The inaugural program will form experts in primordial prevention who can create change in their communities

The American College of Cardiology is launching an early cardiovascular disease prevention education program to honor the contributions of Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, MACC, and his lifelong commitment to establishing a culture of prevention in children. The Fuster Prevention Forum is an in-person educational course that will teach clinicians effective ways to educate children, parents and educators in their communities on nutrition, physical activity and emotional well-being.

“Valentin Fuster has a legacy of promoting heart healthy behaviors early in life to encourage lifestyles that help prevent cardiovascular disease,” said Pamela Bowe Morris, MD, FACC, Fuster Prevention Forum co-chair. “Through the Forum, we can ensure his legacy of health promotion is passed to a new generation of clinicians.”

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of men and women around the world, but in many cases, it is preventable. Research has shown that early-life interventions can influence adoption of heart healthy lifestyles; however, many clinicians receive minimal training in teaching their patients how to adopt healthy lifestyles for themselves and their families.

The Fuster Prevention Forum will be rooted in the latest scientific data and evidence in primordial prevention and early-life interventions, largely supported by Fuster’s extensive scientific research in this field. Participants will learn how to educate their patients and communities about heart healthy lifestyle behaviors, while taking prevention one step further, starting with children and their families. The Fuster Prevention Forum will give participants the tools to develop sustainable, community-based prevention initiatives and recruit a collaborative network of clinicians who are also committed to advancing a culture of prevention in their schools and communities.

“The Fuster Prevention Forum is unique in that it not only will give clinicians the tools to educate their own patients in heart healthy lifestyles but also help them spread a heart healthy message further by ‘teaching the teachers’,” said Edward T. A. Fry, MD, MACC, Fuster Prevention Forum co-chair. “We will be teaching how to effectively reach people where they are and go directly into communities to reach those who may not be working with a clinician or thinking about the impact of lifestyle on heart health.”

ACC received over 150 applicants for the inaugural program. The 50 selected to participate will be notified in February 2026. The program is a three-year initiative, and future courses will have up to 100 participants.
The inaugural cohort will convene for a two-day training at ACC's Heart House in Washington in June 2026, followed by a webinar later in the year to review progress and share best practices. Participants who complete the course will be recognized as experts in primordial prevention and return to their communities equipped with curriculum materials, digital content and practical toolkits to implement change.
For more information about the Fuster Prevention Forum, visit ACC.org/FusterPreventionForum.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is a global leader dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. For more than 75 years, the ACC has empowered a community of over 60,000 cardiovascular professionals across more than 140 countries with cutting-edge education and advocacy, rigorous professional credentials, and trusted clinical guidance. From its world-class JACC Journals and NCDR registries to its Accreditation Services, global network of Chapters and Sections, and CardioSmart patient initiatives, the College is committed to creating a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or connect on social media at @ACCinTouch.

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