Earlier this May the Future Leaders in Heart Failure Symposium was held. This year’s event, previously for physicians only, included nursing and pharmacy professionals. The weekend was filled with learning, networking and interactions with leading heart failure faculty from all disciplines. For the nurses in attendance, there was a strong focus on how to get more involved in research, advocacy and how to develop stronger connections with mentors. The social events were well planned and allowed nurses to meet and talk with different faculty members at each meal allowing for more meaningful conversation. It was great to connect with nurse colleagues and learn about their current roles as well as how we can work together to help facilitate each other’s projects, research and careers. The nursing faculty was led by Cindy Bither, ACNP, ANP, Ann Laramee, MS, ANP-BC, ACNS-BC, CHFN, ACHPN, FHFSA, and Christopher Lee, RN, PhD, FAHA, FAAN, FHFSA. The faculty was knowledgeable, encouraging and motivating. There were panel discussions and presentations by the faculty, as well as discipline-specific breakout sessions. It was extremely valuable to hear the different career pathways and practice roles of the faculty. The weekend was an opportunity to develop friendships and strengthen relationships with fellow heart failure providers. Other heart failure providers and leaders in the field would strongly benefit from this event in the future.

Maghee Disch MSN RN CNL CHFN AACC
Heart Failure Service Line Specialist
American College of Cardiology Accreditation Services