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Dr. Christopher Kramer Takes the Helm of ACC

On March 31, 2025, Dr. Christopher M. Kramer, MD, FACC, officially commenced his presidency at the American College of Cardiology (ACC). With nearly 60,000 members globally, the ACC is a leading organization dedicated to improving cardiovascular care and optimizing heart health. Kramer's vision for his term focuses on addressing key challenges within the field of cardiology, including workforce development, health equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Dr. Kramer expressed his excitement about this new journey, saying, "I see significant challenges and opportunities for the field of cardiology in the coming years, including workforce issues, health equity, diversity and inclusion, and AI-driven solutions. I am looking forward to encouraging ACC to lead on these issues while getting to know our diverse membership across the United States and globally."

His journey into cardiology began during a summer scholarship program when he was a high school student. Dr. Kramer earned his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco, followed by his internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. After his initial faculty appointment at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, he moved on to roles at MCP/Hahnemann University School of Medicine and later to the University of Virginia in 1999, where he became the chief of the Cardiovascular Division in 2019.

Dr. Kramer is renowned for his research, particularly in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, a specialty that has expanded the understanding of cardiovascular health and diseases. His groundbreaking work earned him recognition, including the Gold Medal Award from the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in 2015, highlighting his significant contributions to the field over his career.

His long-standing commitment to the ACC spans over 35 years, where he has held multiple leadership positions, including vice president, treasurer, and chair of the Imaging Council. In addition, he served as an associate editor for JACC and has been honored as a Distinguished Mentor by the ACC.

Dr. Kramer's presidency was formally inaugurated during the Convocation Ceremony at ACC's Annual Scientific Session in Chicago, held from March 29 – 31, 2025. His leadership team includes Vice President Roxana Mehran, MD, FACC, along with several key Board of Trustees Members committed to steering the ACC towards innovative solutions in cardiovascular care.

The American College of Cardiology stands at the forefront of transforming cardiovascular care, serving as a vital resource for education and policy formation in heart health globally. With a mission to ensure that science and innovation enhance patient outcomes, the ACC provides credentials to professionals in more than 140 countries, signaling its authoritative role in the cardiovascular community.

As Dr. Kramer begins his journey as president, he aims to significantly impact the future of cardiology and is committed to leading the ACC in an era focused on equitable care, diversity, and harnessing the power of technology to address prevalent health issues. The future looks promising as he takes the reins, and the cardiovascular community eagerly anticipates the developments to come under his leadership.