Lexington, KY --- On March 1, 2021, Gretchen L. Wells, MD, PhD, FACC assumes office as President of the Kentucky Chapter of the American College of Cardiology (KYACC). In this role, Dr. Wells will lead KYACC initiatives to improve access to cardiovascular care across the commonwealth.
“Dr. Wells is uniquely well suited to lead KYACC during this unprecedented time,” said Stephanie Czuhajewski, MPH, who serves as the KYACC executive director. “Her clinical and leadership experience will be invaluable to KYACC efforts to optimize interdisciplinary care along the continuum, as consumers and clinicians navigate new paradigms in healthcare stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
During her three-year term, Dr. Wells hopes to expand opportunities for participation across the cardiovascular care team and to advance health equity measures that address disparities in care that disproportionately affect rural communities and people of color in Kentucky.
“I am looking forward to serving as President of the Kentucky Chapter of the American College of Cardiology. We have an exceptionally strong chapter recognized nationally for its contributions to cardiovascular medicine. During the next few years, we will continue to address not only the impact of COVID 19 on cardiovascular disease and health care delivery, but also the growing disparities in cardiovascular care and outcomes.”
Dr. Wells is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Medicine where she completed both her MD and PhD. She completed her fellowship in cardiology at the Wake Forest School of Medicine where she remained on the faculty for 15 years achieving the rank of Professor. She also served as both Dean of Admissions of the Wake Forest School of Medicine and Director of the Coronary Care Unit and Inpatient Cardiology prior to her transition to the University of Kentucky in 2015 as the Thomas Whayne Professor of Women’s Heart Health. She is board certified in cardiology and echocardiography.
Dr. Wells has served as both Lexington Councilor and Treasurer for KYACC, prior to her election as Chapter President. She is the 2020 recipient of the American Heart Association Women in Cardiology mentoring award.
About KYACC
The Kentucky Chapter of the American College of Cardiology (KYACC) is dedicated to contributing to the prevention of cardiovascular disease and ensuring optimal quality of care for individuals with such diseases. The KYACC works with the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and serves as a source of advice to local and state government and professional organizations concerning issues related to cardiovascular disease. Visit www.kentuckyacc.org for more information.