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PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 17, 2019 — The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, has bestowed its 2019 Chairman’s Award to Cheryl Pegus, M.D., M.P.H., president of Consumer Health Solutions and chief medical officer of Cambia Health Solutions in Portland, Oregon.

“Cheryl’s commitment to finding multipronged solutions for reducing healthcare disparities has significantly advanced the American Heart Association’s mission by improving the health of communities across the nation,” said Association Chairman Bertram L. Scott, who presented Dr. Pegus with the award.

The award was presented today at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2019 in Philadelphia. The Association’s Scientific Sessions is an annual, premier global exchange of the latest advances in cardiovascular science for researchers and clinicians.

“Dr. Pegus’ vision to increase access to quality and preventive care through data-driven approaches sets her apart as a relentless force for better health for all people,” Mr. Scott said. “She also strives to reduce disparities in educational opportunities. She is responsible for the creation of a scholarship fund at Weill Cornell Medical College for minority students.”

Over the course of her career, Dr. Pegus has focused on solutions that involve collecting and analyzing local and regional quality metrics, then making this data available to diverse communities and local healthcare systems, where it could be used to improve clinical outcomes. At Cambia Health Solutions, her work using evidence-based protocols to improve care for patients with chronic conditions earned her a position on Modern Healthcare’s 2019 list of the 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives.

Dr. Pegus, an internist and cardiologist, graduated from Brandeis University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and earned her medical degree from Cornell University Medical College. She was the first African American woman to complete a fellowship in cardiology at Weill Cornell Medical College. She also earned a master’s degree in public health from Columbia University’s School of Public Health.

Dr. Pegus spent the early part of her career investigating heart disease among women and minorities. This early work helped her to recognize the need to increase minority participation in clinical drug trials.

Dr. Pegus has more than 25 years of clinical practice and industry experience. Prior to joining Cambia, she was president of Caluent, a healthcare data analytics company. She is past president of the American Heart Association’s Founder’s Affiliate and former chair of the Association’s Health Disparities Taskforce. She is currently the board chair for the Association of Black Cardiologists.

Additional Resources:

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The American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions is a premier global exchange of the latest advances in cardiovascular science for researchers and clinicians. Scientific Sessions 2019 is November 16-18 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. More than 12,000 leading physicians, scientists, cardiologists and allied health care professionals from around the world convene at the Scientific Sessions to participate in basic, clinical and population science presentations, discussions and curricula that can shape the future of cardiovascular science and medicine, including prevention and quality improvement. During the three-day meeting, attendees receive exclusive access to over 4,100 original research presentations and can earn Continuing Medical Education (CME), Continuing Education (CE) or Maintenance of Certification (MOC) credits for educational sessions. Engage in the Scientific Sessions conversation on social media via #AHA19.

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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

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