To Members of the Heart Failure Society of America:

As we head into the end of 2022, it’s hard not to reflect on the highlights and challenges that have rocked the world of heart failure treatment throughout 2022.

 In research and medicine, HFSA  Immediate Past President Dr. Mark Drazner and I have just finished recording an episode of the HFSA Heart Failure Beat podcast about the top takeaways in HF science of 2022. The new podcast co-hosts, Dr. Michael Beasley and Dr. Priya Umapathi did a fantastic job of steering this valuable conversation.

I don’t want to give too much away before the episode drops, but you can anticipate conversations on hot topics like cardiac xenotransplantation, SGLT2 inhibitors, influential trials and new advances in therapies. To be among the first to hear the episode, subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform or go here for more information.

In HFSA news, one of my favorite highlights of 2022 was another successful Annual Scientific Meeting. More than 2,600 heart failure professionals came together for the meeting, with over 2,300 joining us in person at the Gaylord National Harbor just outside of Washington, DC. One of the newest concepts at the meeting was the Professionals in Training – or PIT – Lounge, which featured education geared towards heart failure professionals of all disciplines in the early stages of their careers. This PIT Lounge reminded me again of just how unique HFSA is in giving a home to everybody serving heart failure patients. Our ASM included sessions not only presenting WHY guideline directed medical and device therapies are critical to the care of our patients but also HOW to implement these life-saving therapies. Discussions of the full range of heart failure such as genetic dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies, amyloid, and cardio-oncology, as well as how-to sessions were accompanied by cutting-edge presentations of novel treatments. Fifteen representatives from international heart failure societies shared a global perspective on confronting our common challenges in caring for heart failure patients.

The most powerful memory for me was the palpable joy and camaraderie that is characteristic of the HFSA ASM, a sense of friendship in shared purpose that is most present at our ASM. For those of you who were not able to join in person – or those of you who want to reminisce – photos and a highlight reel are now both available online. Sessions from ASM are also available to purchase in the HFSA Learning Center, alongside a newly released Core Learning Pathway and Pharmacy Bundle. Visit the Learning Center for information.

With the society’s focus on all members of the HF care team, I am excited to share another highlight of 2022 – our membership growth! We currently have over 2,200 professional members and over 1,000 patient and caregiver members, representing 31% total growth from 2021-2022. This is incredible. As we increase our membership numbers, we as an organization only grow stronger. I look forward to this growth as we turn the page to 2023. 

As this message – and the year – draws to a close, I want to express my gratitude for all our members and all the clinicians and researchers who care for patients, dig into scientific research on new therapies, and remain dedicated to improving patient outcomes. Thank you for all that you do. I wish you all happy holidays if you are celebrating this season, and a wonderful New Year. 

John Teerlink, MD, FHFSA
HFSA President 2022-2023