The Society's Presidents during the last decade: Gerald V. Naccarelli, MD, FHRS 1999-2000 David S. Cannom, MD, FHRS 2000-2001 Eric N. Prystowsky, MD, FHRS 2001-2002 Mark H. Schoenfeld, MD, FHRS 2002-2003 Michael E. Cain, MD, FHRS 2003-2004 Stephen C. Hammill, MD, FHRS 2004-2005 Anne B. Curtis, MD, FHRS 2005-2006 Dwight W. Reynolds, MD, FHRS 2006-2007 Bruce D. Lindsay, MD, FHRS 2007-2008 N.A. Mark Estes, III, MD, FHRS, CCDS 2008-2009

The third decade of the Heart Rhythm Society was led by visionary leaders that firmly established the Society’s place in the cardiology world as the preeminent cardiac arrhythmia organization. As the Society continues to strengthen its goal as the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, its leadership maintains a tradition of excellence, promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. It because of this leadership that the Society is the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders and the “go to” cardiac arrhythmia organization.

In the interviews that follow, note that NASPE, for the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology, is referenced, as it was the original name of the Heart Rhythm Society.

Gerald V. Naccarelli, MD, FHRS — 1999-2000

“As President of NASPE, the most important accomplishment of my administration was the acquisition of a permanent building for the Society headquarters at Six Strathmore Road in Natick, MA.” Dr. Gerald Naccarelli, the 21st President of the Society, saw a great deal of growth and change during his leadership and was instrumental in starting the recruitment of a new CEO.  Dr. Naccarelli built relationships with Italian and South American electrophysiology societies and in doing so, helped the Society expand its membership abroad. He also worked closely with the American College of Cardiology (ACC) on a partnership to provide joint EP Board review courses and to make decisions on subspecialty societies roles in the writing of Guideline papers. 

David S. Cannom, MD, FHRS — 2000-2001

“In 2000-2001, NASPE continued its evolution and growth with a selection of James H. Youngblood as our second CEO. We also initiated 20 new fellowships in advanced cardiac electrophysiology and an ambitious long-range planning process. In a time of extreme political turbulence, NASPE’s values took on special meaning,” said Cannom, the 22nd president of the Society.

Eric N. Prystowsky, MD, FHRS — 2001-2002

“In many ways 'change' defined my presidency," notes Dr. Eric Prystowsky. "James H. Youngblood became the new CEO of NASPE after more than two decades of leadership under Carol McGlinchey. The Futures Conference defined priorities for the next few years, and the NASPE website moved into the modern era. What an exciting time it was!“  Under Prystowsky’s presidency (the 23rd) the Society's Strategic Plan and a new mission statement were approved.  A formal commencement of "Focus on the Future" campaign began and the number of endowment and dedicated funds grew to seven.

Mark H. Schoenfeld, MD, FHRS, CCDS — 2002-2003

“My tenure was one of transition and democratization. NASPE became increasingly proactive and aggressive in its efforts to enfranchise and empower the membership. The Strategic Plan was transformed from theory into reality. We are truly in the golden age of Cardiac EP and Pacing as NASPE embarks upon its next quarter century!” said Dr. Mark Schoenfeld. Serving as the Society’s 24th president, Dr. Schoenfeld sought to prioritize and identify initiatives to create greater public awareness of the Society and its mission. As he recalls, “my year was more concerned with anticipating issues that may arise rather than waiting for problems to present themselves, i.e. being proactive. I sought to lay down the groundwork and develop an organization which was envisioned through the Strategic Plan. The new Heart Rhythm Society would operate with greater ease and efficiency and incorporate elements of the Strategic Plan that would allow a transformation to the wonderful organization we so greatly value today. It was both an honor and privilege to serve as President during this exciting time of transition."

Michael E. Cain, MD, FHRS — 2003-2004

“My presidency coincided with the 25th anniversary of our Society. The enthusiasm that attends such a milestone energized an exceptional group of people to implement member-driven mandates to secure our Society’s future," said Dr. Michael Cain. "We were NASPE at the start of my term, and the Heart Rhythm Society at its conclusion. The migration to a new identity exemplified an extraordinary year that witnessed progress in fulfilling Society goals to increase awareness of heart rhythm specialists, relocate its headquarters, expand its educational programs, own the premier journal [HeartRhythm] in our field, raise support through the 25th Anniversary Campaign, develop closer ties with the NIH and CMS, create COPE, and establish the Heart Rhythm Foundation. It was good to be 25.” In addition to his tenure as the 25th president, Dr. Cain served as Chair of the Positioning Task Force which led to the Society’s new name and logo. Even after his presidency, Dr. Cain has continued to serve the Society in many capacities.

