Florida Chapter, American College of Cardiology

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Spain Preceptorship 2026

FCACC joined our SEC colleagues to record a session of Cardio On Air: Outpatient Management of Chronic Cardiovascular Patients. The session focused on secondary cardiovascular prevention using automated monitoring systems, new therapies for advanced heart failure, and the comprehensive management of the cardio-oncology patient. Click on the image or here to listen.

Participants (left to right)

Sociedad Espanola de Cardiologia (SEC)

Blanca Fabre Estremera, MD

Enrique Santas Olmeda, MD

Ignacio Fernández Lozano, MD - SEC President

FCACC

Mario Lopez, MD, FACC - International Committee Chair

David Kenigsberg, MD, FACC - FCACC President

Rhea Sancassani, MD, FACC - Women Cardiologists Committee Chair

Andrew Sephien, MD - FIT Committee Vice-Chair

President's Message

june 2026

Strengthening International Collaboration in Spain

Dear Members,

One of the great strengths of the Florida Chapter of the American College of Cardiology is our longstanding partnership with our twin, the Sociedad Española de Cardiología. This year's exchange program once again demonstrated the tremendous value of learning from one another, sharing best practices, and building lasting professional friendships.

Our delegation, which included Doctors Mario Lopez, Naushad Shaik, Litsa Lambrakos, Rhea Sancassani, Shahnaz Punjani, Rachel Eidelman and Andrew Sephien traveled to Madrid and Seville for an outstanding series of educational and clinical experiences coordinated with our colleagues from the SEC.

A major highlight of the trip was the opportunity to participate in the filming of a joint SEC–Florida ACC program at the SEC headquarters, Casa del Corazón. The episode, "Outpatient Management of Chronic Cardiovascular Patients," brought together experts from both organizations to discuss contemporary approaches to secondary prevention, advanced heart failure management, and cardio-oncology care. The program reflects the shared commitment of our societies to improving cardiovascular outcomes through innovation, multidisciplinary care, and international collaboration. Watch the episode here.

SEC FCACC photo

In Madrid, the delegation visited Hospital Universitario La Paz and was graciously hosted by Jose L. Merino, MD, PhD, director of the Arrhythmia and Robotic Electrophysiology Unit and his entire team. The visit provided a unique opportunity to observe clinical workflows, discuss evolving approaches to cardiovascular care, and compare the similarities and differences between healthcare delivery in Spain and the United States. These exchanges continue to reinforce that while our healthcare systems may differ, our commitment to excellence in patient care remains universal.

at Madrid hospital

In Seville, we spent a remarkable day at Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena. Special thanks are due to Dr. Ernesto Díaz-Infante, Director of the Arrhythmia Units at the Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena and Hospital Vithas; Rafael Hidalgo Urbano, Director de la Unidad de Gestión Clínica Cardiología – Cirugía Cardiovascular and Jefe de Servicio de Cardiología; and the entire Virgen Macarena team for their exceptional hospitality. In addition to showcasing their clinical programs, they provided our delegation with valuable insight into the history and mission of one of Andalucía's most respected medical institutions. The visit further strengthened the friendship and professional relationship between our chapter and our Spanish colleagues.

Seville hospital

These annual exchanges are about far more than hospital visits and educational sessions. They create opportunities to develop enduring professional relationships, share new ideas, learn from different healthcare environments, and advance cardiovascular care on both sides of the Atlantic.

I would like to especially thank our own Dr. Mario Lopez, whose dedication and leadership continue to make this partnership possible. I also want to thank the members of our Florida ACC delegation, whose engagement, curiosity, and collegiality made this year's exchange another tremendous success.

We look forward to continuing this important collaboration for many years to come...

Regards,

David N. Kenigsberg, MD, FACC, FHRS

President, Florida Chapter ACC

Ambulatory Specialty Model For Heart Failure

As part of its broader strategy to expand specialty participation in value-based care, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized a mandatory five-year Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM) for heart failure (HF).

Additional information and resources are available on a dedicated page of ACC.org.

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