By AACVPR President David Prince, MD

As I stepped off the stage at the 39^th AACVPR Annual Meeting, I looked around the room and thought, “these are my friends and family.”  I wondered, “Why do I only have this feeling with these people?” On the way back to New York, I reflected that in a world full of conflict, AACVPR elevates our souls, innovates our practices, and empowers us to manifest the professional lives we envision with heart and sincerity.

In my remarks to meeting-goers, I highlighted some of the new and exciting programs coming up this year — which I would also like to share with News & Views readers. I am personally looking forward to participating in the ECG Webinar Series: From Fundamentals to Advanced Interpretation being delivered via five installments over five months. This timeframe was chosen to allow participants to learn and apply concepts in their daily practice and build skills over time. This course is being led by a very enthusiastic and accomplished teacher, cardiologist Franklin H. Zimmerman, MD, FAACVPR, author of ECG Core Curriculum. 

Knowledge is indeed power, and we work in fast-paced data-driven environments where those with skills are promoted and succeed. The inaugural class of the AACVPR Leadership Development Academy will come together for eight months of virtual group learning. This experience will be limited to 50 cardiopulmonary professionals and is designed to help participants develop their leadership skills and improve their approach to program management. The curriculum includes a range of topics, including financial management, quality improvement, and human resource leadership. 

Last year the Exercise Prescription Master Class was a phenomenal success, and it will be returning again in 2025. This filled up very fast, so I encourage anyone who is interested in joining to register early.

AACVPR has formed a new Government Affairs Committee chaired by Todd Brown, MD, MSPH, FACC, MAACVPR. This — paired with our new government relations firm, Hart Health Solutions — has already elevated and empowered our legislative efforts. Day on the Hill (DOTH) will be a phenomenal experience unlike any in the past. With strategy and guidance from Hart Health, we will make sure our voices are heard in the offices of our legislators. These efforts communicate the needs of our patients and programs to all levels of government. The AACVPR Board will be joining DOTH participants so that we can all advocate together. This is a spring event to re-charge and energize ourselves until the next Annual Meeting.

Which brings me to the 40^th anniversary of our Annual Meeting, which we’ll celebrate in West Palm Beach. We are returning to Florida for beautiful weather and fun activities in a high-energy city full of sunshine. The last time West Palm Beach hosted AACVPR, the conference was a big success with a lot of enthusiasm for this location; and I am looking forward to returning as well as sampling some of the best fish and seafood in America.

I am looking forward to dedicating my time and energy this year to the organization we all love. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve our community and learn from all our members as we chart our course together for another 40 years of growth and success.