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TRANSCRIPT
O U R M I S S I O N
We believe that good health is the cornerstone of progress. We are firm in our resolve to
make exemplary health care accessible and affordable to all in need, dedicated to lowering
the high rate of cardiovascular disease in minority populations, and committed to
advocacy and diversity. We are guided by high ethics in all transactions and strive for
excellence in our training and skills.
“Children Should Know Their Grandparents So They Will Become GREAT Grandparents!”
7 Steps to a Healthy Heart
● Be Spiritually Active
● Take Charge of Your Blood Pressure
● Control Your Cholesterol
● Track Your Blood Sugar
● Eat Smart and Enjoy Regular Exercise
● Don’t Smoke
● Access Excellent Healthcare and Take Medication as Prescribed
30 Years of Growth3 0 Y E A R S Y O U N G
30 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP
Table of Contents
Raison d’Etre (Why we need the ABC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
ABC History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Message from the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Message from the Chief Executive Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Member of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Employee of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Member Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE
Continuing Education and Professional Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Epidemiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Women’s Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
OTHER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Public Relations and Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Scholarships and Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
ABC Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Capital Campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
ABC Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Financial Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
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The Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. exists as an advocate,catalyst, organizer, coach, cheerleader, motivator, partner, leader,and innovator for programs that will reduce the tremendous car-diovascular disease burden for African Americans. Our goal is toachieve zero disparities in our vulnerability to cardiovascular dis-ease (CVD), access to quality health care and outcomes from treat-ment. Not to be overlooked is our belief that the number ofAfrican American health care providers should be representative ofthe population. In other words, the number of African Americancardiologists should increase six hundred percent.
Most African American men and women are more afraid of cancer(breast and prostate), AIDS and violence than CVD, even thoughCVD is responsible for more deaths in the Black community thanall other diseases combined. In addition, those diagnosed withcancer and diabetes tend to become so preoccupied with address-ing the immediate problem they succumb to CVD because theserisk factors are ignored. While cancer, AIDS and violence are seri-ous problems that plague our community, we should not underes-timate the impact of CVD on our health and well being. Our firstalert of a CVD problem is often our last. Three out of four deathsfrom coronary heart disease occur during the first attack. AfricanAmericans are also more likely to ignore and “tough out” the symp-toms of heart and brain attacks than Whites.
Of particular concern to us is the recognition of the dramaticincrease in obesity in African American women, particularlyteenagers. We live in an era when adult women exercise more thangirls. How about reinstating gym classes? Obesity is approachingepidemic proportions which has led to a 61 percent increase in therate of those diagnosed with diabetes since 1990. Elementary andhigh school students now have immediate access to sodas (sugarwater), doughnuts, candy and potato chips throughout the daybecause school boards are selling their children’s health as a profitmaking entity from vending machines. What are your children eat-ing for lunch? Would you believe a couple of candy bars and sodas?
We must recognize that uncontrolled hypertension and high bloodcholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity, loneliness and isolation,smoking, frustration and stress, (alone or in concert) destroy ourcardiovascular system. Compared to whites, young African Amer-icans have a two times greater risk of ischemic stroke and are morelikely to die from strokes. As many as 30 percent of deaths forhypertensive African American men and 20 percent of deaths in
ABC Raison d’Etre (Why we need the ABC)
hypertensive African American women may be attributable to highblood pressure (HBP). HBP continues to be the number onehealth problem in the Black community with high prevalence andlow rates of effective treatment. More attention should be paid totreatment and particularly to compliance with medical regimen.Compared to whites, Blacks have a 1.3 times greater rate of non-fatal stroke, a 1.8 times greater rate of fatal stroke, a 1.5 timesgreater rate of heart disease death and a 4.2 times greater rate ofend-stage renal disease (ESRD). For these reasons, the ABC con-tinues to educate the African American community on the dev-astating effects of CVD in hopes of dramatically decreasingthese statistics.
The ABC was foundedNovember 18, in Dallas, TX
1974
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ABC History
F O U N D I N G M E M B E R S30 Years of Leadership: In 1974, at the first cardiovascular disease disparities conference, 17 dedicated medical
professionals came together to establish an organization whose mission is to address the disproportionate burden of
cardiovascular disease and inequities in cardiovascular care for African Americans. This organization became the ABC.
For the past 30 years, the ABC has continued to carry the mission and advance the goals of its founders.
Richard Allen Williams, M.D.(Founder)
*Deceased
Boisey O. Barnes, M.D.
Paul T. Batties, M.D.
Walter M. Booker, Sr., Ph.D.*
Kermit R. Brown, M.D.
Charles L. Curry, M.D.
Major Geer, M.D.*
Richard F. Gillum, M.D.
L. Julian Haywood, M.D.
Levi V. Perry, M.D.
Huerta C. Neals, M.D.*
Elijah Saunders, M.D.
Daniel D. Savage, M.D., Ph.D.*
Hannibal E. Howell, M.D.
Paul M. Jackson, M.D.
Edith Irby Jones, M.D.
Alphonzo Jordan, M.D.*
Dr. Richard Allen Williams (1974-84),founder, brought the group together and creat-ed the foundation upon which the organizationhas grown. Among his many contributions tothe ABC, Dr. Williams published the first ABCNewsletter. In his honor, the ABC establishedthe Dr. Richard Allen Williams Scholarship formedical students in 1984.
Dr. Daniel Savage* (1984-86) brought scien-tific rigor, technical innovation, and an appre-ciation for the importance of clinical trials inAfrican Americans.
Dr. Elijah Saunders (1986-88) pioneeredABC’s community health programs beginningin 1979. He hired ABC’s CEO, Dr. WaineKong, in 1986 and they worked as a team todevelop church and barbershop programs.
Dr. Jay Brown* (1988-92) brought a strictnessof structure, discipline, and uncompromisingintegrity and accountability. He also createdthe annual cardiology fellows’ program.
Dr. Augustus Grant (1992-94), recommend-ed installation of a cardiology fellows’ repre-sentative to the Board of Directors, initiatedthe effort to get CME accreditation status, andbegan the regional programs as suggested byDr. Jerome Robinson.
Dr. Paul Douglass (1994-98) served the ABCfor two terms. He brought financial growthand stability to the organization, providedleadership in the healthcare reform effort(including a meeting with first lady HilaryClinton), created Fourth Year Fellowship Pro-grams in Electrophysiology and InterventionalCardiology, and opened the ABC offices indowntown Atlanta. It was during Dr. Douglass’tenure that the ABC Pioneers’ Calendar wasproduced and the ABC expanded its efforts to“honor our heroes and keep our history alive.”
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The Framingham MinorityStudy was initiated by Dr. Daniel D. Savage in conjunction with the ABC
1980
A B C H I S T O R Y C O N T ’ D
The ABC was founded in 1974 out of a need to bring specialfocus and attention to the adverse impact of cardiovascular dis-ease on African Americans. We are an inclusive organization.Membership is open to all who are interested in assuring thatAfrican American children know their grandparents so they willbecome great grandparents. This will only be achieved by effec-tively lowering the high rate of heart disease, diabetes and strokein our community. This can be accomplished with the availabil-ity of culturally competent health care providers, effective andrespectful care, equal access to medical care, and more empha-sis on community based health risk reduction programs. Theseprograms empower people to take responsibility for their ownhealth and produce research that will provide the data for moreappropriate planning and implementation of effective strategies.
The cornerstone of ABC’s activities has been its continuingeducational department, which averages 50 programs per year.Since 1995, the ABC has provided its own CME credits and hasexpanded its services to include print and online activities.Other ABC programs include legislative and member advocacy;scholarships for medical students; fellowships for Cardiologists-In-Training; fourth year fellowships for subspecialty training;community outreach and health promotion; and participationin clinical trials and research. In addition to the numerous serv-ices provided by the ABC, the organization publishes an ABCNewsletter (quarterly); a medical journal, Digest of Urban Cardi-ology (bi-monthly); and an annual calendar; Pioneering AfricanAmericans in Conquest of Heart Disease.
The success of ABC’s programs reflects the commitment of itsmembers, staff and outstanding leadership — individuals whodevote themselves selflessly and tirelessly to the mission of theorganization. This is perhaps best exemplified by presidentswho have provided dedicated leadership, and made an impacton the development of the organization with their passion andpersonalities.
The ABC Newsletterwas first published
1984
The ABC celebrates its 10th Anniversary by sponsoring its First AnnualScientific Sessions in Nassau, Bahamas
1984
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ABC 2004-06 Executive Committee (pictured l to r) Drs. Waine Kong, Chief Executive Officer; Christine Bussey, Secretary; Joseph Quash, Treasurer; Paul Underwood, President; Michelle Albert,Vice President; and Jesse McGee, Board Chairman.
FORMER BOARD CHAIRS
1984-1986 RICHARD ALLEN WILLIAMS, M.D.
1986-1988 DANIEL D. SAVAGE, M.D., PH.D.
1988-1990 ELIJAH SAUNDERS, M.D.
1990-1994 KEITH C. FERDINAND, M.D.
It was during Dr. Frank James’ (1998-2000)tenure that the enormously successful twenty-fifth anniversary celebration featuring Ms.Victoria Rowell, Dr. David Satcher, Congress-man Louis Stokes, Dr. Denton Cooley andDr. Michael DeBakey was organized. He alsopioneered plans for the building of the Interna-tional Library, Research and Conference Center.
Dr. Elizabeth Ofili (2000-02) became the firstfemale president of the ABC. Under her lead-ership, three Centers of Excellence were estab-lished—the Center for Women’s Health, theCenter for Epidemiology and the Center forContinuing Education and Professional Devel-opment. Dr. Ofili brought a worldwide focusto the ABC, strengthening our relationshipwith the World Heart Federation and otherglobal societies. Programs and partnerships inNigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Jamaicawere also developed during her tenure.
Dr. Malcolm Taylor (2002-04) continuedABC’s goal to build its International Library,Research and Conference Center. He alsostrengthened the organization’s relationshipswith pharmaceutical and device companies,government and private entities. Dr. Taylorwas an active and respected voice in “manpow-er in cardiology.” Under his leadership, theABC-Meharry-Vanderbilt Fellowship wasestablished, ensuring the inclusion of oneAfrican American trainee annually. TheDiversity in Cardiology Award was also estab-lished to recognize cardiology training pro-grams that have made significant strides intraining opportunities for aspiring AfricanAmerican cardiologists.
Dr. Paul Underwood (2004-06) becameABC’s tenth president and continues toadvance the mission and goals of the Associa-tion of Black Cardiologists, Inc. A remarkablepacesetter, Dr. Underwood has taken steps toensure the ABC leadership, membership andstaff demonstrate innovation in their area ofresponsibility, especially strategy, operationsand corporate leadership.
1994-1996 JOE L. HARGROVE, M.D.
1996-2000 CHARLES K. FRANCIS, M.D.
2000-2002 F. ROOSEVELT GILLIAM, III, M.D.
2002-2004 CALVIN W. MCLARIN, M.D.
*Deceased
FORMER VICE-PRESIDENTS
1974-1982 LEVI V. PERRY, M.D.
1982-1986 DANIEL D. SAVAGE, M.D., PH.D.*
1986-1988 CHARLES K. FRANCIS, M.D.
1988-1990 LUTHER T. CLARK, M.D.
1990-1992 LAURENCE O. WATKINS, M.D., M.P.H.
1992-1994 SHARON NORRIS, M.D.
1994-1998 ELIZABETH O. OFILI, M.D., M.P.H.
1998-2000 GEORGE MENSAH, M.D.
2000-2002 MALCOLM P. TAYLOR, M.D.
2002-2004 PAUL L. UNDERWOOD, M.D.
FORMER SECRETARIES
1974-1980 ALPHONZO JORDAN, M.D.*
1980-1982 PAUL CARRYON, M.D.
1982-1984 LUTHER T. CLARK, M.D.
1984-1988 JEROME ROBINSON, M.D.
1988-1992 SHARON NORRIS, M.D.
1992-1996 ALOYSIUS B. CUYJET, M.D., M.P.H.
1996-1998 GEORGE A. MENSAH, M.D.
1998-2000 KAROL E. WATSON, M.D., PH.D.
2000-2002 CARLOS S. INCE, JR., M.D., SC.M.
2002-2004 SYLVIA S. SWILLEY, M.D.
FORMER TREASURERS
1974-1982 WALTER M. BOOKER, PH.D.*
1982-1984 PAUL CARRYON, M.D.
1984-1986 JAY BROWN, M.D.*
1986-1992 ERNESTO JONAS, M.D.
1992-1996 E. DEVAUGHN BELTON, M.D.
1996-1998 KENNETH A. JAMERSON, M.D.
1998-2000 MALCOLM P. TAYLOR, M.D.
2000-2002 HERMAN L. PRICE, M.D.
2002-2004 DAVID L. PROTHRO, M.D.
*Deceased
KWELI J. AMUSA, M.D.
CHARLES A. ATHILL, M.D.
TAZWELL BANKS, M.D.
CALVIN A. BELL, M.D.
MAC ANDREW BOWMAN, M.D.
KEITH WM. BRANTLEY, M.D.
LUTHER T. CLARK, M.D.
LOUIS L. CREGLER, M.D.
PAUL L. DOUGLASS, M.D.
PHILIP B. DUNCAN, M.D.
KEITH C. FERDINAND, M.D.
FREDERICK C. FOARD, M.B.A.
JOHN M. FONTAINE, M.D.
DANTE PIERRE GALIBER, M.D.
WINSTON H. GANDY, M.D.
ALAN A. GARVIN, M.D.
KOKU GASINU, M.D.
ROBERT L. GILLESPIE, M.D.
F. ROOSEVELT GILLIAM, III, M.D.
AUGUSTUS O. GRANT, M.D., PH.D.
VINCENT L. GUINN, M.D.
JOE N. HACKWORTH, M.D.
DENNIS M. HALL, M.D.
JOE L. HARGROVE, M.D.
L. JULIAN HAYWOOD, M.D.
DAVID A. HECTOR, M.D.
DIEGO S. HUMPHREY, M.D.
KENNETH A. JAMERSON, M.D.
FRANK S. JAMES, M.D.
KEITH A. JOHNSTONE, M.D., P.C.
EDITH IRBY JONES, M.D.
JESSE E. MCGEE, M.D., P.C.
GEORGE A. MENSAH, M.D.
JUDITH E. MITCHELL, M.D.
NGOZIKA J. NWANERI, M.D.
ELIZABETH O. OFILI, M.D., M.P.H.
JOHN O. OLOWOYEYE, M.D.
OLANIYI O. OSOFISAN, M.D.
FELIX OVIASU, M.D.
JEROME PIERSON, M.D.
THOMAS PINDER, M.D.
JAMES L. POTTS, M.D.
HERMAN L. PRICE, M.D.
DAVID L. PROTHRO, M.D.
