I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and healthy holiday season. In looking back over the year, here is an overview of what we all accomplished as a Chapter. Let me know how you would like to be involved in 2015!

 

1. ADVOCACY + MEMBER VALUE AND ENGAGEMENT - OPPORTUNITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• The WV-ACC had the largest ever contingency at the ACC Legislative Conference with ten participants, including FITs and CVTeam members. Many were first-time attendees who very much appreciated the experience and plan to encourage colleagues' participation in the future.
• The WV-ACC was pleased to offer six travel stipends to members for attendance at the ACC Legislative Conference.
• Marshall University hosted a legislative visit with Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV).
• Plans are confirmed to host a legislative visit with Senator Jay Rockefeller at Marshall University.
• While legislation for CPR training for high school students was brought forward in the WV Legislature during the 2014 legislative session, it did not pass. Our WV-ACC Council voted to support legislation for high school CPR training when it comes up again in 2015.
• ACCPAC Contributors: 10, Total Receipts: $2,725, Average Contribution/Contributor: $272.50
• The WV-ACC has strong FIT engagement in the Chapter, with two FITs serving on the Council.

2. DATA, INFORMATION & KNOWLEDGE + TRANSFORMATION OF CARE - OPPORTUNITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• AUC training and quality improvement projects have been implemented within our local cardiology fellowship program.  Every cardiovascular medicine fellow is required to perform a quality improvement or patient  safety project.
• The WV-ACC had a presence at the West Virginia State Medical Association meeting in order to network effectively with primary care physicians and raise awareness about cardiovascular initiatives in WV.

3. POPULATION HEALTH - OPPORTUNITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• The Mission Lifeline statewide launch was in 2013. Mission Lifeline has received funding for the State of West Virginia to provide coordinated cardiac care across the state for ST elevation myocardial infarction patients. Since then there have been several statewide meetings to build a successful strategy. The WV-ACC membership has been involved with this initiative.  There has been significant discussions around geographical barriers, financial issues and educational barriers. The WV-ACC will continue to be involved.
•  The Mission Lifeline initiative helped sponsor EKG training for first responders.
• As mentioned in Section 1, the Council voted to support legislation for high school CPR training.
• Dr. Paulette Wehner and Dr. George Linsenmeyer presented the CardioSmart Living with Chest Pain (Chronic Angina) to the community on December 1, 2014, in Huntington, WV.

4. PURPOSEFUL EDUCATION- OPPORTUNITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• The WV-ACC Annual Meeting was held on November 1, 2014, in Charleston, West Virginia.  Dr. Richard Chazal was the keynote speaker, and he delivered a talk about the American College of Cardiology as well as a lecture regarding the new guidelines. There were also talks on novel anticoagulants, running an efficient practice, renal artery stenosis and a Jeopardy-style hemodynamic lightning rounds. The success of the meeting continues to grow. Next year's meeting will be moved to the spring to avoid the many conflicts of the fall.
• The WV-ACC Poster Competition was held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting. Competitors included fellows in training, residents and cardiovascular team members. There were both research and case presentation categories. Cash prizes were awarded. This competition continues to be a highlight of the meeting . It involves internal medicine residents in a fantastic setting to help them network and solidify a pathway to a career in cardiology in West Virginia.
• We held a coding seminar in December 2014.
• The WV-ACC e-newsletter circulates regularly and helps to increase buy-in with ACC and Chapter activities. The Chapter also has a successful Facebook Page and Twitter account to highlight education opportunities.
• We plan to hold a Women in Cardiology event in 2015.

The ACCPAC is the megaphone through which members like us are able to advocate on behalf of the communities we serve to ensure that regardless of the site or style of your practice, the ACC is a driving force in the ongoing healthcare debate. 

 

Many of us would prefer to simply practice medicine and leave the politics out of it but the battle over issues such as medical training, research funding, and the practice and delivery of medicine is urgent and ongoing. As cardiovascular caregivers our first responsibility is to the health and welfare of our patients but we must recognize that this fight exists both in our offices and in the halls of Congress.  Now more than ever the ACC must stand up and make our voices heard to protect our patients and the future of our profession.

 

We are asking you to join your voice with other cardiovascular professionals and make a commitment to get engaged TODAY!  Only 4% of West Virginia members contribute to the PAC, and we need your help to make our voices heard!

 

Joining ACCPAC is quick and easy.  Click here or go to www.accpacweb.org to put your contribution to work immediately.  Simply login with your CardioSource access credentials and click Join the PAC.

 

If you contribute at a level below before Saturday, December 20th, you will receive an Apple gift card via email.  

 

Congress holds the future of cardiology in its hands. It is up to us to shape it.  Join us today and make YOUR voice heard!