Stephen C. Hammill, MD, FHRS — 2004-2005

“My presidency year was highlighted by increased Heart Rhythm Society advocacy and the Society’s move to Washington, DC," said Dr. Stephen Hammill. The Society worked closely with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand ICD coverage, chaired the National ICD Registry Working Group, and developed the ICD Registry™ with the ACC. The ICD Training Guidelines were introduced with published support from CMS stating ‘CMS strongly encourages credentialing and certification of physicians who insert ICDs by appropriate national organizations such as the Heart Rhythm Society and boards of medical specialties.’ It was a terrific year as our Society continued its remarkable growth.” Under Dr. Hammill’s leadership the development of the ICD Registry allowed it to be moved from a CMS administered database to a database operated by the professional societies and managed by the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR). As the 26th president of the Society, Dr. Hammill was the first president of the Heart Rhythm Society following the completion of the transition from NASPE. This was the first year of activity for the Heart Rhythm Foundation, with the appointment of the Board and development of a sudden cardiac death awareness campaign.

Anne B. Curtis, MD, FHRS, CCDS — 2005-2006

“The issue of implantable device performance and recalls exploded on the national scene within two weeks of when I assumed the Presidency," recalls Dr. Anne Curtis. "We held a public conference in Washington, DC and developed a policy statement on implantable device performance that garnered a great deal of attention for the Society. To me, the Heart Rhythm Society came of age with this issue. The groundwork that had been laid by those who came before me had [the Society] perfectly positioned to take the lead on a major public health issue and be recognized as the authoritative voice in this area.”  Dr. Curtis' other accomplishments during her tenure as president included induction of the first class of Heart Rhythm Society Fellows, expansion of the use of the website for continuing education, implementation of the ICD Registry, development of a Code of Ethics and Professional Standards, and further work on the alternate training pathway for implantation of ICDs and CRT devices. In addition to her services in a leadership capacity, she has chaired many committees, including the AF 360° Initiative and the Women’s Leadership Initiative.

Dwight W. Reynolds, MD, FHRS 2006-2007

“The importance of international collaboration and partnership and the evolution of Heart Rhythm Society was a central pillar of my year as president," said Dr. Dwight Reynolds. "During my tenure, the Society reorganized the Coalition of Organizations of Pacing and Electrophysiology (COPE), consisting of constituent pacing and electrophysiology organizations from around the world. We also collaborated with European organizations, EHRA and ECAS, to create an Expert Consensus Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation. And we held the Society’s first 'summit,' the AF Summit, at our Scientific Sessions. Over the course of the year, the Society became a stronger organization that will continue to drive even more positive change for our patients and for the field as a whole.” Under Reynolds tenure as the 28th president, AF 360° began, a three year initiative dedicated to expertise and resources to advancing optimal diagnosis, treatment and management of patients. The launch of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest Coalition to raise awareness on Capitol Hill and the SCA 360°campaign also commenced. The ICD Registry's first Quality Outcomes Reports was released to 1448 hospitals.

Bruce D. Lindsay, MD, FHRS, CCDS — 2007-2008

“The priorities during my term of office were to establish a policy to rebuild our financial reserves, address training requirements for electrophysiology fellows, update guidelines for industry employed allied professionals, develop new CPT codes for implantable devices and monitoring, and clarify the Heart Rhythm Society’s position on appropriate training for implantation of ICDs after terminating the alternative training pathway," said Dr. Bruce Lindsay. "An additional challenge was the need to respond to the recall of an ICD lead that was in widespread usage. We held a web-based panel discussion within a few days of the announcement and formed a writing Task Force to provide guidance for lead performance with input from the FDA and industry. “ Lindsay’s term as the 29th president unveiled the SCA 360° and AF 360° Resource Centers and the launch of a Strategic Planning Initiative began.

N.A. Mark Estes, III, MD, FHRS, CCDS — 2008-2009

“My presidency was focused on the development and approval of a new Heart Rhythm Society Strategic Plan.  Preparation included extensive market research with thorough planning by staff, volunteers and consultants," said Dr. Mark Estes. "Our Strategic Planning Summit resulted in the Society’s new core purpose 'to improve the health of patients with heart rhythm disorders.' A new 'big audacious goal' was developed: 'to end death and suffering due to heart rhythm disorders. The Strategic Plan includes specific goals related to education, advocacy, and heath policy. An expanded commitment to research emerged as reflected in the goal statement 'The Society will be the preeminent organization for promoting research to end death and suffering from heart rhythm disorders.'  With multiple task forces beginning preparatory work and funds allocated to these initiatives, we are poised to successfully execute the new Heart Rhythm Society Strategic Plan.” As the 30th president, Estes will help celebrate the Society’s 30th anniversary at Heart Rhythm 2009.