FELIPE ROBINSON, M.D.
JEROME ROBINSON, M.D.
EDWARD ROSS, M.D.
VICTOR SEGHERS, M.D.
BRIAN SIMMONS, M.D.
ROBERT L. SIMMONS, M.D.
CURTIS J. WEAVER, M.D.
KIM ALAN WILLIAMS, M.D.
MARCUS L. WILLIAMS, M.D.
RICHARD ALLEN WILLIAMS, M.D.
ABC LIFE MEMBERS
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ABC’s first scholarshipaward, the Dr. Richard AllenWilliams Scholarship, wasestablished
1984
1985
The ABC commissioned andfunded its first cardiovascularawareness survey entitled,ABC Chicago Study
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Paul Underwood, M.D.
We deliver. ABC’s reputation is earned by our consistency in the delivery of high quality programming. We do what isright and back up our words of promise with products and services that exceed our stakeholders’ expectations. We do not disappoint.Conducting business with integrity requires that every employee and member know the rules pertinent to our business, and exercisegood judgment that is consistent with our core values of fairness and ethical behavior. Our research and scientific presentations andclinical guidelines are second to none. Our attendees are constantly complementing on the quality and professionalism of ouractivities.
We have had strong and steady performance for our entire thirty years. However, the past ten years has shown an exponential accel-erated growth in income, campaigns, influence, programs, research, publications and impact. We project that this rate of growthshould be sustainable over the next ten years. You may have read that cancer has surpassed heart disease as the number one cause ofdeath for some age groups. While we do not take any credit, during the thirty years since the ABC was founded, heart disease andstroke have in fact been reduced by 60 percent. Our goal is to eliminate heart disease, diabetes, and stroke altogether.
I am pleased to report that the ABC had a good year. Our key accomplishments include:
Message from the President T H E A B C D E L I V E R S
• Celebrating our 30th anniversary banquet in New Orleanswhere keynote speaker Dr. Victor Dzau, President andCEO of Duke University Health System, delivered anincredible speech on diversity in health care
• Reaching 320,000 healthcare providers through increaseddiversity of educational programs to include newsletters,interactive audio CD-ROMs, clinical reference tools (pock-et guides), online summaries and web courses and supple-ments in the ABC Digest of Urban Cardiology, ClinicalCardiology, Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine, Renal andUrology News, and The Clinical Advisor.
• Publishing two informative books and an historical refer-ence booklet:— The African American Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Heart — Why Children Should Know Their Grandparents— The Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc.: Historical
Moments from the First 30 Years• Sponsoring a Nutrition and Exercise study with the Boys
and Girls Club of America
• Participating in two landmark clinical trials (This is thefirst time an organization unveiled two major clinical trialsat an American Heart Association Annual Meeting)— African American Heart Failure Trial (A-HeFT) — African American Rosuvastatin Investigation of Efficacy
and Safety Trial (ARIES)• Implementing what is now our Community Programs sig-
nature activity, Changing Health Outcomes by ImprovingCardiovascular Education and Screenings (CHOICES)program
• Training and certifying 200 Health Promotion Specialists(non healthcare providers) to administer glucose and bloodpressure checks
• Participating in a media campaign yielding a prominentmedia presence with more than 800 written articles andbroadcast stories
• Producing the ABC Working Group Report: EliminatingDisparities in Cardiovascular Care and Outcomes: Roadmap to 2010. The report was produced in collaborationwith the National Institutes of Health, National Center onMinority Health and Health Disparities, National Heart,Lung and Blood Institute and National Institute of Dia-betes and Digestive Kidney Disease
Our focus for next year, will be on increasing our Membership, Capital Campaign, and Manpower initiatives. The ABC has had along and distinguished record of scientific excellence, innovative programming, novel educational activities, effective communitybased initiatives, and timely relevant publications. We invite our members, friends, industry, foundations, government, churches,organizations and individuals to join in building our International Library, Research and Conference Center, and in eliminating car-diovascular disease in our community. One person can make a difference. Dr. Edward Hawthorne proved this to be true when hegrew tired of inadequate handicap access into public buildings. His frustration took him all the way to the White House, where hemet with President John F. Kennedy. Shortly thereafter, what we now know as handicap entrance ramps were imposed on publicbuildings. The time for symbolic gestures has passed. If we expect substantial change, meaningful investments (both in hard capi-tal and in sweat equity) are required. I stand firmly convinced that we can change the world.
Fiscal 2004 was an exceptional year for the ABC.Because we have been blessed with great leaders, devel-oped substantial relationships and delivered consistent
and solid results for the past thirty years, we have built one ofour nation’s finest institutions and see opportunities for furthergrowth. Our impact on all of the issues related to health pro-motion and health care disparities in this country is strong.
My most rewarding moments as your CEO are the many occa-sions when I am told by our staff, members, and other stake-holders about the tremendous pride and the enormousappreciation they feel for the miracle we call the ABC. I knowwe have arrived when four institutes of the National Institutesof Health ask us to advise them on setting priorities for over-coming disparities in health care; funding sources support ourprograms and bring us checks without a request being made.We are appreciative of ABC members such as Drs. Eric Taylorand Camellus Ezeugwu who each eagerly pledged $100,000 toour building fund. Despite the reported sluggishness of seg-ments of the economy and other similarly situated organiza-tions, the ABC continues to grow.
We aim to make healthcare work better for everyone. Improv-ing access is not progress if we are not happy with to whom andto what, we are providing that access. Minorities are underrep-resented in the healthcare profession and we are dedicated toreversing this trend. It is not tolerable that only 2% of the car-diologists in the United States are African American. The num-ber of African American Cardiologists-In-Training is at an alltime high (3%). This is still dismal but our challenge is tomaintain this positive momentum. There are indications thatour initiatives are on track. We intend to pursue this issue witheven greater zeal.
We unabashedly facilitate the development of new and innova-tive treatments for diseases that disproportionately affectAfrican Americans. Although controversial, we helped to recruitthe investigators and the 1,050 patients for A-HeFT to deter-mine whether the drug BiDil would be beneficial for AfricanAmericans who suffer from heart failure on top of optimal ther-apy. The results were dramatic — a 43% survival benefit. Wewere also partners in the ARIES trial evaluating the impact ofstatin therapy in an entirely African American population.Again, very positive and very impressive results were achieved.We will continue to promote clinical trials as a strategy toachieve higher quality outcomes at an affordable cost.
We have a strong focus on community programs. Since Dr. Eli-jah Saunders and I pioneered the first church-based health pro-motion initiative in 1979, empowering African Americans toprevent cardiovascular related risk factors is one of our most
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B. Waine Kong, Ph.D., J.D.
Message from the CEOI S T H E R E A K I N G I N Y O U ?
ardent pursuits. We now have four major initiatives in sevenstates. We will use “Bible Book Marks” as a very inexpensiveway to spread our “7 Steps to Good Health” message and weencourage religious leaders to dedicate a minute for a healthmessage at each gathering.
Our advocacy takes many forms. We constantly meet with gov-ernment, foundations, sister organizations, medical institu-tions, the Congressional Black Caucus and other concernedorganizations to educate and motivate them to address healthcare disparities. Fox-Kiser, one of the most effective lobbyinggroups in Washington, provides their services on a pro bonobasis to the ABC. We do not want our citizens exercising 30 min-utes per day, eating right and still dying prematurely due to badpublic policies. While addressing issues at the macro level, we areever mindful of our micro responsibility. Racism still exists in afew quarters of these United States. One of the things we haveresolved is never to allow our members to be unfairly singled outfor mistreatment and abuse. We successfully aided several deserv-ing members last year through advocacy on their behalf.
We deliver. We get results. We have a well-earned reputationfor playing a meaningful role in enhancing the health and wellbeing of our citizens. Your collective investment (dues, contri-butions, time and effort, good will, and your considerable pres-tige and influence) produced significant gains on many fronts.Our aim is to be even more responsive and deliver the goods,services and related benefits our members require. Attainingthis level of results requires that we deliver administrative, clin-ical and financial performance that is second to none. We alsoreceived criticisms and suggestions for improving and enhanc-ing our member benefits. We have taken these suggestions toheart and responded. We strive to exceed your expectationswith our capabilities to meet your professional needs.
The ABC is a positive force in simplifying and enhancing thelives of our members. Our educational programs (clinical andpractice management) are helping to inform physicians aboutnew developments in health care with the objective of keepingyou on the cutting edge. We developed a comprehensive arrayof patient-oriented educational materials to meet the full spec-trum of health promotion and clinical care, never losing sightof our goal of increasing the life expectancy of African Ameri-cans by ten years over the next forty years.
Believing that a rising tide lifts all boats, it is not an exaggera-tion to attribute our continued success in lowering the rate ofcardiovascular mortality in our community to our partners. Weactively seek partnerships and we are often approached byorganizations seeking an active partner to champion jointobjectives.
ment system. In other words, all physicians are currently paidthe same for “office visits”, regardless of whether one is good atpreventing, diagnosing and effectively managing disease and theother is not. Under the proposed system, payments will beadjusted depending on patient outcomes. This may have direconsequences for African American patients and physicians asthis policy may lead to the further disenfranchisement of ‘high-risk’ individuals. There is a lot at stake but the ABC is forgingahead to make a difference.
The ABC has made great strides. December 10, 2004 was adefining moment in our 30 year history. With the rainbowbright over the skyline, we broke ground on our $10,000,000
International Library, Researchand Conference Center in Atlanta.We may be the smallest organiza-tion to embark on such an ambi-tious project but the only reasonthe ABC will not succeed is if youdo not support it. We look for-ward to your active participation.If we execute our strategy with dili-gence and a sense of urgency, wewill continue to distinguish our-selves. We look forward to 2005with confidence, experience andenthusiasm. While our challengeis great, we are not waiting foropportunity. We create them.
The ABC has a relentless pursuit.We are committed to assuring that
African American children will grow up knowing the love,guidance and nurturing of their grandparents. The thief weknow as cardiovascular disease must be stopped. When agrandparent dies, an entire library goes up in flames. Pleaseavail yourself of the important information in this report. Toknow the ABC is to love the ABC.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in his grandparent’s homeon Auburn Avenue in Atlanta and died on the balcony of theLoraine Hotel in Memphis (1929 - 1968). No doubt, the closerelationship he enjoyed with his grandparents shaped hishumanity. The dash between those dates (40 years) was asmeaningful and impactful as any human life could have been.Every member of the ABC, every American and all citizens ben-efited from his leadership and sacrifice. The quality of life wenow enjoy is in part attributable to what Dr. King accomplishedbetween 1929 and 1968. It is now our turn. To whom muchis given, much is required. Is there a King in you?
2004
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We are a small association that has affirming relationships withmuch larger organizations such as the World Heart Federation,the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Asso-ciation, Consortium for Southeastern Hypertension Control,the American Stroke Association, and the National Stroke Asso-ciation, who enthusiastically join with the ABC for varioushealth promotion programs. They also partner with us toaddress issues such as manpower in cardiology, cultural compe-tence as well as fair and adequate compensation for the careprovided by cardiologists.
Our important partners include minority organizations such asthe Congressional Black Caucus, National Association of BlackMayors, the National Medical Asso-ciation, International Society onHypertension in Blacks, the BlackNurses Association, American Asso-ciation of Cardiologists of IndianOrigin, the PanAfrican Society ofCardiologists, the National UrbanLeague, the NAACP, religious andfraternal organizations that impactour health. We intend to be evenmore supportive of local memberinitiatives as well as to recruit onemillion “Community Health Advo-cates” so that our patients and com-munity leaders can become moreeffective advocates in the fightagainst the cardiovascular diseaseepidemic in our community.
Our publications: The Digest of Urban Cardiology, ABCNewsletter, monthly letters from our President, pamphlets,books (Minute for Your Health, Why Children Should KnowTheir Grandparents, and Cardiovascular Disease in African Amer-ican Women), equip and empower physicians to better commu-nicate with patients and the community.
In the final analysis, we encourage our people to live activehealthy lives. In the future, we will take a much more activerole in developing disease management strategies and programsthat will, no doubt, help our members reduce claims costs whilefacilitating our member’s wishes to provide quality, affordableand effective care.
Eternal vigilance is the price of progress and is often what keepsan organization relevant in an ever changing environment.CMS intends to launch a “Pay-for-Performance” initiative thatwill reward outcomes of treatment rather than our current pay-
The ABC has a relentless
pursuit. We are committed
to assuring that African
American children will
grow up knowing the love,
guidance and nurturing
or their grandparents.
The thief we know as
cardiovascular disease
must be stopped.
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Dr. B. Waine Kong was hired as ABC’s firstpaid employee and subsequently becamethe Executive Director
1985
ERIC J. VANDERBUSH, M.D.
Dr. Vanderbush is Chief of the CardiologyDivision at Harlem Hospital Center andAssistant Clinical Professor of Medicine atColumbia University, College of Physiciansand Surgeons in New York City. He is alsophysician-in-charge of the hospital’s CoronaryCare Unit and Cardiology Clinic.
Born in Pipestone, Minnesota and raised in nearby Edger-ton, Dr. Vanderbush earned his A.B. at St. Olaf College inNorthfield, Minnesota. He received his M.D. in 1968 fromColumbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons.While at Columbia he spent four months in Liberia, Uganda,Kenya, and Tanzania studying tropical diseases. After his intern-ship at Harlem Hospital Center, he served the government fortwo years in the United States Public Health Service, IndianDivision, in Belcourt, North Dakota. Returning to HarlemHospital Center, he was Chief Resident in Medicine as well asa Cardiology Fellow, completing his training in 1977.
Dr. Vanderbush has spent most of his professional career atHarlem Hospital Center. During the time he was associated withthe Division of Cardiology’s Fellowship Program, Dr. Vanderbushworked with his mentor, Dr. Jay Brown, and later headed the pro-gram after Dr. Brown’s death. The Division of Cardiology’s Fellow-ship Program was responsible for training 4% of all Board-certified,African American cardiologists working in the U.S. today.
As a member of the ABC, Dr. Vanderbush currently servesas the co-chair of the Structural Design and Building Commit-tee. He is also a member of the New York Heart Association(NYHA), the American Heart Association (AHA), and theAmerican College of Cardiology (ACC). He is a Diplomat ofthe American Board of Internal Medicine and CardiovascularDisease, and was made a Fellow of the ACC in 1998. Dr. Van-derbush is a member of the Board of Directors of the New YorkCounty Health Services Review Organization (NYCHSRO)and a Member of the Board of Governors of the Columbia Uni-versity Club of New York.
Dr. Vanderbush was the Co-Investigator for the “Heart ofHarlem,” study sponsored by the New York State Departmentof Health, Mary Lasker Heart and Hypertension Institute, andis the Coordinator at Harlem Hospital Center for “Can RapidRisk Stratification of Unstable Angina Patients SuppressAdverse Outcomes with Early Implementation of theACC/AHA Guidelines: The CRUSADE National QualityImprovement Initiative,” Duke Clinical Research Institute.
