VCU news

By Eliza Winston

George W. Vetrovec, M.D., professor of medicine in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and director of the Adult Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at VCU Medical Center, was recently designated a Master of the American College of Cardiology (MACC).

Presented at the 2014 Annual Convocation of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) in Washington, D.C., on March 31, the award acknowledges a distinguished practitioner in the field of cardiology and recognizes the individuals who have consistently shown excellence in education, clinical practice, scholarship and support to the ACC. This honor is given to no more than four people each year.

“George Vetrovec’s contributions to improving the management of coronary artery disease have been immense,” said Jerome F. Strauss III, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the VCU School of Medicine. “His teaching and leadership have been instrumental in bringing the Pauley Heart Center international acclaim for advanced cardiac care and innovative clinical research. He is highly deserving of this recognition, which brings honor to him and is a source of pride for the Pauley Heart Center and the School of Medicine.”

The master designation is given to fellows of the ACC who have been in good standing for more than 15 years. They also must have provided consistent leadership, dedicated service and substantial contributions in support of the ACC’s goals, programs and activities. Vetrovec said he has worked with the ACC for close to 30 years, volunteering time in leadership, scientific and teaching roles.

“It is certainly an honor to be recognized by this institution,” Vetrovec said. “There are many impressive physicians who have received this distinction and many who more who contribute to the ACC. It is really special to be chosen out of all those highly effective people.”

Vetrovec’s research interests involve improving the management of coronary artery disease, particularly related to catheterization and interventional therapies. Some of his best known contributions include understanding the problems that heart transplant patients have and helping advance more complex forms of angioplasty for patients with blockages in multiple blood vessels.

“Vetrovec has made tremendous and noteworthy contributions to the field of cardiac angioplasty and cardiac interventions,” said Kenneth Ellenbogen, M.D., chairman of the Division of Cardiology at VCU’s Pauley Heart Center. “He has been on the forefront of bringing advanced care to Richmond and Virginia residents and has helped develop and foster methods to improve blood flow to the heart by angioplasty.”

In addition to administrative, research and teaching activities, Vetrovec is an active clinical cardiologist, including performing catheterization and interventional procedures. He has been listed as one of the Best Doctors in America by Best Doctors Inc. for more than 15 years. He is also a former member of the VCU Health System Board of Directors.

“Vetrovec continues to make important contributions in this area despite his busy clinical load. He always finds time to stay actively involved in patient care and cardiac interventions,” Ellenbogen said.

For students or young physicians, Vetrovec offered a few tips on how to establish a long, successful and rewarding career.

“The key is to work hard and take advantage of the opportunities that come your way,” Vetrovec said. “That was helpful for me, and I have always found taking on new challenges to be very rewarding.”

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