1. Advocacy Committee - (Chair: Aloysius Cuyjet, MD, MPH)
The Advocacy Committee is responsible for monitoring public issues and concerns most relevant to the mission of the ABC. Activities include, but are not limited to, recommending a focused advocacy agenda to the Board of Directors; developing action plans for addressing the organizational priorities, recommending positions and initiatives the ABC should adopt, representing the ABC before legislative and administrative agencies, and expanding mechanisms for making physicians, patients and the public aware of health policies and agendas.
2. Bylaws Committee - (Chair: John Fontaine, MD)
The Bylaws Committee reviews the language of and prepares comments and recommended amendments to the Bylaws and Constitution for review and approval by the Board of Directors. The Bylaws Committee meets on an “as needed basis” to respond to the evolving needs of the ABC.
3. Cardiovascular Disease in Women - (Chair: Michelle Johnson, MD)
This committee seeks to improve the health of women with or at risk for cardiovascular diseases. The CVD in Women Committee also serves as a resource for the ABC, identifying ways to encourage and maintain the active participation and advancement of women in the association as well as the Cardiology profession. This is achieved through educational programs, research and awareness initiatives, and networking.
4. Community Programs - (Chairpersons: Janice Scobie, MD and Paul Underwood, MD)
The Community Programs Committee facilitates innovative models of health education to increase awareness about cardiovascular diseases. Activities include, but are not limited to, promoting and sponsoring needs-based activities in diverse communities, advocating for increased health education and access to resources, and encouraging individual accountability for healthy lifestyles through education and networking.
5. Continuing Education - (Chair: Conrad Smith, MD)
The Continuing Education Committee is charged with providing needs-based educational opportunities for members and non-members that align with the education mission of the ABC. This committee reviews and monitors educational programs that are sponsored, jointly-sponsored and co-sponsored by the ABC. Policy development and collaboration with sister organizations and key organizations in medical education are other areas of focus. This committee ensures ABC’s compliance with accreditation requirements and monitors licensure and other requirements of medical education providers.
6. Fellows In Training Committee - (Chairpersons: Abena Osei-Wusu, MD and Selomie Kebede, MD)
The FIT Committee will reflect a diverse representation from various member segments, including administrators, program directors and other faculty, residents and fellows. This committee is charged with creating and offering education, training, networking and professional development opportunities to enhance the experiences to those in postgraduate training—primarily underrepresented minority residents and fellows. Activities may include, but are not limited to, managing the annual fellows meeting in the spring and other educational activities throughout the year; developing a mentorship program; recommending content for the website, including supplemental resources and job postings; and forging relationships with other organizations that ABC can leverage for collaborative programs and special initiatives. This committee also explores opportunities to encourage more participation of fellows in training in ABC.
7. Finance & Audit Committee - (Chair: Felix Sogade, MD)
The Finance & Audit Committee oversees the organization’s financial reporting, internal control and audit functions. This committee is responsible for budgeting, financial reporting and contingency planning and investment and reserve policies. The Finance & Audit Committee reports monthly to the Executive Committee.
8. Membership/Member Relations - (Chairpersons: Henry Okafor, MD and Abraham Ariyo, MD, MPH)
The Membership Committee is responsible for establishing ABC’s membership goals and directing activities to attract, meet the needs of and engage and retain membership subgroups. This committee is also charged with articulating the benefits and value of joining the ABC and identifying strategies to foster the participation of all members. Member services are evaluated on an ongoing basis and changes are recommended as necessary.
9. Men’s Health - (Chair: Richard Allen Williams, MD)
This committee seeks to improve the health of men with or at risk for cardiovascular diseases. The Men’s Health Committee also serves as a resource for the ABC, identifying ways to increase the number of African Americans and other underrepresented minorities in the Cardiology profession. Activities are achieved through educational programs, research and awareness initiatives, and networking.
10. Research Committee - (Chairpersons: Ola Akinboboye, MD, MPH, MBA and David Smith, MD)
The Research Committee is responsible for addressing scientific matters for the association. Activities include, but are not limited to, evaluation of research and/or clinical trials opportunities, commenting on research findings, developing ABC’s research network, issuing news briefs and other resources on scientific topics. This committee also encourages the participation of members and in clinical trials and research initiatives.