Dr. Vanderbush is a consultant for Raytel-Cardiocare;Bureau of Professional Medical Conduct, New York State
E M P L O Y E E O F T H E Y E A R
Jeanette Davis, R.N., B.S.N.
Ms. Davis joined the Association of BlackCardiologists, Inc. (ABC) in 2001 as theCommunity Programs Manager. She bringsmore than 25 years of nursing leadership,training and management experience to theteam. While at the ABC, Ms. Davis hastrained hundreds of lay advocates to manage church cardiovas-cular wellness centers and spearheaded the development andlaunch of the ABC Lay Membership.
Currently, Ms. Davis is managing the ABC’s latest nation-al signature program, Changing Health Outcomes by Improv-ing Cardiovascular Education and Screenings (CHOICES).This is a faith based program that equips, educates and empow-ers churches to assess and screen the community for cardiovas-cular risk factors. Ms. Davis was instrumental in thedevelopment and implementation of this program, which is thelargest philanthropic funding ever received in the history ofABC’s community programs.
Ms. Davis’ passion and gifts are in helping individualsgrow physically and spiritually by equipping them with thetools needed to reach their full potential. This is best exempli-fied in her organization of mission trips to Haiti. Her personalgoal is to help someone daily as she travels through life, so thather living is not in vain.
M E M B E R O F T H E Y E A R Health Department; the HMO’s Health First and Elder Plan;and is an Instructor of Advanced Life Support for the New YorkHeart Association, Inc. He has authored, or co-authored,numerous articles and abstracts on various aspects of cardiovas-cular disease and treatment, and wrote a quarterly column, 6-Second ECG Clinic, for Pacing Dynamics. He has lecturedextensively and given presentations at professional meetingsthroughout the country as well as in Venezuela, France, and theCzech Republic. He has also been guest lecturer at the Clinicaland Preventive Cardiology Institute of the Siberian Branch ofthe Russian Academy of Medical Sciences in Tyumen, Russiafour times in the past ten years.
An inveterate traveler, Dr. Vanderbush frequently visits hissister, Toni Wiarda, in Mesa, Arizona, as well as his niece andnephew, Heidi and Mark, and their families in Minnesota.
At home in New York, Dr. Vanderbush enjoys the museums,concerts, and theater that the city offers, but his greatest pleas-ure—and best relaxation—is tending the garden of his 7th floorterrace which is walking distance, but a world away, from thehustle and bustle of Times Square.
Membership in the ABC is open to those sharing an interest inthe reduction and prevention of heart disease, stroke and relat-ed diseases including, but not limited to, cardiologists, cardiacsurgeons, internists, medical students, family and general prac-titioners, scientists, physician assistants, nurses, industry relatedcompanies, and lay community health advocates. However, thediversity of the ABC membership continues to expand andmore disciplines and specialties recognize the value of being anABC member.
ABC members continue to benefit from a wide variety of ABCactivities, educational programs, and other professional servicesdesigned to enhance the value of membership in this recog-nized, leading edge association.
BENEFITS INCLUDE:● Legislative advocacy in Washington, D.C.● CME accredited programs
• Annual Scientific Sessions• Annual Dr. Walter M. Booker Memorial Symposium• Annual Congress on Treatment of Cardiovascular
Disease• Regional Programs
● The ABC Digest of Urban Cardiology (bi-monthly publi-cation)
● ABC Newsletter (quarterly publication)● Scholarships for medical students and cardiologists in
training● Sponsorship to American Heart Association and Ameri-
can College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions● ABC Membership Directory● ABC Website
• On-line Meeting Registrations• Member Discussion Boards
● ABC/Avis Loyalty Program• 5-10% discount on member rentals• 5% of proceeds donated to ABC scholarships
● Hertz Member Rental Program• 5-10% discount on member rentals• 2% of proceeds donated to the ABC
Member Services
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ABC VALUES THE CONTINUED SUPPORT OF ITS MEMBERS!Become a member of an enduring institution TODAY…..
Promoting ABC membership through outreach, exhibits and scholarships
ABC GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
These important meetings are held three times annually to pro-vide an update on activities within the ABC. These meetings alsoallow the opportunity for members to address their issues andnetwork with fellow members.
CONFERENCES & EXHIBITS
ABC Member Services participated and exhibited in the follow-ing symposia and conferences:
● American College of Cardiology ● National Medical Association● Heart Failure Society of America ● Annual Cardiovascular Disease in Women Symposium● American Heart Association
SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
The following annual awards and scholarships are presented torecipients by a predetermined criteria set by the AcademicAffairs/Awards Committee.
● Dr. Walter M. Booker, Sr. Health Promotions Award ● Dr. Herbert Nickens Epidemiology Award● Dr. Daniel D. Savage Memorial Scientific Award ● Diversity in Cardiology Award● Dr. Richard Allen Williams Scholarship● C-I-T Hero Award● Dr. Jay Brown Memorial C-I-T Abstract Award● Fourth Year Cardiology Subspecialty Awards
OUTLOOK
As the ABC strives to meet the needs of its members, we are inthe process of developing a needs assessment survey which wewill launch by mid 2005. We encourage and would appreciateyour participation.
ABC Community Health Advocates
● raising public awareness about the importance of screen-ing for health problems such as high blood pressure, cho-lesterol, heart failure, and diabetes;
● hosting health fairs and workshops; ● building an information bank of health care materials
(e.g. ABC videos, brochures, pamphlets);● counseling seniors and the indigent in understanding
Medicare/Medicaid benefits;● participating and encouraging others to enroll in clinical
trials
The benefits of becoming an ABC Community Health Advo-cate are rewarding and include:
● Health Education Materials● ABC Newsletter (Quarterly)● ABC Pioneering African Americans Calendar (Annually)● A Minute for Your Health Book● Discounts on other ABC publications● Access to Health Fairs, Screenings and Educational Programs● Access to Community Health Advocates members only
section (ABC Website www.abcardio.org)● Networking opportunities with leading cardiologists and
other health care professionals
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Com-munity Health Advocate, please contact the Member ServicesDepartment.
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ABC conducts its first community outreach andhealth promotion program, HealthPITCH, along withNational Council of Negro Women and ER Squibband Sons, Inc.
1986
The Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. (ABC) invites non-healthcare providers, community activists, patients, churchmembers and other civic and fraternal organizations who sharean interest in reducing the high rate of cardiovascular disease(CVD) among African Americans and other minority popula-tions, to join the ABC as Community Health Advocates. Indi-viduals and organizations will be empowered to stay abreast ofthe latest information on heart disease, health disparities, andpublic health. Once informed about these issues, CommunityHealth Advocates will be equipped to educate and motivateothers on CVD prevention and treatment.
Community Health Advocates will have the knowledge andmotivation to be a force in their community by:
● becoming knowledgeable of the latest information andtreatments on CVD by participating in ABC sponsoredprograms;
● serving as Ambassadors of Good Health and encouragingothers to live healthy lifestyles;
● building and maintaining strong relationships with otherhealth advocates;
● encouraging people to see their physicians on a regularbasis and taking their medications as prescribed;
● informing others about key health policies and knowinghow to be advocates for their communities;
Dr. B. Waine Kong preaches to the choir. Pictured (l to r): Drs. David Satcher, James Gavinand Rev. Gerald Durley.
Serving the Needs of the CommunityServing the Needs of the Community
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ABC produced a limited editionposter entitled, “Black Pioneers inthe Conquest of Heart Disease.”
1988
Center for Continuing Education andProfessional Development
A C C R E D I T A T I O NThe ABC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for
Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to sponsor con-
tinuing medical education for physicians
The Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. (ABC) is highlyregarded as a leader in continuing education and professionaldevelopment opportunities that focus on cardiovascular diseasesin African Americans and other high-risk populations.
Operating as the professional education arm of the ABC, theCenter for Continuing Education and Professional Development(CCEPD) fosters excellence in patient care through the creationof high quality continuing education activities. Building uponthe resources of the ABC membership and education partners,the wide range of educational programs and activities includesnational conferences, regional lecture series, other special sym-posia, online and enduring materials and customized workshops.
In concert with ABC’s Continuing Medical Education mission,educational activities are intended to improve patient care bymaintaining, developing, or increasing the skills, knowledgeand professional performance of physicians and other health-care providers. The CCEPD, in conjunction with the ABCContinuing Education Committee, continually assesses theimpact of its activities to ensure goals are met and activitiescomply with the Essentials and Standards of the ACCME andABC established policies.
K E Y A C C O M P L I S H M E N T SI N 2 0 0 4During 2004, the CCEPD continued to build on its traditionsof excellence and innovation in program development and pro-duction. Major accomplishments included:
● Expanded diversity and increased number ofeducational programs — In addition to live pro-grams, many of our educational offerings were made avail-able online and through enduring materials. Enduringmaterials included special edition newsletters, interactiveaudio CD-ROMs, clinical reference tools (pocket guides),online summaries and web courses. We also continued tooffer journal–based CME in the ABC Digest of Urban Car-diology and as special supplements to Clinical Cardiology,Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine, Renal and UrologyNews, and The Clinical Advisor.
● Record number of program participants — Morethan 320,000 health professionals benefited from ABCeducational programs (national conferences, regionalsymposia, online and enduring materials via the “virtualclassroom”). The 17th Annual Scientific Sessions (Cardio-vascular Disease, the Cutting Edge: 2004 and Beyond) was anunprecedented success. More than 400 attendees partici-pated in the day long program that was held in conjunc-tion with the American College of Cardiology ScientificSessions. Highlights of the program were published in aspecial edition, CME-accredited newsletter that was dis-tributed to another 10,000 cardiologists and other healthcare providers. Multi-sponsorship of this program wasanother example of innovation and the continually shiftingeducational paradigm.
ABC sponsored its SecondAnnual Scientific Sessions inNew Orleans, in conjunction withthe ACC Scientific Session
1990
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● Publication of the first-ever reference booklethighlighting key historical moments from thefirst 30 years of the Association of Black Cardi-ologists — Historical Moments from the First 30 Years wasproduced in commemoration of ABC’s 30th Anniversary.This keepsake highlights the founding of the ABC, its cur-rent and past leadership, organizational milestones, histor-ical African American firsts in cardiovascular medicine,and other information key to understanding ABC’s mis-sion and vision. It is a prelude to the soon-to-be availablebook, “Healers of the Heart: The History of the Associa-tion of Black Cardiologists, Inc.”
2 0 0 4 H I G H L I G H T S
NATIONAL CONFERENCES
The national conferences coincide with the scientific sessions ofthe American College of Cardiology, the National MedicalAssociation, and the American Heart Association. These full-day programs offer multiple track sessions featuring a balance ofspecialty and primary care topics designed to meet the educa-tional needs of the respective target audiences.
17th Annual Scientific Sessions (March 6 - New Orleans, LA)Cardiovascular Disease, the Cutting Edge: 2004 and BeyondProgram Co-Chairs: Ivor Benjamin, M.D. and Keith Ferdi-nand, M.D.
17th Annual Dr. Walter M. Booker, Sr. Memorial Symposium(July 31 - San Diego, CA)Best Practices in Cardiology for the Practicing PhysicianProgram Co-Chairs: Gerald DeVaughn, M.D. and JeromeRobinson, M.D.
Ninth Congress on the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases(November 6 – New Orleans, LA)Cardiovascular Medicine Then and Now: Building a Paradigm forthe FutureProgram Co-Chairs: Gary Gibbons, M.D. and Paula Johnson,M.D., M.P.H.
6th Annual New Year’s Eve Symposium(December 26 – January 2, 2005 - San Jose and Los Suenos,Costa Rica)Update on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease in African AmericansProgram Chair: Hollis Underwood, M.D.
Cardiovascular Disease in African Americans: Facts, Fiction,Theory and HopeProgram Co-Chairs: Malcolm Taylor, M.D. and Clyde Yancy, M.D.Programs series sponsored in: Los Angeles, CA; Nashville, TN;Jackson, MS; and Detroit, MI
Angiotensin II Blockade in High Risk Cardiovascular Patients:Latest EvidenceProgram Co-Chairs: Judith Mitchell, M.D. and Clyde Yancy, M.D.Programs series sponsored in: Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD;Chicago, IL; Houston, TX; Kansas City, MO; Memphis, TN;Newark, NJ; New York, NY; New Orleans, LA; Philadelphia,PA; St. Louis, MO; Newark, NJ; and San Diego, CA
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The ABC Cardiologists-In-TrainingProgram was founded under the leadership of Dr. Jay Brown
1990
1990
REGIONAL SYMPOSIA
Regional programs are organized in various U.S. cities anddesigned for primary care physicians. These programs generallyfeature a clinical and practice management lecture. The clinicalpresentation addresses contemporary clinical issues in cardiovas-cular medicine. To help healthcare providers prepare for theever-changing health care environment, the practice manage-ment lecture may include information on ethical and profession-al issues, new technologies and clinical practice issues.
Lipid Management in Populations at Risk: Targeting MultipleMetabolic PathwaysProgram Chair: Luther Clark, M.D.Program series sponsored in: Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; HiltonHead, SC; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; West Palm Beach,FL; and Wilmington, DE.
The Dr. Walter M. Booker, Sr.Memorial Symposium wascreated as an annual symposium
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SATELLITE SYMPOSIA
Satellite symposia include focused discussions on a wide rangeof topics of current applicability for every level of interest andexpertise. These programs generally coincide with nationalconferences.
Read with the Experts: Multimodality Imaging in Ischemic HeartDisease (March 5 – New Orleans, LA)Program Chair: Ola Akinboboye, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.
ABC/ACC Joint Symposium: Diabetes and Coronary Artery Disease(March 9 – New Orleans, LA)Program Co-Chairs: Ola Akinboboye, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.and Malcolm Taylor, M.D.
ENDURING MATERIALS
Enduring materials range from special edition newsletters,interactive audio CD-ROMs, clinical reference tools (pocketguides), online summaries and web courses.
Journal SupplementsNew Treatment Trends: Managing Hypertension in African Americans(Supplement to Renal and Urology News and The Clinical Advisor)Release Date: October 2003; Expiration: October 2004 Editor: Kenneth Jamerson, M.D.Faculty: Keith Ferdinand, M.D.; Suzanne Oparil, M.D.
