Science
BHF Professor thanked for "inspired leadership" by European Society for Cardiology
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has thanked BHF Professor Barbara Casadei for her “inspired leadership in exceptional times” following her two-year term as President.
As President, Professor Casadei grew the Society’s fellowship programme, organised the two most successful annual congresses in its history, and led the Society to rapidly respond to the Covid-19 crisis.
The ESC, founded in 1950, is Europe’s largest medical society and a world leader in the discovery and dissemination of best practice in cardiovascular medicine.
Professor Casadei, who is based at the BHF Centre of Excellence at the University of Oxford, will now join the ESC’s Board until September 2022.
Involving patients, improving care, and advocating for change
Among Professor Casadei’s achievements as President was involving patients and trainees in nearly all ESC activities through the creation of the Patient Forum and the Young Cardiovascular Professionals Committee. Furthermore, she set-up the ESC’s Research Taskforce, leading to a 6-fold increase in the Society’s offer in grants and fellowships.Professor Casadei also established the ESC’s first advocacy department, which has worked tirelessly to highlight the gaps and inequalities in funding and management of cardiovascular disease in Europe and launched EuroHeart – a project that aims to monitor and improve patient care, and enable cost-effective clinical trials and observational studies to answer important clinical questions.
When Covid-19 hit, Professor Casadei rapidly re-focused the ESC’s activities. She led the creation of educational resources and guidelines for clinicians to help them manage patients with cardiovascular diseases and Covid-19. Working with the BHF, she then launched an international campaign to counter the alarming drop in patients being admitted to hospital with heart attacks seen in many European countries.
Outstanding leadership
Our Medical Director, Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, said: “On behalf of the BHF, I would like to congratulate Professor Casadei for the outstanding leadership she’s provided to the ESC and European cardiovascular research community over the last two years. She’s put patients at the heart of the Society, increased its influence worldwide, and helped ensure cardiovascular patients with Covid-19 receive the best care through rapid publication of guidelines and evidence.”
“Professor Casadei’s success as President is testament to the international standing and influence of BHF-funded research leaders, and we’re proud to have her as an ambassador for our mission.”