New Fellowship Targets Rural Heart Health Gaps in Underserved Communities

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has launched a new research fellowship to address cardiovascular care gaps in rural areas. Named the Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship Award, it will support early-career cardiologists working with underserved communities. The inaugural recipient, Dr. Plicy Perez-Kersey, will use the funding to improve maternal and fetal heart health in rural settings.

The fellowship was announced as part of the ACC's ongoing efforts to reduce disparities in cardiovascular care. It provides up to $70,000 in funding to fellows-in-training or early-career specialists focused on rural health. The programme also encourages collaboration and mentorship among researchers dedicated to these communities.

Dr. Perez-Kersey, a cardiologist at Seattle Children's Hospital, was selected as the first fellow. Her project will concentrate on maternal and fetal cardiac care in rural areas. She plans to create a community-based screening programme to detect hidden heart risks in pregnant patients and ensure earlier treatment.

The official introduction of the fellowship will take place at ACC.26, a major global cardiovascular conference, in New Orleans in March 2026. The initiative aligns with the ACC's broader goal of transforming cardiovascular care worldwide, ensuring that even remote populations receive proper attention.

The fellowship will fund research and community projects tailored to rural cardiovascular needs. Dr. Perez-Kersey's work on maternal and fetal heart health will serve as a model for future initiatives. The programme aims to build a lasting network of specialists committed to improving care in underserved regions.