Lipid Management in Populations at Risk: Targeting MultipleMetabolic Pathways(Supplement to Clinical Cardiology)Release date: May 2004; Expiration: May 2005
Cardiovascular Diseases in African Americans(Supplement to Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine)Release Date: August 2004; Expiration: August 2005
Interactive CD-ROMsNew Treatment Trends: Managing Hypertension in African AmericansRelease Date: November 2003; Expiration: November 2004
Lipid Management in Populations at Risk: Targeting MultipleMetabolic PathwaysRelease date: May 2004; Expiration: May 2005
Web CourseHighlights from the 17th Annual Dr. Walter M. Booker, Sr. Memo-rial Symposium: Best Practices in Cardiology for the PracticingPhysicianRelease Date: November 2004; Expiration: November 2005
Special PublicationThe Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc.: Historical Momentsfrom the First 30 YearsRelease Date: November 2004
2004
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The ABC moved its permanent headquartersto Atlanta
1994
Clinical Reference Tool (Pocket Guide)Contemporary Management of the Metabolic Syndrome: Implica-tions for the Diabetic PatientRelease Date: August 2004; Expiration: August 2005Editors: Luther Clark, M.D., Keith Ferdinand, M.D., DaphneFerdinand, M.N., R.N., Ph.D. Guest Faculty: James Gavin,III, M.D., Ph.D.
Special Edition NewslettersHighlights from the Eighth Congress on the Treatment of CardiologyDiseasesRelease Date: March 2003; Expiration: March 2004
Highlights from the 17th Annual Scientific Session: CardiovascularDisease, the Cutting Edge: 2004 and BeyondRelease Date: May 2004; Expiration: May 2005
Highlights from the Fourth Annual Symposium on CardiovascularDisease in Women: Sex/Gender and EthnicityRelease Date: November 2004; Expiration: November 2005
The ABC published its Premierissue of The Digest of UrbanCardiology
1994
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C L I N I C A L T R I A L S A T T H EA B C
In 2004, three years since its inception, the Epidemiology Cen-ter (EpiCenter) continued to grow in the areas of clinical trialsand community programs. At the heart of the EpiCenter’swork is the commitment to provide avenues for more minori-ties to participate in the clinical research process, and to provideaccurate and culturally-sensitive education to lay audiencesacross the country. Recognizing the needs of the communityand delivering innovative and practical solutions will ensure theEpiCenter’s viability for years to come.
The mission of the EpiCenter is to optimize the cardiovascularhealth of all people through research and intervention. Thevision is to be a leading change agent in promoting cardiovas-cular health and wellness.
The EpiCenter of the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc.(ABC) will:
● work to insure that African-American physicians andpatients are appropriately involved in clinical trials of car-diovascular therapies;
● develop community programs that empower communitiesto make individual and system-level changes that improvecardiovascular health; and
● become a repository for clinical data from the practices ofmembers of the ABC that can be used to quickly exploreevolving epidemiologic hypotheses.
2 0 0 4 H I G H L I G H T S
COMPLETED TRIALS
AF R I C A N AM E R I C A N HE A RT FA I L U R E
TR I A L (A-HEFT) SH O W S
43% IM P R O V E M E N T I N SU RV I VA L
Principal Investigator: Anne Taylor, M.D.
As co-sponsors of A-HeFT, the ABChelped to inform and guidethe conduct of the study.ABC members formed acritical part of a team ofinvestigators that successfullyenrolled more than 1,000African Americans in A-HeFT.
Although the research study concluded in 2004, the ABC con-tinues to support heart failure treatment education for physi-cians and patients.
The results from A-HeFT, presented at the 2004 AmericanHeart Association’s Late Breaking Clinical Trials Scientific Ses-sions, indicated that African American patients with heart fail-ure experienced a 43 percent improvement in survival aftertaking a nitric oxide enhancing drug, fixed dose combination ofisosorbide dinitrate (I) and hydralazine, in addition to the stan-dard heart failure therapy (P=0.01), as compared with patientsin the study receiving standard heart failure therapy plus aplacebo. A 10.2 percent death rate was shown in the placebogroup compared to 6.2 percent of patients in the fixed-dose I/Hgroup (P=0.02). Trial results also confirm a 33 percent reduc-tion in first hospitalization for heart failure (P=0.001) and animprovement in the quality of life (P=0.02) for African Ameri-can Heart Failure patients taking the fixed dose I/H therapy.
The 18-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlledstudy enrolled 1,050 self-identified African American patientswith New York Heart Association class III and IV heart failure.A-HeFT patients were prescribed fixed-dose I/H (20mg/37.5mg)or placebo. The primary endpoint for the trial was a compositescore made up of weighted values for death from any cause, a firsthospitalization for heart failure, and change in quality of life.
AF R I C A N AM E R I C A N RO S U VA S TAT I N
IN V E S T I G AT I O N O F EF F I C A C Y A N D
SA F E T Y(ARIES) TR I A L RE S U LT S
PR E S E N T E D AT 2004 AHA CO N F E R E N C E
Principal Investigator: Keith Ferdinand, M.D.
The ARIES Trial evaluated the effects of rosuvastatin, a newstatin drug compared with currently available statin drugs inlowering LDL-C levels and achieving LDL-C targets. TheARIES Trial is the first prospectively designed dyslipidemiastudy in the African American population. ABC members madeup 44% of the investigators and randomized 50% of thepatients in ARIES.
Epidemiology Center
Ms. Jeanette Davis participates in a Health Promotion Specialist Training
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The ABC commemorative calendar,Pioneering African Americans inConquest of Heart Disease, wasproduced
1995
Ms. Carolyn Jones discusses the importance of proper nutrition and exerciseACTIVE TRIALS
HO M E AED (A U TO M AT I C E X T E R N A L
D E F I B R I L L ATO R) TR I A L (HAT)
HAT, sponsored by the Seattle Institute for Cardiac Research(SICR) and supported by an NIH grant, is an innovative trialthat tests the central hypothesis that provision of an AED forhome use will increase survival beyond that achieved from stan-dard lay response to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in patients fol-lowing anterior myocardial infarction (MI). Sudden cardiacarrests occur every two minutes throughout the U.S.; more than70 percent occur at home. Because survival falls 10 percent perminute during the first 10 minutes, it is imperative to defibrillateas close to time zero as possible. Minorities are specifically soughtfor inclusion in HAT. African Americans have poor survival ratesfrom SCA, even after controlling for sociological factors. Resus-citation rates for African Americans are half those of Caucasians.
HAT will randomize approximately 7,000 patients internation-ally. Presently, less than one year remains for enrollment ofpatients. HAT endeavors to recruit 26 percent minorities and26 percent women. The 2.5 year recruitment period will con-clude in September 2005.
C O M M U N I T Y P R O G R A M S A T T H E A B C
While 2004 marked the conclusion of two successful commu-nity outreach initiatives, it represented the genesis of another.
2 0 0 4 H I G H L I G H T S
COMPLETED PROGRAMS
The Not In Mama’s Kitchen Second-hand Smoke AwarenessCampaign reached more than 15,000 Georgia residents thatpledged to maintain a smoke-free household. The campaigntargeted seven cities in both urban and rural locations.
The Cardiovascular Learning Partnership Phase II sought toidentify and educate African American diabetics with two ormore CVD risk factors on the importance of seeking andreceiving appropriate cardiac testing. Results from the programshow that:
● participants were empowered to take ownership of theirdisease and greater participation in the care decisionprocess;
● participants improved dietary and physical activity andweight control; and
● additional education is needed in the areas of emergencyproblem-solving (i.e. appropriate action to take whenblood sugar is too high or too low), and correctly identi-fying whether numbers are normal or abnormal.
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Chicago CHOICES Health Promotion Specialists
ACTIVE PROGRAMS
Changing Health Outcomes by Improving CardiovascularEducation and Screenings (CHOICES) is a new programdesigned to provide churches with tools to positively impact theawareness and prevention of cardiovascular diseases in the com-munities they serve. CHOICES is a bible study program,emphasizing seven steps to a spiritually and physically healthyheart:
1. Be Spiritually Active 2. Take Charge of Your Blood Pressure3. Control Your Cholesterol 4. Track Your Blood Sugar 5. Eat Smart and Enjoy Regular Exercise6. Don’t Smoke 7. Access Excellent Healthcare and Take Medication as
Prescribed
Over the course of four years, CHOICES is expected to reach100,000 African Americans with screenings and educationalresources.
Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health(REACH) for WellnessAfrican American churches are the foundation of the REACHfor Wellness outreach initiative. The ABC has successfullyestablished Cardiovascular Wellness Centers (CWC) in morethan 41 churches and 30 beauty salons and barber shops.Through these Centers, both patrons and parishioners have hadregular monitoring of their blood pressure and weight.
The goals of the REACH program are twofold:
● to recruit and train community volunteers to enhancetheir knowledge, skills and understanding of CVD so thatthey can offer on-going assistance to identified men andwomen who have CVD risk factors.
● to increase the number of African Americans who willroutinely monitor and effectively manage their hyperten-sion and other CVD risk factors.
In 2004, more than 700 people were screened or monitored forhypertension each month in the REACH program.
In addition to funded pro-grams, the ABC participatesin hundreds of communityoutreach events includinghealth and science fairs,career days, and CPRtrainings each year.
Eddie’s Barber Shop of Atlanta is a participant of the REACH
for Wellness Program
Dr. Kim Allan Williams participates in CHOICES Training Program in Chicago
Heart disease is the leading cause of death of American women.Over 28 million American women are living with the effects ofcardiovascular disease, including heart disease, high blood pres-sure and stroke. Ethnic disparities in cardiovascular outcomesare most marked for African American women, who have a69% higher death rate compared to Caucasian women. Riskfactors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol,and obesity increase the risk of death and are more prevalent inAfrican American women.
The ABC Center for Women’s Health (Women’s Center) iscommitted to improving the cardiovascular health of women ofcolor who face greater risks of death and disability from heartdisease and stroke. In concert with the overall mission of theABC, the Women’s Center promotes cardiovascular health ofAfrican American families through education, research andpublic health policy advocacy.
The Women’s Center is a voluntary collaboration of health careproviders, behavioral specialists, nutritionists, women’s healthadvocates, politicians, and community members organized anddedicated to fulfilling the Center’s mission.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:
The Center for Women’s Health was formed to:
1) partner with community-based and media groups foreffective patient education;
2) promote best practices through innovative physicianeducation;
3) promote the best science-based research for a woman-centered approach to cardiovascular risk reduction;
4) advocate for affordable access to preventive care forwomen;
5) promote the inclusion of women in clinical research;and
6) influence public policy to improve the cardiovascularcare of women.
2 0 0 4 H I G H L I G H T S
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
ABC’S O F NU T R I T I O N & EX E R C I S E
2004
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The ABC was granted accreditationfrom the Accreditation Council forContinuing Medical Education(ACCME) as a provider of ContinuingMedical Education (CME)
1995
Center forWomen’s Health
Center for Women’s Health Advisory BoardSeated (l-r) Dr. Elizabeth Ofili, Ms. Zabrina Furlow, Dr. Jennifer Campbell, Ms. Kay Willing-ham and Ms. Diane Larche’ Standing (l-r) Dr. Hilton Hudson, Dr. Shelia Robinson, Ms. Gwen Taylor, Dr. Rosalyn Scottand Dr. Sylvia Swilley (pictured but not a part of advisory board) Mr. Danny Clark.
ABC’S OF NUTRITION & EXERCISE PROGRAM
In October 2004, the Center for Women’s Health launched“ABC’s of Nutrition and Exercise”, a program designed toaddress obesity in children through education about propernutrition and the importance of daily physical activity. Utiliz-ing a modified version of the nationally tested CoordinatedApproach to Child Health (CATCH) curriculum, the programteaches youth, ages 6-9 at three Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroAtlanta, about proper nutrition and the importance of dailyphysical activity. Obesity in children is a major public healthproblem and more prevalent in African Americans, NativeAmericans and Hispanics. Childhood obesity increases the riskfor heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes in adult-hood. Studies have indicated that American children are insuf-ficiently engaging in regular physical activity, and do not eat therecommended daily amounts of fruits and vegetables.
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS/COLLABORATIONS
AM E R I C A N HE A RT AS S O C I AT I O N
The ABC Center for Women’s Health participated on a com-mittee of leading women’s health organizations to discuss advo-cacy strategies and develop legislative initiatives to addresscardiovascular disease in women. The Center also supported the2004 Woman to Woman Conference sponsored by the South-east Affiliate of the American Heart Association.
HE R HE A RT CO M M U N I T Y
The ABC Center for Women’s Health is a partner on a cam-paign designed to increase awareness about cardiovascular risksin women. “Her Heart Community” program provides educa-tional tools for patients and physicians on gender differences inthe early detection of coronary artery disease in women. InSeptember 2004, ABC members participated in a two daymeeting to prepare a slide bank of over 200 slides on coronaryartery disease in women. ABC members and the public canaccess the slides for professional lectures or community healtheducation programs by contacting the ABC.
HE A RTTR U T H (RE D DR E S S) CA M PA I G N
The ABC Center for Women’s Health is a sponsoring partnerwith the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute “HeartTruth” Campaign. This national awareness campaign warnswomen about heart disease and the need to take action againstits risk factors. The “Red Dress” is the national symbol forwomen and heart disease awareness. The Women’s Center host-ed its first “Red Dress” campaign event at the Fourth AnnualSymposium on Cardiovascular Disease in Women in NewOrleans, LA.
SI S T E R TO SI S T E R: EV E RY O N E HA S A
HE A RT FO U N D AT I O N
The ABC Center for Women’s Health partnered with the Sisterto Sister: Everyone Has a Heart Foundation to promote the2004 National Woman’s Heart Day Campaign. The campaignprovided heart-health screenings and educational seminars oncardiovascular disease prevention for women in Boston, Chica-go, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington, DC.
GE N E R AT I O N S
Generations is a faith-based cardiovascular disease preventionprogram designed to educate African American women of allages about risk factors for cardiovascular disease and how toreduce that risk. Risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pres-sure, high cholesterol and obesity are prevalent in AfricanAmerican women. It is critical to educate African Americanwomen on modifying risk factors to reduce death rates and dis-ability from heart disease. The Generations program was pilot-ed in 2002 through a grant from the U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health. Morethan 300 African American women participated in the pilotprogram, implemented in six churches across the country. Theeducation of women about cardiovascular risk and risk modifi-cation, results in positive changes in family health parametersbecause women influence most family health decisions. Thefaith-based approach has been proven successful and the Centerfor Women’s Health is planning to nationally expand the pro-gram through strategic partnerships with faith-based andwomen organizations.
EDUCATION
TH E AF R I C A N AM E R I C A N WO M A N’S
GU I D E TO A HE A LT H Y HE A RT
In June 2004, the ABC Center for Women’s Health publisheda guidebook to educate African American women about cardio-vascular disease prevention. This medical reference book for layaudiences focuses on how to manage personal cardiovasculardisease risk factors and lifestyle changes needed to lead a hearthealthy life. The book was edited by Dr. Anne Taylor, FormerDirector of the ABC Center for Women’s Health.
