Association of Black Cardiologists Announces New President and Board Chairman

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May 05, 2016, 08:06 ET

NEW YORK, May 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), an inclusive organization dedicated to eliminating disparities in cardiovascular diseases, has elected Felix Sogade, MD as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Barbara Hutchinson, MD, PhD as President.

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"We are very excited to welcome Dr. Sogade and Dr. Hutchinson to their new leadership roles," said Malcolm Taylor, MD, chairman of the Nominating Committee. "Their outstanding contributions to ABC across many sectors and proven leadership and business experiences will serve our organization well as we embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead of us."

Dr. Sogade currently serves as the CEO/President of Georgia Arrhythmia Consultants and Research 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 nineteen years. In addition, he serves as Associate Professor of Medicine at Mercer University.

"ABC as an organization and its constituent members have played a tremendous role in my personal career development," comments Dr. Sogade. "21 years ago I was awarded the very first ABC fellowship to continue my training in Cardiac 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."

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

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

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

The ABC Board of Directors comprises a wide range of experience in various fields, including healthcare, organizational management and capacity building. To learn more, visit www.abcardio.org/boardmembers.php.

Media Contact: Cassandra McCullough

212-661-1438

SOURCE Association of Black Cardiologists