American College of Cardiology Sets Full Range of Education Sessions and Meetings ACC Scientific Session, ACC.24

In gearing up for its Annual Scientific Session, ACC.24, amidst the 75th anniversary of the organization, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) has planned a full range of educational programming, special events and peer networking scheduled throughout the April 6-8 event in Atlanta, GA.

In gearing up for its Annual Scientific Session, ACC.24, amidst the 75th anniversary of the organization, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) has planned a full range of educational programming, special events and peer networking scheduled throughout the April 6-8 event in Atlanta, GA. Image courtesy: Gettty Images

April 3, 2024 — In gearing up for its Annual Scientific Session, ACC.24, amidst the 75th anniversary of the organization, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) has planned a full range of educational programming, special events and peer networking scheduled throughout the April 6-8 event in Atlanta, GA. Here is an overview of sessions, events and meetings coordinated to help members in particular specialties, sections and areas of interest learn and engage with peers and expert cardiology professionals to advance their practice, patient care and careers.

ACC.24 Education Sessions

Symposiums at ACC

The “Symposiums at ACC.24” offer consecutive sessions which provide attendees with the opportunity to focus on a specific area of interest. “Cardiovascular Update for the Clinician: A Symposium by Valentin Fuster” will offer the latest advances in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and ways to integrate them into daily practice. The “Pharmacology Program” will cover hot topics in cardiovascular medicine that are key issues that pharmacists, as well as other health care team members, face in managing complex patients.

Intensive Sessions

Offering what ACC refers to as an opportunity for attendees to deep dive into specific areas of concentration, the Intensive Sessions focus on new and growing areas in cardiovascular practice, and use gaps in competencies and knowledge to develop sessions that will expand an attendee's understanding of the selected topic. ACC reports that this year's Intensive Session is a four-part series on the Business of Cardiology led by co-chairs Alison Bailey, MD, FACC and Tyler J. Gluckman, MD, FACC. With 18 presentations led by business and cardiology experts in four key sessions with multiple expert presenters:

Business Basics for Everyone (Session 51)
Optimizing the Care Team (Session 52)
Sustainability of the System (Session 53)
Hot Topics in Business of Cardiology (Session 54)

Core Knowledge in Action

The “Core Knowledge in Action Series” at ACC.24 is guided by prominent clinicians and leaders, and focuses on important fundamentals in managing and treating heart conditions. This includes a review of updated clinical guidelines and best practices. Featured topics will include in-depth sessions covering non-statin lipid lowering therapies, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, viability, imaging modalities for the assessment of coronary artery disease, and antiplatelet therapy after coronary stenting. Each session is interactive and includes knowledge check-ins and dedicated time for discussion.

When Statins Are Not Enough – Non-statin Lipid Lowering Therapies (Session 801): this session will examine non-statin pharmacologic therapies (ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, inclisiran and bempedoic acid) to lower LDL and cardiovascular risk; and will offer practical knowledge on integrating non-statin therapies, including when and how to use them for optimal patient outcomes.

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: How to Find and Treat It (Session 802): ACC’s planning team notes that this insightful session will delve into HFpEF covering topics such as diagnosis, evidence-based therapies, and the nuances of medical intervention. Learn practical insights in diagnosing HFpEF, when exercise hemodynamics play a crucial role and the cath lab may not be readily available, and gain a better understanding of effective treatment strategies.

Is Viability Still Viable and How Should We Assess It? (Session 803): The session will feature case-based examples showcasing the use of viability studies, offering real-world insights into their application and experts will navigate attendees through the spectrum of imaging modalities, from Q waves to MRI, and explore the nuances of echocardiography, SPECT, PET, and cardiac MRI for viability assessment.

Too Many Choices? When to Use What Modality for the Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease (Session 804): participants will be guided through the options in the assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD), providing a detailed exploration of CT, Echo, nuclear, and MRI in a comprehensive discussion with experts which will wrap up with an interactive Q&A session.

Antiplatelet Therapy After Coronary Stenting – What You Need to Know (Session 805): Here, expert faculty will navigate the complex landscape of antiplatelet therapies with a specialized focus on post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)

Additionally, ACC will be offering these Education Sessions:

The “Personalized Skills & Simulation Center” at ACC.24 offers a blended learning space where participants are immersed in a dynamic educational experience that offers asynchronous hands-on simulation stations across variety of CV disease states. In addition, a small stage seamlessly combines interactive lectures with hands-on learning stations.

ACC “Guidelines Sessions” allow participants to learn how to implement, optimize, and translate guidelines into clinical practice from key members of the guideline committees and experienced colleagues. Notably, 2024 marks the 40th Anniversary of ACC/AHA Guidelines.

ACC.24 Events and Meetings

In addition to its expansive program, ACC reports that many meetings and events will be taking place throughout ACC.24 in and around the Georgia World Congress Center.

One special program note involves ACC’s plans to encourage members to participate in its “Annual Giving Day,” Saturday, April 6, in support of the ACC Foundation. Members can visit the “Bridge to the Future in Lounge & Learn to take a commemorative walk across the bridge, learn more and place your name on our donor wall. Donations (text “ACC75” to 41444 to contribute) over $75 will receive a commemorative 75th anniversary gift, according to the organization, which noted that contributions of any size will support ACC’s work to:

Empower future leaders and the next generation of cardiovascular innovators through scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development programs.
Improve global care outcomes through the distribution of educational materials to clinicians in underserved communities worldwide and through support of quality improvement programs that save lives.
Advance health equity through education, advocacy and science.

ACC has planned the following meetings and events throughout ACC.24, which include:

Friday, April 5

Program Directors & Graduate Medical Educators Symposium

ACPC Community Day

Diversity and Inclusion Town Hall and Reception

LGBTQ+ Networking Reception

Saturday, April 6

New CV Team Members Meet & Greet Breakfast

Women in Cardiology Section Meeting

Critical Care Cardiology Section Meet & Greet

Meet Your Fit Council

Early Career Section Networking