AN N U A L CA R D I O VA S C U L A R DI S E A S E I N
WO M E N SY M P O S I U M
The Fourth Annual Cardiovascular Disease in Women Sympo-sium was held on April 24, 2004 in New Orleans, Louisianaduring the American College of Physicians Annual Session. Theprogram addressed the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment ofcardiovascular disease in women with a focus on congestiveheart failure, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes and obesity.More than 200 health care providers attended the program. Acontinuing medical education newsletter highlighting the pro-ceedings of the symposium was disseminated to other healthcare professionals who treat African American women with car-diovascular disease.
(Pictured l to r): Drs. Judith Mitchell,Paula Johnson, Donna Mendes, Jennifer
Mieres, Elizabeth Ofili, Leslee Shawattend a medical meeting on Women and
Heart Disease in New York.
U.S. DE PA RT M E N T O F HE A LT H A N D
HU M A N SE RV I C E S-OF F I C E O N
WO M E N’S HE A LT H
The ABC Center for Women’s Health participated in a panelpresentation and exhibited in Washington, DC at the 2004Minority Women’s Health Summit: Women of Color TakingAction for a Healthier Life in Washington, DC. The panelpresentation was entitled, “Spirituality and Faith-Based Initia-tives: African American Women and Cardiovascular Disease.The presentation featured the Center community program,Generations. More than 500 service providers, communitywomen, policy makers and academicians participated in thesummit focused on developing strategies in the areas of preven-tion, health care, and improved health outcomes for women ofcolor in urban and rural communities. The Center also sup-ported the Region 8, Office on Women’s Health in Denver,Colorado.
Other organizations that the Center has collaborated with tosupport/sponsor community-based events targeting AfricanAmerican women are:
● Absolute Care Medical Center● Association of Black Women Physicians● Church of God in Christ, Inc.● Cutliff Grove Family Resource Center● Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.● Emory University Avon Foundation Comprehensive
Breast Center● Georgia Department of Community Health, Office on
Women’s Health● Grady Health System● Hillside Chapel and Truth Center, Inc.● Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church ● LINKS, Inc.● Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company● National Youth Leadership Forum● Office of U.S. Representative Julia Carson, Indiana 7th
District● Spelman College Southeast Regional Young Women’s
Health Summit
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The ABC inaugurated a new annual symposium,the Congress on the Treatment of CardiovascularDiseases (in African Americans)
1996
Annual Cardiovascular Disease in Women Symposium Faculty (pictured l to r) Drs.Samuel Dagogo-Jack, Anne Taylor, Donna Mendes and Antronette K. Yancey
ABC Red Dress Campaign
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The ABC continues to use public relations and marketing tocreate a brand that positions the organization as the authorityon cardiovascular diseases in special populations. In 2004, theABC participated in a host of successful campaigns thatbrought the ABC’s message to the mainstream media.
N A T I O N A L C A M P A I G N
AFRICAN AMERICAN HEART FAILURE TRIAL (A-HeFT)
After the ABC and NitroMed announced the results of A-HeFT at the American Heart Association’s 2004 Scientific Ses-sion, the ABC became inundated with media inquiriesregarding the trial. The ABC received press coverage fromnational publications such as USA Today (front page), New Eng-land Journal of Medicine and The Wall Street Journal. Resultsfrom the study were reported on television shows such as BETNightly News, Fox Report with Shepard Smith and CNN HeadlineNews. Drs. Anne Taylor, Malcolm Taylor and Clyde Yancy servedas spokespersons for the campaign. The A-HeFT media cam-paign received more than 73,000 mentions including more than800 articles.
W E B S I T E R E N O V A T I O N S
The ABC website underwent various enhancements in 2004.The new and improved abcardio.org features:
● Upgraded navigational system for better access to infor-mation
● Redesigned web pages to enhance aesthetics● An ABC News and Events section dedicated to providing
up-to-date information on cardiovascular related topics aswell as upcoming programs and events
● A Press Room for journalists to readily access ABC pressreleases, backgrounders and fact sheets. The press can alsouse this page to request interviews.
● New modules allowing members to renew their member-ship online.
S P E C I A L E V E N T S
This past year, the ABC organized three major banquets, a con-cert and a groundbreaking ceremony. Each event was wellreceived by attendees.
ANNUAL PRESIDENT’S AWARDS BANQUET
On March 4th, the ABC held its Annual President’s AwardsBanquet in New Orleans. During the banquet, the ABC recog-nized the accomplishments of its members and staff by bestow-ing awards in their honor. The organization also acknowledgedcollaborative supporters who assisted in bringing the ABC’svision to fruition. The highlight of the evening was Dr. Mal-colm Taylor passing the gavel to Dr. Paul Underwood as the lat-ter was inaugurated as the ABC’s 10th President.
ABC FIFTH ANNUAL TESTIMONIAL BANQUET
ABC founder, Dr. L. Julian Haywood was honored for his out-standing contributions to treating cardiovascular disease. Theevening included special recognition from colleagues, familymembers and friends. The Fifth Annual Testimonial Banquettook place on July 30th in San Diego, CA.
A HEARTFELT EVENING OF PRAISE (ABC GOSPEL CONCERT)
ABC produced its first gospel concert featuring gospel artists,Richard Smallwood and Ms. Tonex on November 5th in NewOrleans. American Idol Finalist, George Huff, and gospel duo,Charles and Taylor also performed at the event. The HeartfeltEvening of Praise concert served as the kick-off event for theABC 30th Anniversary Celebration.
Public Relations and Marketing
Gospel artist, Richard Smallwood, per-forms at the ABC’s first gospel concert inNew Orleans.
ABC 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONAND SILENT AUCTION
The ABC celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a black-tie galaand silent auction on November 6th in New Orleans. Holly-wood actor, Allen Payne served as the Master of Ceremonies.The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Victor Dzau, Chan-cellor for Health Affairs at Duke University, and President andCEO of the Duke University Health System.
ABC INTERNATIONAL LIBRARY, RESEARCHAND CONFERENCE CENTER GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY
ABC history was made when members, elected officials andfriends gathered in Atlanta on December 10th to break groundfor the organization’s International, Library, Research and Con-ference Center. Special guests included: Dr. Richard AllenWilliams, ABC founder; Dr. David Satcher, Interim President& Director of Morehouse School of Medicine, National Centerfor Primary Care; Dr. George Mensah, Acting Director,National Center for Chronic Disease Control; Mr. Ken Woods,Vice President Community Development Finance Group-Wachovia Bank; Ms. Sharon Henry, Vice President, Bristol-Myers Squibb Medical Services and External Affairs; Mr.Dennis Cryer, Vice President, Bristol-Myers Squibb MedicalExternal Affairs; Ms. Patricia Duquette, Director, Bristol-MyersSquibb Foundation; Ms. Karen Handel, Fulton County Boardof Commissioners Chair and Mr. William Edwards, FultonCounty Commissioner.
ABC Founders at 30th Anniversary Celebration (standing l to r) Drs. Levi Perry, Paul Batties, L. Julian Haywood, Boisey Barnes, and Major Geer.(sitting l to r) Drs. Elijah Saunders, Edith Irby Jones, Richard Allen Williams and Charles Curry
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The ABC established itsSecond Named Lectureship,the Dr. Alphonzo JordanMemorial Lecture
1997
Drs. Waine Kong, Jesse McGee and Paul Underwood at ABC Groundbreaking Ceremony
The ABC began to celebrateits 25th Anniversary onNovember 7, in Dallas, TX
1998
2004
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Scholarships and Awards
DR. WALTER M. BOOKER, SR. HEALTHPROMOTION AWARD – Jackson T. Wright, Jr., M.D.,Ph.D., An annual award presented to individuals who have pio-neered programs and innovative thinking that improve thehealth status in African American communities.
DR. HERBERT NICKINS EPIDEMIOLOGYAWARD – Michelle A. Albert, M.D., M.P.H. and HermanL. Taylor, M.D., Awarded annually to an outstandingScholar(s) of Epidemiology, and leaders in the promotion ofepidemiologic research and projects that promote the preven-tion and reduction of cardiovascular disease.
DR. DANIEL D. SAVAGE MEMORIAL SCIENTIFICAWARD – Gary Gibbons, M.D., Awarded annually to amember based on scientific achievement in the areas of CVDand research.
C-I-T HERO AWARD – Luther T. Clark, M.D., Anaward presented on behalf of Cardiologists-In-Training to asenior ABC member who has demonstrated commitment andloyalty to mentoring cardiology fellows.
FOURTH YEAR CARDIOLOGY SUBSPECIALTYFELLOWSHIP AWARDEES – Kevin Kwaku, M.D.,Ph.D., Farouk M. Belal, M.D., Santosh K.G. Koshy, M.D.,Chima Nwaukwa, M.D., An annual scholarship that providesminority Cardiology Fellows with a fully funded fourth year fel-lowship to a university with electrophysiology and interven-tional subspecialty training programs.
DR. JAY BROWN MEMORIAL C-I-T ABSTRACTAWARD – Christopher Walls, M.D., A yearly award present-ed to the leading Cardiologist-In-Training abstract presentationmade at the Annual ABC Scientific Sessions.
DIVERSITY IN CARDIOLOGY AWARDJohns Hopkins School of Medicine – Recognizes medicalschools for their ongoing commitment to the promotion ofdiversity and cultural enrichment in medical education.
DR. RICHARD ALLEN WILLIAMS SCHOLAR-SHIP WINNERS – Scholarships are awarded annually inhonor of ABC’s founder to stimulate the interest of minoritymedical students to pursue careers in cardiology. Three out-standing medical students were the recipients of the 2004 Dr.Richard Allen Williams Scholarship: Yolanda Hendley, Univer-sity of Florida College of Medicine; Norman Randolph,Georgetown University Medical Center; Thomas Satterwhite,Stanford University School of Medicine.
PIONEER IN CARDIOLOGY AWARDHerman L. Taylor, M.D. – An award bestowed upon a physicianfor their outstanding achievement in cardiovascular medicine.Each year, the recipient is featured in the ABC’s PioneeringAfrican-Americans in Conquest of Heart Disease calendar.
BEST PRACTICE AWARD – An award that recognizesexcellence in clinical medicine, community outreach and clini-cal research. This year’s recipient is Mid Carolina Cardiologyin Charlotte, NC.
2 0 0 4 A W A R D R E C I P I E N T S
ABC NEWSLETTER
The ABC Newsletter, published quarterly, is used to provide up-to-date information to the membership on upcoming eventsand sponsored activities, recent developments in health careand cardiology, the accomplishments of colleagues and ABCinitiatives.Editor: Charles Noble, II, M.D.
DIGEST OF URBAN CARDIOLOGY
The ABC Digest of Urban Cardiology, published bi-monthlysince 1994, is the official journal of the ABC. The publicationis widely distributed to more than 26,000 healthcare profes-sionals.Editor: Elizabeth Ofili, M.D., M.P.H.
PIONEERING AFRICAN AMERICANS INCONQUEST OF HEART DISEASE CALENDAR
Pioneering African Americans in Conquest of Heart Disease isour calendar that acknowledges the contributions of 15 AfricanAmericans who have made pioneering contributions to cardio-vascular medicine and research. Calendars are distributed toschools and churches across the country. Editor: Boisey Barnes, M.D.
ABC 7 STEPS TO A HEALTHY HEART
The 7 Steps to a Healthy Heart is a guidebook and video thatencourages everyone to take charge of their health byimplementing seven simple steps. The video features for-mer Chicago Cubs player Ernie Banks, Tony award win-ning singer and actress Melba Moore and civil rightsleader Rev. C.T. Vivian.26
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The millennium celebration was highlightedby ABC’s election of its first female president,Dr. Elizabeth Ofili
2000
Publications
A MINUTE FOR YOUR HEALTH
A Minute for Your Health delivers 75 spiritual health tips to helpeveryone live healthier lives. The book was created to teachfamilies and congregations how to bring spirituality into theirhealth regimen.Editor: Stephanie Kong, M.D.
HEART HEALTH FOR THE GENERATIONS:A GUIDEBOOK FOR AFRICAN AMERICANWOMEN
A 30-minute educational video and guidebook designed to edu-cate African American women about their cardiovascular healthand reduce their risk of developing devastating diseases such ashigh blood pressure. The video features renowned poet andauthor Maya Angelou.
THE AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN’SGUIDE TO A HEALTHY HEART
The African American Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Heart pro-vides African American women with valuable information oncardiovascular disease prevention. The book discusses how tocontrol cardiovascular risk factors and how to make lifestylechanges in order to lead a healthy lifestyle. Editor: Anne Taylor, M.D.
WHY CHILDREN SHOULD KNOW THEIRGRANDPARENTS
Why Children Should Know Their Grandparents explores theunique relationship between children and their grandparents.The book is filled with vibrant images and captivating storiesthat grandparents can share with their grandchildren. WhyChildren Should Know Their Grandparents also inspires grand-parents to take control of their health by adopting ABC’s SevenSteps to a Healthy Heart.
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D Y N A M I C P E O P L E S H A R I N G C O R E V A L U E S . . .
Leadership • Innovation • Diversity • Integrity • Customer Service • Continuous Improvement
Tammie Bell, M.S.Project Manager, EpiCenter
Icilma BertieIT Coordinator
Shameeka Ayers, B.A.Project Manager, CCEPD
Brandon Carter, B.S.Program Coordinator, CCEPD
Luther Clark, M.D.Consulting Medical Director, CCEPD
Jeanette Davis, B.S.N.Manager,
Community Programs
Kimberly FowlerGeneral Office Assistant
Levather Johnson, B.S.N., J.D.Director, Center for Women’s Health
Carolyn JonesProgram Assistant,
Community Programs
B. Waine Kong, Ph.D., J.D.Chief Executive Officer
Cassandra McCullough, M.B.A.Director, CCEPD
Dana McNease, B.S.Project Manager, CCEPD
Katrese Phelps, B.B.A.Director, Member Services
Anita PittsExecutive Administrative Assistant
Rondereo Sidney, B.S.Coordinator, Member Services
Natasha Simpson, B.S.Accountant I
Marcia Sutherland, B.Sc., F.C.C.A.Chief Financial Officer
Administrative Staff
Cherica SpannAdministrative Assistant
Melanie Dowdell, M.B.A.Director, EpiCenter
Angela Flanigan, B.A.Project Manager, CCEPD
Meredith Carter, M.A.Public Relations and
Special Events Manager
Building A Healthy Future is ABC’s ongoing effort to raise cap-ital to accelerate cardiovascular research and to fund the con-struction of the permanent home for the expanded programs ofour International Library, Research and Conference Center.
INTERNATIONAL LIBRARY, RESEARCHAND CONFERENCE CENTER
On a setting of approximately 125 acres of rolling land that cra-dles a 25-acre lake, the Center represents ABC’s vision for thenext millennium, comprising twelve centers of excellence forscientific research, outreach programs, health promotion, pro-fessional development and training, ABC membership and gov-ernance, and public spaces.
