Embargoed until 5 a.m. CT / 6 a.m. ET on Monday, November 12, 2018

CHICAGO, Nov. 12 – The American Heart Association has awarded its Population Research Prize for 2018 to Mary Cushman, M.D., of the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont in Burlington, “for contributions to our understanding of the causes of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, venous thrombosis, stroke and risk factors for these diseases, with emphasis on understanding racial disparities.”

Cushman, professor of medicine and of pathology and laboratory medicine at UVM, received the prize on Sunday, November 11, during opening ceremonies at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2018, a premier global exchange of the latest advances in cardiovascular science for researchers and clinicians at McCormick Place convention center in Chicago. Association President Ivor Benjamin, M.D., of the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, presented the prize, a citation and $5,000 honorarium. The annual prize honors important studies of cardiovascular disease patterns in populations.

“Dr. Cushman has led critically acclaimed research utilizing biomarker assessments in population studies to elucidate pathways of disease etiology for the three most common vascular diseases – coronary heart disease, stroke and venous thromboembolism - as well as their risk factors,” Benjamin said as he awarded the prize.

AHA’s President said, Cushman’s recent findings include a new understanding of the role of inflammation in cardiovascular diseases and how it relates to racial disparities in disease. “She has also shown the importance of the connection between vascular health and brain health, particularly risk factors and biomarkers pointing to age-related cognitive dysfunction.”  

Cushman also is a leader in scientific publishing and communicating science, he said.

The AHA prizewinner received her medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine in 1989 and joined the faculty there in 1995. 

Additional Resources:

###

Statements ad conclusions of study authors that are presented at American Heart Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect association policy or position. The association makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/aha-financial-information.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Carrie Thacker: 214-706-1665; c.thacker@heart.org

Nov. 10-12, 2018:

AHA News Media Office at the McCormick Place Convention Center: 312-791-6820.

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and strokeassociation.org