seventh faculty member to assume the role of president, following:
- L. Martz
- Charles Fisch
- Borys Surawicz
- Suzanne B. Knoebel
- John F. Williams
- Douglas Zipes
Kovacs has been a member of the ACC for more than 30 years, during which time he has held leadership roles on the organization’s Science and Quality Committee and NCDR Management Board. He later was a chair of the Board of Governors, a member of the Board of Trustees, secretary and vice president.
“It’s been of utmost importance to me to dedicate my time to the mission of the College and its work to propel the field of cardiology forward,” said Kovacs, who will serve a one-year term as president. “I am honored to serve as president and spend the next year leading the ACC in realizing its vision and strategic goals.”