Scholars and research scientists from around the world will con-verge on the Center to study, exchange ideas, and to conductresearch. Physicians and health care professionals will congregatefor continuing medical education meetings, symposia, and scien-tific sessions. The general public will gather for a variety of uses:lectures, concerts, recitals, film festivals, etc. Others will gatherfor family reunions, to participate in epidemiological studies, andconduct genealogical research. Still others will use the landscapedgardens for weddings, receptions, and various outdoor events.
When completed, the Center will provide an attractive andinviting setting for ABC’s significant research and outreach pro-grams. The ABC will be capable of responding to the increas-ing demands of its national and international responsibilitiesfor cardiovascular health care among African Americans andother minorities, and to assume its rightful place among thepantheon of organizations which the public acknowledges asvital arbiters and advocates for exemplary health care.
FI N A N C I N G
We are pleased to announce that our building project receiveda loan from Wachovia Bank’s small business development unit,in the amount of $7 million to be repaid in seven years. In fact,this was the first loan Wachovia signed in Georgia in their NewMarkets Tax Credit category. The negotiations, though time-consuming and arduous, were ultimately successful in securinga loan at a very favorable rate of interest, which is guaranteedfor the life of the loan.
BU I L D I N G STAT U S
The building project officially commenced on December 10th
with a ground breaking ceremony attended by our boardmembers, donors, bankers and many dignitaries from theAtlanta community. However, there was much activity that hadto take place before construction could start. After an exhaus-tive process, we selected our building contractors, The NeenanCompany LLLP, out of Denver, Colorado. They have an excel-lent reputation for projects such as ours being delivered on timeand within budget. The building plans went through severaliterations before we eventually decided and signed off on thefinal design. We invite you to visit our website(www.abcardio.org) to view the plans, and pictures of the progressof the project. We anticipate completion of the building bythe end of the year. The official opening is scheduled for theMartin Luther King, Jr. Birthday weekend, January 13-16,2006.
YO U R I N V O LV E M E N T
There are several ways in which you can get involved in this proj-ect. We have naming opportunities for various areas of the prop-erty and grounds. You may purchase from a brick to a wing, oranything in between. Whatever you choose, please contact theABC or go online to make your donation. You can make apledge to be paid over a number of years, which can even be paidmonthly, or you can make a one time donation. In addition tocash, we are beginning to solicit donations of notable works ofart, particularly those with an emphasis on health or cardiologyfor our museum of African and African American Art. We thankyou in advance for your support.
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
ABC Generations Pathway—$200 per brick - Donors’ nameswill be etched into a paving brick that would become part of theprocessional walkway between the main building and the lake.This walkway will be experienced by grandparents, parents andchildren and will be a permanent fixture to be enjoyed by theirfuture generations.
Museum Naming Grant—$250,000 - future home of ABC’simpressive collection of artworks, books and sculptures, repre-senting artists and authors covering the African and African-American diaspora.
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THE ABC CAPITAL CAMPAIGN:
“Building A Healthy Future”
ABC’s first two Centers ofExcellence were established—Center for Women’s Health andCenter for Epidemiology
2000
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Banquet Hall—$250,000 - a hall to facilitate functions beingheld in the theater, in addition to weddings, family reunions,concerts, evening exercise classes and other family orientedevents.
Theater—$250,000 - the theater will seat 300 and will beequipped with state-of-the-art sound and visual equipment.The facility will provide space for concerts, film festivals,recitals, training, religious gatherings, etc.
International Flag Garden—$50,000 - The flags representingthe birth country of every member or contributor to the workof the ABC will be permanently flown in this garden, to repre-sent the diversity and far-reaching impact of our membershipand programs.
Shona Art Sculpture Garden—$250,000 - A naming opportu-nity to be associated with a planned permanent display of theworld-renowned Shona art of the outstanding stone-carvingAfrican artisans.
Tennis Center—$100,000 - In keeping with its health promo-tion message, the ABC will establish tennis courts for its staff,the community and visitors to utilize. It is hoped there will even-tually be an international tennis tournament hosted at this site.
Water Fountain—$50,000 - The Water Fountain will providea place for a calm, relaxing retreat for visitors.
Picnic Pavillions—$50,000 - The Picnic pavilions near our 25acre lake will facilitate family gatherings during familyreunions, retreats from educational conferences, and providethe ideal backdrop for staff motivational activities.
ABC Wall of Fame—$10,000 - This wall, within the maingallery of the building, will be a permanent part of the build-ing’s structure, and will have donors’ names etched into mason-ry blocks.
Cardiovascular Learning Center—$600,000 - This interactivecenter is designed to educate children and adults on the intri-cate mechanics of the heart. Visitors can expect to see humanphysiology models with authentic and simulated organs. Theycan also expect to observe intriguing exhibits on: heartattacks, strokes, kidney failure, hypertension, and heart fail-ure. Demonstrations on how to shop for healthy foods,count calories and conduct a family health assessment will alsobe provided.
Centers of Excellence - Three of the twelve centers of excellenceenvisioned have been funded. Other Centers requiring seedfunding include a Center for Men’s Health, a Cultural Compe-tence Training Center, a Family Reunion and Genealogy Cen-ter, and Center for Lifestyle Changes. Seed money for theseCenters begins at $500,000 per year for five years and affordsthe donor the opportunity to have their name included in theCenter’s name.
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The ABC was recertified by theACCME for an additional fouryears to sponsor continuingeducation for physicians
2001
2002
ABC established its third Center of Excellence—Center for Continuing Educationand Professional Development
By-laws CommitteeDr. Akinyele Aluko, Chair . . . .704-347-2058Dr. Andre Churchwell . . . . . . .615-383-5524Dr. Keith Ferdinand . . . . . . . . .504-943-1177Dr. Edith Irby Jones . . . . . . . .713-529-3145Dr. Deborah Williams . . . . . . .202-865-6791Dr. Charles Brown . . . . . . . . .901-369-8142Dr. Joyleen Earle . . . . . . . . . .215-951-8930Dr. B. Waine Kong, Staff . . . .678-302-4231
Capital CampaignDr. Jesse McGee, Chair . . . . .901-345-1454Dr. Curtis Weaver . . . . . . . . . .407-894-4474Dr. Hollis Underwood . . . . . . .602-951-3913Dr. Andre’ Artis . . . . . . . . . . . .219-884-9180Dr. Joe Hargrove . . . . . . . . . .501-664-0941Dr. Eric Vanderbush . . . . . . . .212-939-4701Dr. Richard Allen Williams . . .818-907-6750Ms. Marcia Sutherland, Staff .678-302-4236
Digest of Urban CardiologyDr. Elizabeth Ofili, Editor . . . . .404-752-1192Dr. Anekwe Onwuanyi, . . . . . .404-752-1317
Asst. Editor Dr. Lawrence Burwell . . . . . . .804-924-2067Dr. Laurence Watkins . . . . . . .772-337-5083Dr. Stephanie Kong . . . . . . . . 404-734-7998Dr. Deborah Williams . . . . . . .202-865-6791Dr. Jackson Wright . . . . . . . . .216-844-5174Dr. Michelle Albert . . . . . . . . . .617-732-6660Ms. Meredith Carter, Staff . . .678-302-4245
Investment/AuditDr. Joe Quash, Chair . . . . . . .202-832-1800Dr. Maurice Harris . . . . . . . . . .404-296-1256Dr. Herman Price . . . . . . . . . .386-447-5404Dr. David Prothro . . . . . . . . . .775-322-4449Dr. Malcolm Taylor . . . . . . . . .601-981-8543Dr. Ernesto Jonas . . . . . . . . . .516-572-8784Dr. Paul Carryon . . . . . . . . . . .773-488-3238Dr. DeVaughn Belton . . . . . . .202-332-1058Mr. Elton McKenzie . . . . . . . . .404-367-9192Ms. Marcia Sutherland, Staff .678-302-4236
Membership/Member Relations MembershipDr. Carlos Ince, Jr., Chair . . . .410-654-5111Dr. Christine Bussey . . . . . . . .703-698-8525Dr. Luanda Grazette . . . . . . . .617-726-4105Dr. Chima Nwaukwa . . . . . . . .847-723-7997Ms. Katrese Phelps, Staff . . . .678-302-4256
NominatingDr. Joe Hargrove, Chair . . . . .501-664-0941Dr. Paul Douglass . . . . . . . . . .576-667-4659Dr. Keith Ferdinand . . . . . . . . .504-943-1177Dr. Charles Francis . . . . . . . . .212-822-7288Dr. Roosevelt Gilliam . . . . . . .919-681-4091Dr. Augustus Grant . . . . . . . . .919-684-3901Dr. Frank James . . . . . . . . . . .215-438-4422Dr. Elizabeth Ofili . . . . . . . . . .404-752-1192Dr. Elijah Saunders . . . . . . . . .410-328-4366Dr. Richard Allen Williams . . .818-907-6750Dr. Malcolm Taylor . . . . . . . . .601-981-8543Dr. Calvin McLarin . . . . . . . . .404-874-1788Dr. B. Waine Kong, Staff . . . .678-302-4231
Academic Affairs/AwardsDr. L. Julian Haywood, Chair . .323-226-7116Dr. Robert Gillespie . . . . . . . .858-541-6561Dr. Augustus Grant . . . . . . . . .919-684-3901Dr. Charles Curry . . . . . . . . . .301-469-7456Dr. Roosevelt Gilliam . . . . . . .919-681-4091Dr. Luther Clark . . . . . . . . . . .718-270-1568Dr. Otelio Randall . . . . . . . . . .202-865-7272Dr. Elizabeth Ofili . . . . . . . . . .404-752-1192Dr. John Fontaine . . . . . . . . . .215-842-7455Dr. Karol Watson . . . . . . . . . .310-794-7121Dr. Paul Batties . . . . . . . . . . . .317-924-1001Ms. Meredith Carter, Staff . . .678-302-4245
Strategic PlanningDr. Kwame Akosah, Chair . . .608-782-7300 Dr. Andre’ Artis . . . . . . . . . . . .219-884-9180Dr. Aloysius Cuyjet . . . . . . . . .576-676-4659Dr. Paul Douglass . . . . . . . . . .404-874-1788Ms. Levather Johnson, Staff . .678-302-4246
Historical & CalendarDr. Boisey Barnes, Chair . . . .202-554-2679Dr. Rodney Hood . . . . . . . . . .619-262-7523Dr. Hannibal Howell . . . . . . . .757-723-2674Dr. Paul Carryon . . . . . . . . . . .773-488-3238Dr. Paul Batties . . . . . . . . . . . .317-924-1001Dr. Luther Clark . . . . . . . . . . .718-270-1568Dr. L. Julian Haywood . . . . . .323-226-7116Ms. Meredith Carter, Staff . . .678-302-4245
Cardiovascular SurgeryDr. Donna Mendes, Chair . . . .212-636-4990Dr. Lishan Aklog, Co-Chair . . .212-659-6811Dr. Louis Kanda . . . . . . . . . . .202-829-5602Dr. Thomas Matthew . . . . . . .502-897-5393Dr. Michael Smith . . . . . . . . . .404-223-5551Dr. Rosalyn Scott . . . . . . . . . .310-668-4520Dr. Charles Bridges . . . . . . . .215-829-8713Ms. Levather Johnson, Staff . .678-302-4246
International RelationsDr. Ola Akinboboye, Chair . . .516-622-4556Dr. Elizabeth Ofili . . . . . . . . . .404-752-1192Dr. Navin Nanda . . . . . . . . . . .205-934-8256Dr. Akinyele Aluko . . . . . . . . . .704-347-2058Dr. Mahfouz El Shahawy . . . .941-366-9800Dr. Wayne Batchelor . . . . . . .850-216-0120Dr. Herman Taylor . . . . . . . . . .601-368-4644Ms. Jeanette Davis, Staff . . . .678-302-4226
Structural Design & DevelopmentDr. Curtis Weaver, Chair . . . . .407-894-4474Dr. Eric Vanderbush, . . . . . . . .212-939-4701
Co-ChairDr. Laurence Watkins . . . . . . .772-337-5083Dr. Donna Mendes . . . . . . . . .212-636-4990Dr. Joe Hargrove . . . . . . . . . .501-664-0941Dr. Malcolm Taylor . . . . . . . . .601-981-8543Dr. Frank James . . . . . . . . . . .215-438-4422Dr. Joe Quash . . . . . . . . . . . . .202-832-1800Dr. B. Waine Kong, Staff . . . .678-302-4231
ABC Committees
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Clinical CardiologyDr. Robert Gillespie, Chair . . .858-541-6561Dr. Thomas Price, Co-Chair . .914-664-4052Dr. McAndrew Bowman . . . . .706-724-4400Dr. John Ijem . . . . . . . . . . . . .712-382-2626Dr. Adefisayo Oduwole . . . . . .404-616-8851Dr. Cleveland Francis . . . . . . .301-953-9360Dr. Jerome Robinson . . . . . . .619-267-8100Dr. Eugene Nwosu . . . . . . . . .912-355-0490Dr. George Miller . . . . . . . . . . .504-943-1177Dr. Charles MillerDr. James Mock . . . . . . . . . . .702-258-1601Dr. Duane Bridges . . . . . . . . .310-419-0600Dr. General Hilliard . . . . . . . . .510-352-5325Dr. James Lane . . . . . . . . . . . .216-381-1311Dr. Eric Quivers . . . . . . . . . . .202-884-2020Dr. Stanley Pearson . . . . . . . .602-271-5426Dr. Paul Batties . . . . . . . . . . . .317-924-1001Dr. Gerald DeVaughn . . . . . . .215-471-1817Dr. Ola Akinboboye . . . . . . . . .516-622-4556Dr. Andre Artis . . . . . . . . . . . . .219-884-9180Dr. Anne Varughese . . . . . . . .281-866-7701Dr. Michael Potts . . . . . . . . . .340-778-1800Ms. Cassandra McCullough, .678-302-4232
Staff
