LOS ANGELES, July 8, 2024 — The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service, has appointed clinician-scientist Eldrin F. Lewis, MD, MPH, FAHA, as president for the Western States region board. Dr. Lewis has served in numerous volunteer roles for the Association, including serving as chair of the Scientific Publishing Committee, which leads the Association’s 14 peer-reviewed scientific journals, and the national Research Committee, before starting his two-year term as board president for the 10 Western states on July 1. He will spearhead a group of health care, business and community leaders in driving the Association’s mission of building longer, healthier lives and ensuring equitable health for all.
A tireless advocate, Dr. Lewis specializes in the care of patients with advanced heart failure, and is an internationally recognized expert on heart failure, heart transplants and quality of life for heart failure patients. In 2022, he was recipient of the American Heart Association’s Clinical Research Prize for his work evaluating quality of life in patients with cardiovascular disease and in conducting clinical trials.
“As a clinician and researcher, I am focused on the patient voice and its influence on the scientific advances needed to improve outcomes and the standard of care for all.” Lewis said. “As the American Heart Association celebrates its 100th birthday and looks to the future, I believe that together, we will redouble our efforts to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a full and healthy life, now and into the next century. I am honored to take on the responsibilities of board president in the Western States as we work toward a world without cardiovascular disease.”
Dr. Lewis is the Simon H. Stertzer, MD, Professor of Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine in Palo Alto, CA. He is chief of the division of cardiovascular medicine and board-certified in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology, and cardiovascular disease.
Heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in the United States. As champions for health equity, by 2024, the American Heart Association will advance cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality. “Eldrin is a compassionate leader and partner in our mission to ensure longer, healthier lives for everyone,” said Kathy Rogers, executive vice president of the American Heart Association’s Western region. “A champion for heart patients and health equity, Eldrin is always looking for ways to further our mission and life-saving work, helping to meet people where they are with what they need. He has been—and will continue to be—a visionary when it comes to furthering our mission. He is truly, a relentless force.”
Dr. Lewis earned a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Medicine from Penn State University and a Doctor of Medicine from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He also earned a Master of Public Health in Clinical Effectiveness from Harvard School of Public Health. He completed his post-doctoral training including his internship, residency and two clinical fellowships — one in cardiovascular medicine and one in advanced heart failure and transplant — at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
Dr. Lewis will serve the Western Region alongside Board Chair Peggy Maguire, Cambia Health Foundation chair and president in Portland, Oregon.
The American Heart Association’s Western region serves Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
To learn how you can get involved with the American Heart Association, visit heart.org/bayarea or call (510) 903-4050.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For media inquiries, contact: Nerissa Itchon: nerissa.itchon@heart.org
