Honoring the Legends « CardioExchange

March 24th, 2012

Honoring the Legends

Megan Coylewright, MD MPH

Several Cardiology Fellows who are attending ACC.12 this week are blogging together on CardioExchange. The Fellows include Tariq Ahmad, Bill Cornwell, Megan Coylewright, Jeremiah Depta, and John Ryan (moderator). Read the previous post here. VIew the next one here.

Last night there was a reception for the five “legends” being honored by the ACC with a new lecture series. Hard to know how to explain the impact of hearing Dr. Braunwald chart his life’s course, and his journey from bench to bedside, and back again- when asked to explain his success, he shared, “I was in the right place at the right time.”

A common theme among the 5 honorees was summarized by Dr. Colombo when he stated that persistence may indeed be even more important than intelligence—and then he quipped, “I’m not saying I’m not intelligent.”

Most surprising was the global role that both Dr. Fuster and Dr. Yacoub have grown into, the first in public health focusing preventive efforts in young children, and the second in ensuring that developing nations have the technology and resources needed to provide care, including cardiac surgery.

Many agreed that Dr. Somerville stole the show, as her honest and clever retelling of succeeding as an outsider resonated with the entire audience: she received the longest applause I’ve heard at a national meeting.

Walking away, most noted how remarkably humble these leaders are, and how their primary message—to do what you feel is right for patients, even if unpopular—has never been more relevant.

P.S. Spring has arrived- it is pouring rain.

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March 24th, 2012