ACC Georgia Chapter

Gayle Davies

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

GA ACC Statement on Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

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The Georgia Chapter of the American College of Cardiology (GA ACC) is an unwavering supporter of diversity, inclusion and equity for our members, our cardiovascular teams and most notably, our patients. Georgia is the proud home of equal rights founders and leaders such as the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr, Ambassador Andrew Young and US Representative John Lewis. Our state has prevailed over social injustice, achieving progress at times when other locales were unsuccessful in finding solutions for racial and social inequality. History proves that non-violent, peaceful means can and will move us closer to a more open, mutually respectful and equal society. A strong and adamant stand must be taken by those with the duty of leadership to rectify the current conditions for those who are oppressed.

The GA ACC is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion for all our members regardless of skin color, race, ethnicity, gender, education, faith, or sexual preference. We provide the best care for our community of diverse patients when we achieve diversity among our teams, members and leaders. We will not tolerate any injustice, hate, violence or disregard for the rights of the patients and communities we serve. We acknowledge that our Black community has suffered in society and has been disproportionately affected by the health inequities of cardiovascular disease and more recently, COVID-19. Additionally, our Black patients have suffered violent and unconscionable treatment at the hands of some law enforcement officers, and others, evident by the most recent and heinous homicides of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. We lament all other victims who have gone unreported, unpublicized, or undiscovered. We are dedicated to fighting injustices that effect any of our patients! We empathize and are deeply saddened by these recent, senseless and heartbreaking deaths. As physicians, and other healthcare team members of the GA ACC, we have vowed to “Do No Harm” and we will continue to speak up stridently and confidently to protect the victims of racism and inequality so that the next person who utters “I can’t breathe” will be heard and protected.

J. Jeffrey Marshall, MD, FACC
President/Governor

Gina Lundberg, MD, FACC
Chair, Committee of Diversity and Inclusion

Lifetime Achievement Award – Robert Vincent MD; CM, FACC, MSCAI

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Robert Vincent is a pediatric cardiologist and Professor of Pediatrics at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine.  He completed his undergraduate and medical school education at McGill University, Montreal Canada, pediatric residency at Montreal Children’s Hospital and cardiology fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital. Following fellowship he returned to Canada for 3 years before coming to Atlanta in 1987.  In 1988 he was appointed as the first medical director of pediatric cardiac transplantation, a post he held for 20 years.  His primary interests have always been cardiac catheterization and congenital heart disease.  He has been the director of interventional catheterization and the cardiac catheterization laboratories at Children’s and was the first physician in Atlanta to use catheter devices and stents for congenital heart defects.  He has been a member of ACC since 1988 and SCAI since 1994.  He was elected to the GA ACC council in 2000 and served as the President of the Georgia Chapter and member of the ACC’s Board of Governors from 2010-2013.  Bob is an advocate for cardiology in general and pediatrics in particular and has been a member of the ACC Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology (ACPC) Council.  He is a strong supporter of data driven decision making and quality improvement initiatives and is currently chair of the NCDR IMPACT Steering Committee, having been with this registry since its inception.

With SCAI he has enjoyed participation as chair of the Congenital Heart Disease Council, co-chair of the annual meeting (2005 and 2009), and member of various committees and SCAI’s Board of Trustees.  In 2018 he was honored to receive the Master designation of SCAI (MSCAI).

Bob and his wife Ruthe have been married 42 years.  They have 2 daughters, Alana and Anese, 2 sons in law, Mark and Riyaad, 1 granddaughter, Hallie and four dogs.  They have lived in Stone Mountain since coming to Atlanta and feel fortunate to call Atlanta their home.