Dr. Antonio Gotto, dean of the Medical College and a world-renowned authority in the field of cardiovascular disease, was presented with the "Achievement in Cardiovascular Science and Medicine Award" at the 13th annual Heart of New York Gala by the American Heart Association (AHA). The ceremony, held Feb. 10 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, is the premier fund-raising event for the AHA in New York City.
Drs. Antonio Gotto and O. Wayne Isom
Dr. O. Wayne Isom, the Terry Allen Kramer Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and co-chair of the night's events, presented Dr. Gotto with the award, recognizing his dedication to the fight against heart disease and stroke. "Dr. Gotto's tireless commitment to improving the treatment and prevention of heart disease has been an asset to science and medicine—and has benefited countless patients throughout the U.S. and the world," said Dr. Isom.
Faculty, physicians and senior administrators from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell were among the crowd of 800. Many in attendance left their traditional black evening wear at home and wore red to mark the Association's launch of its "Go Red for Women" campaign—a multi-year effort designed to raise awareness of cardiovascular diseases among women. The event raised more than $1 million and will benefit the American Heart Association's efforts to improve awareness and heart health of all New Yorkers.
The night's other honorees included former Secretary of the Treasury Robert Rubin and CEO of Kos Pharmaceuticals Adrian Adams. Noted "60 Minutes" correspondent Ed Bradley was also in attendance and recounted his own experiences as a recent heart patient.
Past recipients of the "Achievement in Cardiovascular Science and Medicine Award" include Dr. Martin Leon, president and CEO of Cardiovascular Research Foundation; Dr. Barry Zaret, chief of cardiovascular medicine at Yale and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Nuclear Cardiology; and Dr. Joseph McLaughlin, clinical professor of cardiac surgery at the University of Maryland.
Photo by Ben Asen.