ACC Georgia Chapter

Gayle Davies

Victory for ACC Advocacy – Senate Passes Heart Act

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Your ACC Advocacy team worked diligently alongside the broader Smart Heart Sports Coalition to advance this legislation, which includes components of the Access to AEDs Act, another ACC-supported bill. Our Advocacy efforts included:

  • Over 1,200 messages sent from ACC members to their lawmakers through our grassroots alert system
  • More than 250 meetings with lawmakers during ACC’s 2024 Legislative Conference
  • Over 150 HeartPAC events with lawmakers, where education about the benefits of AEDs in schools was a prominent topic

As we celebrate this achievement, we want to thank you for your contributions in advancing this issue. We also remain committed to pushing our remaining priorities, such as Medicare payment cut relief and prior authorization reform, across the finish line before the conclusion of the 118th Congress.

How can you continue to support our Advocacy efforts?
ACC currently has two live federal action alerts, urging lawmakers to advance Medicare payment cut relief and prior authorization reform. If you haven’t participated yet, please take a moment to do so. It’s quick and easy to do – we have already provided a pre-written message, so all you need to do is add your information and click send!

We’ll keep you updated on any significant developments through email, social media, and our weekly newsletter, the Advocate. Thank you once again for your support of ACC Advocacy.

2024 CME Certificate GA ACC CVT Program

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Thank you for your feedback! Please do not close this page until you have retrieved your CME certificate.

  • Please click through the link below to begin retrieving your CME certificate.
  • If you need further instructions for retrieving your certificate, click here to download detailed instructions on the process.
  • Please note that you will need to confirm your email address prior to receiving your CME certificate, so it is suggested that you use a personal email to avoid any employer spam filters or firewall policies.

We truly appreciate your participation in this year’s GA ACC CVT Program and hope to see you in 2025.

Access Your CME Certificate Here

State AED Update:
 Georgia’s Win from Start to Finish

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The ACC Georgia Chapter spearheaded legislation to establish sudden cardiac emergency response plans and require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all public schools, K-12. Read below GA ACC’s success in expanding the state’s AED laws to include all Georgia students beyond those in high school.

Quote from Dr. Kim:
“I truly think this will represent model legislation for the rest of the country,” said Dr. Jonathan Kim. “Not many states have these laws in place, and this is really something we can all be proud of.”

On Tuesday, April 23, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed House Bill 874, which mandates automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all public schools. 

READ: ACC HeartPAC Update
Spotlight on AED Access Legislation

YPI Changes Lives

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by Abdallah Al-Obaidi

When I was 6, my family fled Iraq, seeking refuge in Jordan. For eight long years, we lived there as non-citizens, devoid of health insurance and struggling with financial hardships. In 2013, our journey led us to the United States, where I yearned for an opportunity to carve out a better future for myself while extending a helping hand to others.

My tenure at Emory University saw me evolve to become a medical interpreter and an EMT. Having experienced firsthand the challenges of language barriers and the importance of understanding medical treatment, I felt compelled to delve deeper into the field of medicine. However, as a first-generation American and the first aspiring doctor in my family, I faced a daunting path with no clear starting point. Undeterred, I reached out to local doctors in the Atlanta community, seeking guidance and mentorship. Despite sending out numerous emails, I received no response—until Dr. Kelli, graciously, broke the silence and introduced me to Young Physician Initiative (YPI).

My involvement with YPI was transformative. Through hands-on experiences, I gained invaluable insights and skills. From designing “The Road to Medicine” flyer to assisting in organizing a doctor-for-a-day conference in Georgia, I found myself immersed in a wealth of knowledge and connected to a network of physicians, all thanks to YPI.

Today, as I embark on my fourth year of medical school at Tufts University School of Medicine, I’ve initiated the YPI program here, now in its third year. Together, we’re planning the second doctor-for-a-day conference in Boston, aiming to empower students from underserved backgrounds, much like myself, who lack familial ties to the medical profession.

Through YPI, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact mentorship and community support can have on aspiring healthcare professionals. As I continue on my journey, I remain committed to paying forward the guidance and opportunities that have shaped my path.

Congratulations to GA Chapter members that have been appointed to ACC Committees.

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Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology Committee
Joshua Rosenblum, MD, FACC, Member: 3 yr

Cardiac Surgery Committee
Michael Halkos, MD, FACC, Member: 3 yr.
Allison Ward, MD, FACC, Member: 3 yr.

Cardiovascular Committee
Puja Mehta, MD, FACC, Member: 3 yr.
Amy Simone, PA-C, Chair Elect: 1 yr.
Kyle Fortman, MBA, PA-C, Member: 3 yr.

Critical Care Section Committee
Steven Hollenberg, MD, FACC, Member: 3 yr

Education Standards Committee
Priya Kohli, MD, FACC, Member: 3 yr

Health Affairs Committee
J. Jeffrey Marshall, MD, FACC, Member: 3 yr

Lifelong Learning Committee
Patricia Keegan, MD, FACC, Member: 3 yr

Membership Committee
Anekwe Onwuanyi, MD, FACC, Member: 3 yr

NCDR Clinical Committee
Vinod Thourani, MD, FACC, Member: 3 yr

NCDR EP Registry Committee
Faisal Merchant, MD, FACC, Chair Elect: 1 yr

Women in Cardiology Committee
Gina Lundberg, MD, FACC, Chair: 1 yr