Christopher M. Kramer, MD
Christopher M. Kramer, MD, recently assumed the role of president of the American College of Cardiology (ACC), an almost 60,000-member global cardiovascular organization working to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health for all.
“I see significant challenges and opportunities for the field of cardiology in the coming years, including workforce issues, health equity, diversity and inclusion, and AI-driven solutions, that need to be addressed to achieve ACC’s mission of transforming cardiovascular care for all,” Kramer said. “I am looking forward to using my term as president to help ACC be a leader on these issues while getting to know more of our inspiring, diverse membership and hearing their concerns and achievements across the U.S. and throughout the world.”
Kramer, whose interest in cardiology began during a summer scholarship program in high school, received his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. He completed his residency and chief residency in internal medicine and fellowship in cardiology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. His first faculty appointment was at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, then MCP/Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, where he directed the cardiology fellowship before moving in 1999 to the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he became chief of the Cardiovascular Division in 2019.
Kramer’s principal research interest has been applying cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to the cardiovascular system in translational and clinical studies. In recognition of his work, he received the Gold Medal from the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in 2015, reinforcing the impact of his contributions to the field of CMR over his career.
His dedication to the College over a 35-year membership is reflected in his various leadership roles, including vice president, treasurer, and chair of ACC’s Imaging Council. Kramer was also an associate editor for imaging at JACC and executive editor of JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging. In 2021, the ACC named Kramer a Distinguished Mentor, which he has described as “an incredible honor.”
Kramer is the fourth ACC President from University of Virginia Cardiology, joining Tim Garson MD (1999), George Beller MD (2000), and Mike Valentine MD (2018). Read Kramer’s full ACC.25 Convocation Incoming President’s Address.
Dr. Kramer testifies before Congress.
Advocate for HEARTS Act: Kramer Testifies Before Congress
Kramer testified before the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies on April 9, urging lawmakers to allocate full funding for the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research, and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act. He also took this opportunity to reemphasize the value of investment in NIH research, describing the impact that NIH-funded projects have had in advancing the prevention, treatment and management of heart conditions.
Considering the HEARTS Act “a worthy and impactful addition” to the country’s leadership in medical research and progress, he called on lawmakers to provide the funding needed to make the resources promised by this law a reality. “The HEARTS Act was passed by Congress with the unity and urgency this issue deserves,” Kramer said. “Now, with your support, we can ensure effective nationwide implementation, protecting and investing in the health and safety of our communities.” Read Kramer’s full testimony.
Story reprinted with permission from the UVA Department of Medicine’s monthly newsletter Medicine Matters.
Filed Under: Honors & Awards