Boston Medical Center Cardiologist Is American Heart Association's Physician of the Year

DALLAS, July 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Heart Association has awarded its Physician of the Year Award to Gary Balady, M.D., professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine and director of Noninvasive Cardiology and Preventive Medicine at Boston Medical Center.

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The award is presented annually to a practicing physician who has rendered outstanding contributions to the accomplishment of the American Heart Association's mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

"Dr. Balady has an extraordinary record of service and leadership for the American Heart Association at the local, affiliate and national levels," said Nancy Brown, the association's CEO. "He has made major contributions to preventive cardiology and rehabilitation with a focus on the cardiovascular benefits of physical activity. He has also provided leadership to many of our committees, including his service as chairman of our Council on Clinical Cardiology from 2001 to 2003."

Balady has chaired or participated in writing groups for American Heart Association scientific statements on cardiac rehabilitation, physical activity, cardiovascular disease prevention, defibrillation and cardiovascular screening. He served on the Expert Panel on High Blood Cholesterol and is a past chair of the Committee on Cardiovascular Risk Prevention.

He is a longtime supporter of the association's Boston-area Heart Walk and Heart Ball fundraising events and served as president of the Founders Affiliate in 200809.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association receives funding primarily from individuals, as well as from foundations and companies, including pharmaceutical and device companies. Specific information on national revenues received from pharmaceutical and device companies is available at www.heart.org/corporatefunding.

SOURCE American Heart Association

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