The Presidents’ Series is a sneak preview of material that will be showcased in the Rhythms in Time exhibit at Heart Rhythm 2009, which will display interactive biographies, interviews, and materials relating to the past presidents and the Society’s activities. Since the Society’s beginning in 1979, the organization’s leadership has dedicated itself to serving as a primary resource in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients. The founders, J. Warren Harthorne, MD, FHRS, CCDS; Seymour Furman, MD, FHRS, CCDS; Victor Parsonnet, MD, FHRS, CCDS and Dryden P. Morse, MD, established the Society (formerly North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology, NASPE) recognizing the need to distinguish cardiac pacing and electrophysiology from other areas of cardiology; both of which were barely addressed by other cardiology organizations.
In 30 years, the Heart Rhythm Society:
- has grown to over 5,000 members
- boasts international members representing 71 countries around the world (20% of membership is international) and approximately 300 Fellows with the FHRS designation
- published more than 80 clinical documents
- servesas co-chair/co-founder of The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Coalition, which is comprised of 30 organizations passionate about preventing SCA deaths through legislative initiatives
- authors an annual Coding Guide for Heart Rhythm Procedures and Services
- co-chairs the ICD Registry™
- is involved in Quality Initiatives in Healthcare Reform
- hosts an Annual Scientific Sessions which has shown substantial growth — attendees number more than 13,500; 125 exhibitors and more than 250 educational sessions are offered
- provides year-round education in multiple formats
- created a foundation with more than 115 members of the Chairman’s Society
- with IBHRE (formerly NASPExAM) certified more than 7,000 healthcare professionals.
