The American Heart Association (AHA) has announced that Dr. Robert A. Harrington will be the recipient of the 2024 Chairman's Award, a prestigious recognition presented during the Presidential Session of the AHA's Scientific Sessions 2024 in Chicago. Dr. Harrington, the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, has dedicated his career to advancing cardiovascular medicine through research focused on reducing blood clot formation in patients with acute ischemic heart disease and minimizing complications in percutaneous coronary procedures. His work has been instrumental in integrating technology into clinical trials and leveraging digital platforms for health education, positioning him at the forefront of modern cardiology.
Marsha Jones, the 2023-2025 volunteer chairperson of the AHA Board, highlighted Dr. Harrington's significant contributions, particularly his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic as the 2019-2020 volunteer president of the AHA. During this critical period, he played a crucial role in disseminating timely, evidence-based information to both medical professionals and the public, ensuring that cardiovascular health remained a priority amid global health challenges. His efforts included distributing $1.2 million in Rapid Research Grants to support urgent scientific inquiries, demonstrating his commitment to advancing knowledge in real-time crises.
Dr. Harrington's extensive experience spans his current roles as Dean and professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and provost for medical affairs of Cornell University, along with his previous tenure at Stanford University School of Medicine as the Arthur L. Bloomfield Professor and chair of the department of medicine. This background underscores his impact on medical education and research, with over 760 peer-reviewed publications and his role as senior editor of the renowned textbook "Hurst's The Heart". His podcast, "The Bob Harrington Show", further exemplifies his dedication to disseminating cardiology knowledge through accessible digital platforms.
The Chairman's Award recognizes Dr. Harrington's multifaceted contributions, including his leadership in organizing the AHA's annual Scientific Sessions and his continued service on the AHA's board of directors. In accepting the award, Dr. Harrington emphasized the importance of leveraging advanced tools, imaging technologies, and artificial intelligence to improve patient care and guide future healthcare leaders. He stated, "I'm incredibly honored to be this year's recipient of the Chairman's Award, and proud to be part of the Association's enduring commitment to addressing the challenges of cardiovascular disease." This recognition not only celebrates his individual achievements but also highlights the ongoing importance of innovative research and technological advancement in cardiology, especially as the AHA enters its centennial year, reinforcing its mission to foster excellence in cardiovascular medicine.