CVD in Children & WomenDr. Sylvia Swilley, Chair . . . . .562-803-2313Dr. Ian Balfour . . . . . . . . . . . .314-577-5633Dr. Eric Quivers . . . . . . . . . . .202-884-2020Dr. Sheila Robinson . . . . . . . .404-874-1788Dr. Brenda Armstrong . . . . . .919-681-3781Dr. Toni Bransford . . . . . . . . . .410-644-5111Dr. Priscilla Igho-Pemu . . . . . .404-756-1368Dr. Anne Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . .612-626-2183Dr. Michelle Albert . . . . . . . . . .617-732-6660Dr. Christine Bussey . . . . . . . .703-698-8525Dr. Jennifer Campbell . . . . . . .202-547-2668Mr. Rondereo Sidney, Staff . .678-302-4249
ManpowerDr. Ernest Madu, Chair . . . . . .615-340-3430Dr. Malcolm Taylor . . . . . . . . .601-981-8543Dr. Augustus Grant . . . . . . . . .919-684-3901Dr. Chima Nwaukwa . . . . . . . .847-723-7997Dr. L. Julian Haywood . . . . . . .323-226-7116Dr. B. Waine Kong, Staff . . . .678-302-4231
Research/Clinical TrialsDr. Ralph Watson, Chair . . . . .517-353-4811 Dr. Camellus Ezeugwu . . . . . .410-225-8615 Dr. John Fontaine . . . . . . . . . .215-842-7455 Dr. Joseph Hinds . . . . . . . . . .615-327-5755 Dr. Jackson Wright . . . . . . . . .216-844-5174Dr. Gary Gibbons . . . . . . . . . .404-752-1545 Dr. Herman Taylor . . . . . . . . . .601-368-4644 Dr. Nate Brown . . . . . . . . . . . .662-843-7299 Dr. Michelle Albert . . . . . . . . . .617-732-6660 Dr. Keith Ferdinand . . . . . . . . .504-943-1177 Dr. Elijah Saunders . . . . . . . . .410-328-4366 Dr. Judith Gwathmey . . . . . . .617-491-0022 Dr. Roxanne Rodney . . . . . . .908-412-3902 Dr. Laurence Watkins . . . . . . .772-337-5083Dr. Ronald Ringmaiden . . . . .402-559-6143 Dr. Kenneth Jamerson . . . . . .734-647-0433 Ms. Melanie Dowdell, Staff . . .678-302-4229
Practice ManagementDr. Aloysius Cuyjet, Chair . . . .576-676-4659Dr. David Bush . . . . . . . . . . . .410-550-0858Dr. Jose Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . .610-821-2850Dr. Stephanie Kong . . . . . . . .404-734-7998Dr. Stanley Pearson . . . . . . . .602-271-5426Dr. Vincent Pearson . . . . . . . .215-241-3208Dr. Joe Hargrove . . . . . . . . . .501-664-0941Dr. Robert LeMaile-Williams . .213-481-1241Mr. Clifford Barnes . . . . . . . . .202-296-2882Dr. Dante Galiber . . . . . . . . . .340-778-1802Dr. B. Waine Kong, Staff . . . .678-302-4231
Public Policy & Government AffairsDr. Christine Bussey, Chair . . .703-698-8525Dr. Sheila Robinson . . . . . . . .404-874-1788Dr. Charles Francis . . . . . . . . .212-822-7288Dr. L. Julian Haywood . . . . . . .323-226-7116Dr. Stanley Pearson . . . . . . .602-271-5426Dr. Rosalyn Scott . . . . . . . . . .310-668-4520Dr. Donna Mendes . . . . . . . . .212-636-4990Dr. David Prothro . . . . . . . . . .775-322-4449Dr. Norbert Rainford . . . . . . . .845-623-4154Ms. Meredith Carter, Staff . . .678-302-4245
Cardiologists-In-Training/AbstractDr. Brenda Armstrong, Chair .919-681-3781Dr. Christine Bussey . . . . . . . .703-698-8525Dr. Mark East . . . . . . . . . . . . .919-668-8882Dr. J. Horatio Smith . . . . . . . .770-716-0051Dr. Otelio Randall . . . . . . . . . .202-865-7272Dr. Eric Quivers . . . . . . . . . . .202-884-2020Ms. Katrese Phelps, Staff . . . .678-302-4256
Community ProgramsDr. Chantay Walker, Chair . . .615-646-7983Dr. Gerald DeVaughn . . . . . . .215-471-1817Ms. Diane Jackson . . . . . . . . .573-335-4100Dr. Ernest Madu . . . . . . . . . . .615-340-3430Dr. Jennifer Campbell . . . . . . .202-547-2668Dr. Aubrey Clarke . . . . . . . . . .212-939-4730Ms. Jeanette Davis, Staff . . . .678-302-4226
Institutional Review BoardMs. Tammi Long, Chair . . . . . .404-314-1947Dr. Edwin Ades . . . . . . . . . . . .404-639-3739Mr. Robert Carey . . . . . . . . . .770-993-9981Ms. Teresa Carter . . . . . . . . . .404-768-2239Dr. Miriam Chivers . . . . . . . . .404-691-0515Dr. Marc Cray . . . . . . . . . . . . .770-322-1050Dr. Abel La Rosa . . . . . . . . . .678-318-2626Ms. Paula Frederick . . . . . . . .404-527-8730Ms. Georgia Jackson . . . . . . .770-939-9549Ms. Stephanie Lee . . . . . . . . .404-639-2741Dr. George Thomas . . . . . . . .404-870-0691Ms. Sheila Tillman . . . . . . . . .770-969-9502Ms. Wendy Wattigney . . . . . . .770-488-8149Ms. Marcia Wells . . . . . . . . . .770-482-9498Ms. Levather Johnson, Staff . .678-302-4246
Complementary MedicineDr. Aubrey Clarke, Chair . . . . .212-939-4730Dr. Ronald Caldwell . . . . . . . .828-258-9068Dr. Robert Hendley . . . . . . . . .772-569-4911Dr. Corwin Thomas . . . . . . . . .337-593-8508Dr. Christine Bussey . . . . . . . .703-698-8525Ms. Levather Johnson, Staff . .678-302-4246
Invasive CardiologyDr. Reuben Sheares, Chair . .614-464-0884Dr. Anthony Fletcher . . . . . . . .501-664-0941Dr. Myrna Alexander . . . . . . . .601-981-8543Dr. Zelalem Yilma . . . . . . . . . .480-982-2800Dr. Roxanne Rodney . . . . . . .908-412-3902Dr. Chris Leggett . . . . . . . . . . .770-479-5536Dr. Conrad Murray . . . . . . . . .858-625-4488Dr. Henry Smith . . . . . . . . . . .612-347-7534Dr. Herbert Cordero . . . . . . . .305-785-3058Dr. Trevor Green . . . . . . . . . . .508-798-8600Dr. Farley Neasmen . . . . . . . .904-493-9216Dr. Reginald Dickerson . . . . . .216-381-1311Ms. Angela Flanigan, Staff . . .678-302-4227
Noninvasive CardiologyDr. Ola Akinboboybe, Chair . .516-622-4556Dr. Robert Gillespie . . . . . . . .858-541-6561Dr. Toni Bransford . . . . . . . . . .410-644-5111Dr. Martin Keane . . . . . . . . . . .215-615-3062Dr. Navin Nanda . . . . . . . . . . .205-934-8256Dr. Jonathan Dubin . . . . . . . . 410-456-1809Dr. Anekwe Onwuanyi . . . . . .404-752-1317Dr. Roxanne Rodney . . . . . . .908-412-3902Dr. Leon Hendley . . . . . . . . . .772-569-4911Dr. Michael Holman . . . . . . . .706-724-4400Dr. Kim Williams . . . . . . . . . . .773-702-6258Ms. Jeanette Davis, Staff . . . .678-302-4226
Continuing EducationDr. John Fontaine, Chair . . . .215-842-7455Dr. Frank James, Co-Chair . . .215-438-4422Dr. Karol Watson . . . . . . . . . .310-794-7121Dr. Robert Scott . . . . . . . . . . .504-842-3439Dr. Charles Athill . . . . . . . . . . .858-244-6800Dr. Carey Green . . . . . . . . . . .305-665-0881Dr. Dollie Greene . . . . . . . . . .305-243-6251Dr. Navin Nanda . . . . . . . . . . .205-934-8256Dr. Robert Gillespie . . . . . . . .858-541-6561Dr. Ernest Madu . . . . . . . . . . .615-340-3430Dr. Reginald Dickerson . . . . .216-381-1311Dr. Ola Akinboboye . . . . . . . . .516-622-4556Ms. Angela Flanigan, Staff . . .678-302-4227
Cultural EnrichmentDr. Stephanie Kong, Chair . . .404-734-7998Dr. Navin Nanda . . . . . . . . . . .205-934-8256Dr. Joel Buxbaum . . . . . . . . . .858-784-8885Dr. Wallace Johnson . . . . . . . .410-328-4366Dr. Rafael Sequeira . . . . . . . .305-585-5530Dr. B. Waine Kong, Staff . . . .678-302-4231
Information TechnologyDr. Alex Strachan, Chair . . . . .770-445-8121Dr. Laurence Watkins, . . . . . .772-337-5083
Co-ChairDr. Akinyele Aluko . . . . . . . . . .704-347-2058Dr. David Bush . . . . . . . . . . . .410-550-0858Dr. Jonathan Dubin . . . . . . . . .410-456-1809Dr. Carlos Ince, Jr. . . . . . . . . .410-654-5111Dr. Carey Green . . . . . . . . . . .305-665-0881Dr. Robert Gillespie . . . . . . . .858-541-6561Mr. George Fahnbulleh . . . . . .602-421-0938Ms. Icilma Bertie, Staff . . . . . .678-302-4228
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The ABC broke groundon its InternationalLibrary, Research andConference Center
2004
EpidemiologyDr. Kwame Akosah, Chair . . .608-782-7300Dr. John Flack . . . . . . . . . . . . .313-966-0635Dr. Walter Claire . . . . . . . . . . .615-383-5524Dr. Gary Gibbons . . . . . . . . . .404-752-1545Dr. Otelio Randall . . . . . . . . . .202-865-7272Dr. Jackson Wright . . . . . . . . .216-844-1109Dr. Michelle Albert . . . . . . . . . .617-732-6660Dr. Janice Douglas . . . . . . . . .216-406-8899Dr. Paul Douglass . . . . . . . . . .404-874-1788Ms. Melanie Dowdell, Staff . . .678-302-4229
Public RelationsDr. Lynne Perry-Bottinger, . . .914-576-7577
ChairDr. Roy Flood . . . . . . . . . . . . .340-776-8311Dr. Donna Mendes . . . . . . . . .212-636-4990Dr. Michelle Webb . . . . . . . . .703-753-6418Ms. Joy Johnson . . . . . . . . . . .602-596-8142Ms. Meredith Carter, Staff . . .678-302-4245
Visiting Professor ProgramDr. Deborah Williams, Chair . .202-865-6791Dr. Ola Akinboboye . . . . . . . . .516-622-4556Dr. Theodore Addai . . . . . . . . .615-327-6711Dr. Otelio Randall . . . . . . . . . .202-865-7272Dr. Marcus Williams . . . . . . . .201-337-0066Mr. Brandon Carter, Staff . . . .678-302-4234
MetabolicDr. Rafael Sequeira, Chair . . .305-585-5530Dr. Rita Lourd . . . . . . . . . . . . .718-920-5585Dr. Thomas PittsDr. Patrick Asiedu . . . . . . . . . .203-865-5111Dr. Sam Degogojack . . . . . . . .901-448-5801Dr. Mahfouz El Shahawy . . . .941-366-9800Dr. Sabrina Rene . . . . . . . . . .770-339-1387Dr. Janice Douglas . . . . . . . . .216-406-8899Dr. Luther Clark . . . . . . . . . . .718-270-1568Dr. John Flack . . . . . . . . . . . . .313-966-0635Dr. Elijah Saunders . . . . . . . . .410-328-4366Dr. James Gavin . . . . . . . . . . .404-752-1740Dr. Dollie Green . . . . . . . . . . .305-243-6251Dr. Tazewell Banks . . . . . . . . .202-529-1960Dr. Kenneth Jamerson . . . . . .734-647-0433Dr. Carlos Ince . . . . . . . . . . . .410-654-5111Dr. Karol Watson . . . . . . . . . .310-794-7121Dr. Joseph Robinson . . . . . . .301-670-4633Dr. Olalekan Sowande . . . . . .793-737-5400Dr. Keith Ferdinand . . . . . . . . .504-943-1177Dr. Howard Robinson . . . . . . .623-580-6968Ms. Carolyn Jones, Staff . . . .678-302-4254
Organ TransplantationDr. Hannah Valantine, Chair . .650-723-2665Dr. William Cooper . . . . . . . . .404-686-2513Dr. Rosalyn Scott . . . . . . . . . .310-668-4520Ms. Levather Johnson, Staff . .678-302-4246
Preventive Cardiology andNutrition Dr. Tazewell Banks, Chair . . . .202-529-1960Dr. Roy Flood . . . . . . . . . . . . .340-776-8311Dr. Robert Hendley . . . . . . . . .772-569-4911Dr. Shiriki Kumanyika . . . . . . .215-898-2629Dr. Joseph Robinson . . . . . . .301-670-4633Ms. Cherica Spann, Staff . . . .678-302-4233
StrokeDr. Edgar Kenton, Chair . . . . .610-642-3668Dr. Patrick Asiedu . . . . . . . . . .203-865-5111Dr. Elijah Saunders . . . . . . . . .410-328-4366Dr. Gary Gibbons . . . . . . . . . .404-752-1545Dr. Edward Cooper . . . . . . . . .215-849-8234Ms. Carolyn Jones, Staff . . . .678-302-4254
ElectrophysiologyDr. Charles Athill, Chair . . . . .858-244-6800Dr. John Fontaine . . . . . . . . . .215-842-7455Dr. Peter Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . .407-351-5384Dr. Trevor Greene . . . . . . . . . .904-493-9216Dr. David Gbadebo . . . . . . . . .423-778-7537Dr. Felipe Robinson . . . . . . . .301-567-2900Dr. Eric Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . . .956-630-5522Dr. Augustus Grant . . . . . . . . .919-684-3901Dr. Charles Noble . . . . . . . . . .614-464-0884Dr. Felix Sogade . . . . . . . . . . .478-755-1560Ms. Katrese Phelps, Staff . . . .678-302-4256
ABC NewsletterDr. Charles Noble, Editor . . . .614-464-0884Ms. Meredith Carter, Staff . . .678-302-4245
Center for Faith & WellnessDr. Marcus Williams, Chair . . .201-337-0066Ms. Jeanette Davis, Staff . . .678-302-4226
Center for Lifestyle ModificationDr. Irvin Fox, Chair . . . . . . . . .601-984-2250Dr. B. Waine Kong, Staff . . . .678-302-4231
Museum of African & AfricanAmerican ArtDr. Calvin McLarin, Chair . . . .404-874-1788Ms. Marcia Sutherland, Staff .678-302-4236
Heart FailureDr. Malcolm Taylor, Chair . . . .601-981-8543Dr. Robert Scott . . . . . . . . . . .504-842-3439Dr. Hannah Valantine . . . . . . .650-723-2665Dr. Kevin Coy . . . . . . . . . . . . .305-673-0601Dr. Felix Oviasu . . . . . . . . . . .516-742-5700Dr. Judith Mitchell . . . . . . . . . .718-270-1073Ms. Angela Flanigan, Staff . . .678-302-4227
National High Blood PressureEducation ProgramDr. Jackson Wright,
Representative . . . . . . . . . . .216-844-5174
National Stroke AssociationDr. Gerasimos Stavens,
Representative . . . . . . . . . . .336-765-2555
Heart TruthDr. Toni Bransford,
Representative . . . . . . . . . . .612-929-0552
PharmacologyDr. Corwin Thomas, Chair . . .337-593-8508Dr. Jackson Wright . . . . . . . . .216-844-5174Dr. Marcus Williams . . . . . . . .201-337-0066Ms. Jeanette Davis, Staff . . . .678-302-4226
American Society of NuclearCardiology Dr. Kim Williams,
Representative . . . . . . . . . .773-702-6258
American College of CardiologyDr. Paul Douglass,
Representative . . . . . . . . . . .404-874-1788Dr. Malcolm Taylor . . . . . . . . .601-981-8543American Academy of Family PhysiciansDr. Warren Jones,
Representative . . . . . . . . . . .800-274-2237
Sickle Cell and CVDDr. John Fontaine, Chair . . . .215-842-7455Dr. Ademola Abiose . . . . . . . .712-423-1457Dr. Gerasimos Stavens . . . . . .336-765-2555Dr. Peter Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . .407-351-5384Ms. Melanie Dowdell, Staff . . .678-302-4229
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Hall of Fame for Black PhysiciansDr. Charles Curry, Chair . . . . .202-865-4449Dr. Boisey Barnes . . . . . . . . . .202-554-2679Dr. Paul Batties . . . . . . . . . . . .317-924-1001Dr. Kermit Brown . . . . . . . . . .615-790-0598Dr. Richard Gillium . . . . . . . . .301-436-5975Dr. L. Julian Haywood . . . . . . .323-226-7116Dr. Hannibal Howell . . . . . . . .757-723-2674Dr. Paul Jackson . . . . . . . . . . .408-867-5138Dr. Edith Irby Jones . . . . . . . .713-529-3145Dr. Levi PerryDr. Elijah Saunders . . . . . . . . .410-328-4366Dr. Richard Allen Williams . . .818-907-6750Ms. Marcia Sutherland, Staff .678-302-4236
