HELLENIC SOCIETY OF CARDIOLOGY (HCS)
The Hellenic Society of Cardiology, was established in 1948 and registered with the Athens Civil Courts in 1950. Initially the founding members were 28, while today the number has risen to approximately 2,200 registered Cardiologists. The history of HCS parallels the history of Cardiology in Greece.
Revisiting the history of HCS one also observes the advancements in Greek Cardiology, since HCS has offered chances of communication between Greek Cardiologists from the introduction of Cardiology as an independent specialty in the middle of the 20th century.
HCS constitutes a connecting link between Cardiologists and has encouraged educational efforts towards the training of doctors and research activities.
Today, in collaboration with the European Society of Cardiology, HCS takes action towards the homogenization of education of Cardiology trainees in order to acquire the Diploma of European Cardiologist and offers programs of continuing education and lifelong learning for the specialized Cardiologists of the country.
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY (ACC)
In 1949, 13 cardiologists, led by Franz Groedel, MD, MACC and Bruno Kisch, MD, MACC, founded the American College of Cardiology during what is often called “The Golden Age of Cardiology.” In his book “American Cardiology: The History of a Specialty and Its College,” Bruce Fye, MD, MACC, details how in the period following World War II, factors like the increasing prevalence of heart disease, the advent of federal research funding, breakthroughs in technological innovations, and the growing availability of health insurance worked together to shape cardiology into a major academic and clinical discipline.
Today, with more than 56,000 members from around the world, the College is once again facing a crossroads in the midst of a constantly changing health care environment. Rapid advances in science and technology, uncertainty about systems of medical care delivery and growing demand for cardiovascular care around the globe present extraordinary challenges and opportunities for cardiovascular medicine.
Many of the challenges affecting the College and its members are remarkably similar to those faced since the ACC’s founding in 1949. Embracing previous successes and learning from those who came before will ensure the College continues to grow and serve as the primary professional home for the entire cardiovascular community.