Association of Black Cardiologists elects Barbara Hutchinson president

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

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

““I am thrilled to accept the Board and membership appointment as President”,” remarked Hutchinson. ““The organization is at an exciting place in its 42 year history and I look forward to advancing its mission through the collaborative efforts of our board, our membership and staff. We want to build on the successes we have achieved thus far in education, research and advocacy while cultivating expansive progress in eliminating disparities. As an organization, we are strongly positioned to deliver reliable solutions to achieving health equity and diversity strategies (workforce, clinical trials) through high quality partnerships.””

Dr. Sogade currently serves as the CEO/President of Georgia Arrhythmia Consultants and Research Institute(GACRI). He is ABIM board certified in clinical cardiac electrophysiology and cardiovascular diseases and has provided services to the mid-Georgia area for more than 19 years. In addition, he serves as Associate Professor of Medicine at Mercer University.

“The “ABC as an organization and its constituent members have played a tremendous role in my personal career development”,” said Sogade. ““Twenty one years ago I was awarded the very first ABC fellowship to continue my training in Cardiac Electrophysiology at Duke University. I am honored today to serve as chairman of the board and shall continue to remain appreciative for this opportunity. This depth of gratitude makes commitment and determination to ensure success of this organization unfaltering.””

The ABC also elected new board members who included:
– Aaron Horne, Jr., MD, MBA;
– Onyedika Ilonze, MD, MPH;
– Cheryl Pegus, MD
– Wilma McGee, RN;
– Chima Nwaukwa, MD;
– Heather Kinder.

Returning members and new officers include:
– Andre Artis, MD;
– Mahfouz El Shahawy, MD (Secretary);
– Mark Thompson (Treasurer);
– Michael Weamer, CAE.

New officers were inducted earlier last month during the American College of Cardiology’s Scientific Sessions in Chicago.

Source: Association of Black Cardiologists