Think TankDr. James Gavin, Chair . . . . .404-752-1740Dr. George Mensah . . . . . . . .770-488-8009Dr. David Satcher . . . . . . . . . .404-752-1824Dr. Clyde Yancy . . . . . . . . . . .214-645-7544Dr. Joe Hargrove . . . . . . . . . .501-664-0941Dr. Richard Allen Williams . . .818-907-6750Dr. Louis Essandoh . . . . . . . .410-897-9474Dr. Elijah Saunders . . . . . . . . .410-328-4366Dr. John Ruffin . . . . . . . . . . . .301-435-2165Mr. Dewey Alexander . . . . . . .816-356-9379Dr. B. Waine Kong, Staff . . . .678-302-4231
Center for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesDr. Norbert Rainford,
Representative . . . . . . . . . . .845-623-4154
American Heart Association Dr. Augustus Grant,
Representative . . . . . . . . . . .919-684-3901
Food & Drug Administration(FDA)Dr. John Fontaine,
Representative . . . . . . . . . . .215-842-7455
Nigeria “2005”Dr. Akinyele Aluko, Chair . . . .704-347-2058Dr. Elizabeth Ofili . . . . . . . . . .404-752-1192Dr. Adelfisayo Oduwole . . . . .404-616-8851Dr. Ernest Madu . . . . . . . . . . .615-340-3430Dr. Ola Akinboboye . . . . . . . . .516-622-4556Dr. Joe Hargrove . . . . . . . . . .501-664-0941Dr. Eugene Nwosu . . . . . . . . .912-355-0490Dr. John Olowoyeye . . . . . . . .209-951-9884Mr. Brandon Carter, Staff . . . .678-302-4234
Costa Rica “2004”Dr. Hollis Underwood, Chair . .480-767-3877Dr. Eugene Nwosu . . . . . . . . .912-355-0490Dr. Michael Livingston . . . . . .601-206-5543Dr. Charles Brown . . . . . . . . .901-369-8142Dr. Nate Brown . . . . . . . . . . . .662-843-7299Ms. Meredith Carter, Staff . . .678-302-4245
National Cholesterol EducationProgramDr. Karol Watson,
Representative . . . . . . . . . . .310-794-7121
American College of Physicians Dr. Charles Francis,
Representative . . . . . . . . . . .212-822-7288
American Diabetes Association(ADA)Dr. Sabrina Rene,
Representative . . . . . . . . . . .770-339-1387
National Medical AssociationDr. Jerome Robinson,
Representative . . . . . . . . . . .619-267-8100
NHLBIDr. David Bush,
Representative . . . . . . . . . .410-550-0858
Henry J. Kaiser Family FoundationMs. Marsha Lillie-Blanton,Representative . . . . . . . . . . . .202-347-5270
Robert Wood Johnson FoundationDr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey,
Representative . . . . . . . . . . .888-631-9988
30th Anniversary CelebrationDr. Richard Allen Williams,
Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .818-907-6750Dr. Paul Douglass . . . . . . . . . .404-874-1788Dr. Antronette Yancey . . . . . . .310-794-9284Dr. Hilton Hudson . . . . . . . . . .815-971-2863Dr. Thomas Price . . . . . . . . . .914-664-4052Dr. Boisey Barnes . . . . . . . . . .202-554-2679Dr. Karol Watson . . . . . . . . . .310-794-7121Dr. Paul Terry Batties . . . . . . .317-924-1001Dr. Keith Ferdinand . . . . . . . . .504-943-1177Dr. Joe Hargrove . . . . . . . . . .501-664-0941Dr. Edith Irby Jones . . . . . . . .713-529-3145Dr. Elizabeth Ofili . . . . . . . . . .404-752-1192Ms. Meredith Carter, Staff . . .678-302-4245
Vascular Biology WorkingGroupDr. Carey Green,
Representative . . . . . . . . . .305-665-0881
Cardiology Leadership AllianceDr. Akinyele Aluko,
Representative . . . . . . . . . . .704-347-2058
Joint Committee on EqualAccess to Cardiovascular CareDr. George Mensah, Chair . . .770-488-8009Dr. Marian Limacher, ACC,
Co-Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .362-846-1228Dr. David Goff, AHA, Co-ChairDr. Patrice Desvigne-Nickens .301-435-0515Dr. Paul Douglass . . . . . . . . . .404-874-1788Dr. Wayne Giles (CDC) . . . . .770-488-5269Dr. Vincent Pearson . . . . . . . . 215-241-3208Dr. Stanley Pearson . . . . . . . .602-271-5426
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ABC FinanceADDING VALUE BEYOND THE NUMBERS
ASSOCIATION OF BLACK CARDIOLOGISTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARYcondensed from the year end audit of the Consolidated FinancialStatements for December 31, 2004 and 2003
The Finance Department of the ABC operates in the back-ground, quietly but decisively, implementing and monitoringfinancial policies and procedures, and managing fiscal assets formaximum benefit to the organization. Our motto of “AddingValue Beyond the Numbers” reflects our philosophy of offeringsuperior customer service to both our external and internal cus-tomers in an atmosphere of trust, integrity, and transparency.
In 2004, the complexity of operations in Finance took a quan-tum leap with the signing of our construction contract, and theincorporation of a new entity — Pioneers in Cardiology, Inc.— a for profit, wholly owned subsidiary of the ABC. This newentity will own the ABC’s 40,000 sq. ft. International Library,Research and Conference Center, being constructed by NeenanCompany LLLP, in the South Fulton area of Atlanta. Pioneersin Cardiology Inc. also owns the liability of the constructionfunding through Wachovia. In compliance with generallyaccepted accounting procedures, all construction and relatedloan transactions are segregated from those of the Association.
We successfully finalized the funding of the InternationalLibrary, Research and Conference Center with a landmark $7million loan underwritten by Wachovia Bank’s CommunityDevelopment Enterprises, LLC. The loan receives a favorableinterest rate which is guaranteed for the entire loan term of 7years.
While we have implemented comprehensive finance andaccounting practices to ensure regulatory compliance for ournew activities, concurrently we continue to ensure that themonitoring and reporting of our existing activities, which havealways provided the “life blood” of the organization, are notcompromised in any way. The Centers of Excellence signifi-cantly increased their operating budgets within the year, herald-ing in new programs, all requiring separate accounting andreporting. To assist with the increased volume of transactions,one support position has been approved and added to theFinance Department.
The numbers below are extracted from the consolidated audit-ed Financial Statements of the Association and its subsidiary —Pioneers in Cardiology. Were it not for continuing delinquen-cy on our capital campaign pledges, the ABC would have metits financial target of achieving a profit for the year 2004. Thematter of pledge delinquency is receiving the urgent attentionof the Board of Directors. It is expected that with new paymentinitiatives in place, and an aggressive collections campaign, wewill see the reversal of these bad debt provisions in our 2005financials, and return to profitability.
The full ABC audit report is available from the ABC headquar-ters for more detailed review.
Joseph Quash, M.D. Marcia SutherlandTreasurer Chief Financial Officer
Statement of Activities and Changes in Net Assets for the Years ended 31 December 2004 and 2003
2004 2003$ $
Support & RevenueGrants 6,232,438 4,819,296Membership Dues 133,270 142,610Pledges & Endowments 39,456 32,348Other Income 101,988 45,288Total Support & Revenue 6,507,152 5,039,542
ExpensesPrograms 5,035,196 3,685,516Capital Campaign 339,867 214,261Support Services 1,366,441 1,194,288Total Expenses 6,741,504 5,094,065
Changes in Net Assets -234,352 -54,523
Statement of Financial Position as atDecember 31, 2004 and 2003
2004 2003$ $
AssetsCash & Investments 919,305 1,759,590Receivables and Prepayments 562,640 1,122,363Property and Equipment &
Amortizable Assets (Net) 4,486,222 3,905,507Total Assets 5,968,167 6,787,460
Liabilities and Net AssetsAccounts Payable 715,024 717,024Deferred Revenues 492,878 1,230,479Long Term Debt 1,442,187 1,292,470Net Assets 3,318,078 3,547,487
Total Liabilities and Net Assets 5,968,167 6,787,460
ABC Operations Revenues 1995 to 2004
“The death of a grandparent means an entire library has goneup in flames.”
— African Proverb
“...of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is themost shocking and inhumane.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr., 1966
“With cooperation and commitment from government,community, industry, medical organizations, and health careproviders, we will eliminate racial and ethnic disparities inmorbidity and mortality by 2010, particularly in heart diseaseand stroke. The ABC is an important partner in this effort.”
— David Satcher, M.D., Former Surgeon General of the UnitedStates of America and Assistant Secretary of Health, Speech at theABC 25th Anniversary Celebration, November 7, 1998
“I want to emphasize the importance and value of the missionof the ABC, particularly in attempting to manage and do abetter job of controlling cardiovascular disease in the Blackcommunity where the need is greatest. As I understand it,you are also trying to establish an institute in Atlanta to focusupon this mission and I’d like to urge you to pursue this to fullfruition.”
— Michael E. DeBakey, M.D., Speech at the ABC 25th AnniversaryCelebration, November 7, 1998
“We shall fight cardiovascular diseases in our churches, inour schools, in our work places, and in our medicalinstitutions; we shall fight it in our homes; we shall fight it inour barbershops and in our beauty salons; we shall fight inour community centers and on our streets. We shall fight it,and we shall never surrender. African American childrendeserve to know their grandparents.”
— Frank S. James, M.D., ABC President, 1998
“We need to move from a healthcare system that treatsdisease to one that avoids disease.”
— Tommy Thompson, M.D., U.S. Secretary of Health and HumanServices, 2002
“The average African American man has a life expectancy of67 years, while that of a white man is 72 years. The averageAfrican American woman has a life expectancy of 74 years,while that of a white woman is 79 years......While heartdisease and cancer remain the two leading causes of deathof both African Americans and Caucasians, the rate is 50percent higher for African Americans primarily because oflittle to no screening and access to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.”
— John Ruffin, Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities,2000
“We shall overcome the disparities in health care, whetherthey are due to economic barriers, or institutionalized racism,or even unconscious discrimination. We, as public servants,can build on Dr. King’s contribution to the moral health of ourcountry to make contributions to the physical and mentalhealth of all its people. Let’s make that commitment today.”
— John M. Eisenberg, M.D., Director for Healthcare Research andQuality, January 14, 2000
Racial and ethnic minorities tend to receive a lower quality ofhealthcare than non-minorities, even when access-relatedfactors, such as patients’ insurance status and income, arecontrolled. The sources of these disparities are complex, arerooted in historic and contemporary inequities, and involvemany participants at several levels, including health systems,their administrative and bureaucratic processes, utilizationmanagers, healthcare professionals, and patients.
— Institute of Medicine, Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racialand Ethnic Disparities in Health Care, National Academy Press,2002. p. 1 (Abstract)
ASSOCIATION OF BLACK CARDIOLOGISTS, INC.B. Waine Kong, Ph.D., J.D.
Chief Executive Officer6849 B-2 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, NE • Atlanta, GA 30328
800-753-9222 • 678-302-4ABC • 678-302-4223 FAXwww.abcardio.org
The ABC’s International Library, Research and Conference Center(ILRCC) will sit on 125 acres of rolling countryside that cradles a25-acre lake. The ILRCC will be a center for scientific research,public health education, professional development and training.This unique building will provide a pleasant and productive placefor staff to do the work of the ABC. It will include public spacessuch as an auditorium, banquet hall, museum, art gallery, Hall ofFame for Black Physicians, meeting rooms, and a Cardio-Healthand Rehabilitation Center. The facility will also house an interac-tive Cardiovascular Learning Center where children and adults cancome and learn about the intricate mechanics of the heart, seehuman physiology models with authentic and simulated organsand observe intriguing exhibits. The ILRCC will host multiplefunctions including retreats, symposia, educational meetings, family
gatherings, picnics, church functions, weddings, banquets, moviescreenings, lectures, music recitals and productions.
The building design is based on the themes of community, honor,celebration, and most importantly on the concept of progression.The theme of progression is derived from the natural progression offamily history that takes place between a grandparent and a child.This intergenerational sharing of knowledge fosters strong commu-nities and an improved quality of life for African Americans. Theprogression theme is also seen in the fact that the ABC is advancingthe world’s collective knowledge about cardiovascular diseasethrough our continuing research. Both of these types of progres-sions are fundamental to the mission and vision of the ABC and itsmembers.
A S S O C I A T I O N O F B L A C K C A R D I O L O G I S T S , I N C .
INTERNATIONAL LIBRARY, RESEARCH AND CONFERENCE CENTER
To contribute to the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. Capital Campaign, please call 800-753-9222.