Jose Rivas, MD, FACC, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville and a cardiologist with UF Health Jacksonville, was selected as one of only 51 clinicians from across the United States to participate in the American College of Cardiology’s, or ACC, inaugural Fuster Prevention Forum, held June 12–13 at the Heart House in Washington, D.C.
Established to honor the legacy of renowned cardiologist Dr. Valentin Fuster, the forum brought together a distinguished group of clinicians committed to advancing cardiovascular prevention and fostering a culture of health within their communities
Under the leadership of Dr. Valentin Fuster, alongside Dr. Pamela Morris, Dr. Edward Fry, and an outstanding multidisciplinary team, Dr. Rivas completed two days of intensive training focused on early cardiovascular disease prevention and the development of effective and sustainable community-based prevention programs.
The program emphasized strategies aimed at preventing cardiovascular risk factors before they develop. Attendees gained practical tools and evidence-based approaches designed to improve cardiovascular health outcomes at the local level.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and growing evidence demonstrates that interventions beginning early in life can profoundly reduce future cardiovascular risk. The Fuster Prevention Forum embraces a vision in which every child is provided with the foundation needed to achieve lifelong cardiovascular health. This vision is realized through education, the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits and the creation of community-centered cultures of prevention.
The course highlighted the importance of nutrition, physical activity and emotional well-being throughout all stages of life, beginning in childhood. Through collaboration with colleagues from across the nation, Dr. Rivas gained valuable insights, practical tools and evidence-based strategies to help implement sustainable prevention initiatives and strengthen cardiovascular health within our communities.
Dr. Rivas was honored and grateful for this opportunity:
“I am deeply grateful for this exceptional educational experience and inspired by the shared commitment to transforming cardiovascular prevention nationwide. I look forward to applying these principles at UF Health Jacksonville to advance preventive cardiology initiatives, expand access to evidence-based care and improve cardiometabolic health outcomes for the patients and communities we serve. As members of the inaugural cohort, we will continue our collaboration through ongoing educational activities and progress assessments, sharing best practices and supporting one another in building healthier, heart-conscious communities.”