Embargoed until 7 a.m. CT / 8 a.m. ET Friday, Oct. 28, 2022
DALLAS, Oct. 28, 2022 – The American Heart Association is presenting one of its 2022 Distinguished Scientist awards to Ralph L. Sacco, M.D., M.S., FAHA, of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The Association honors members who have significantly advanced the understanding of cardiovascular, stroke or brain health as Distinguished Scientists. Seven 2022 Distinguished Scientist awardees will be recognized during the Association’s Scientific Sessions 2022, which will be held in person in Chicago and virtually Nov. 5-7.
Dr. Sacco, a top stroke neurologist, is a population-based researcher in the field of cerebrovascular diseases. His work has highlighted the difference in stroke risk related to race by studying different races and ethnicities within the same geographical area. This work helped create more targeted stroke prevention programs. His research helped realize the impact of modifiable behaviors, such as alcohol consumption and physical activity, on stroke risk. Dr. Sacco also is the founder and executive director of the Florida Stroke Registry, which consists of 167 Florida stroke centers working to improve the quality of stroke care; reduce stroke disparities related to race, ethnicity, sex and region; and to drive a complete system of stroke care in Florida.
At the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Sacco is the chairman of Neurology; the Olemberg Family Chair in Neurological Disorders; the Miller Professor of Neurology, Public Health Sciences, Human Genetics and Neurosurgery; the executive director of the Evelyn A. McKnight Brain Institute; and senior associate dean for clinical and translational science. He is a board-certified neurologist and the chief of neurology service at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and, from 2017 to 2019, he served as president of the American Academy of Neurology.
Dr. Sacco earned a bachelor’s degree from the Cornell University College of Engineering. He earned a Doctor of Medicine from Boston University Chobaian & Avedisian School of Medicine. He also earned a master’s in epidemiology from the Columbia University School of Public Health. He completed a neurology residency at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York. He completed two post-doctoral fellowships in neurology and in vascular neurology at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Dr. Sacco has published more than 750 peer-reviewed articles. He serves on the editorial boards of Cerebrovascular Disease, Nature Clinical Practice Neurology, Neuroepidemiology, and Acta Clinica Croatica.
He is the editor-in-chief of the Association’s peer-reviewed scientific journal Stroke. Dr. Sacco was previously recognized by the Association with the 2015 Gold Heart Award, the 2011 Distinguished National Leadership Award and the 2006 William Feinberg Award. He also served as president of the Association in 2010-2011.
Additional Resources:
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The American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2022 is a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements, research and evidence-based clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science. The 3-day meeting will feature more than 500 sessions focused on breakthrough cardiovascular basic, clinical and population science updates occurring Saturday through Monday, November 5-7, 2022. Thousands of leading physicians, scientists, cardiologists, advanced practice nurses and allied health care professionals from around the world will convene virtually to participate in basic, clinical and population science presentations, discussions and curricula that can shape the future of cardiovascular science and medicine, including prevention and quality improvement. During the three-day meeting, attendees receive exclusive access to more than 4,000 original research presentations and can earn Continuing Medical Education (CME), Continuing Education (CE) or Maintenance of Certification (MOC) credits for educational sessions. Engage in Scientific Sessions 2022 on social media via #AHA22.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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