WASHINGTON, April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Anne B. Curtis, MD, is being named president of the Heart Rhythm Society (Society), the leading professional society for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Dr. Curtis, director of cardiology and CEO of heart services at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL, will be elected to the post during Heart Rhythm 2005, the Society's 26th Annual Scientific Sessions May 4-7 in New Orleans.
"I'm honored to take on this leadership position that has been filled so admirably and capably by my predecessors," says Dr. Curtis. "I look forward to tackling the many challenges facing electrophysiolgists today and keeping up with the advances of tomorrow to ensure the finest patient care."
Dr. Curtis is the Society's third woman president, and joins the American College of Cardiology and NIH's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute as major cardiology organizations headed by women.
With the prevalence of heart rhythm disorders increasing in women, Dr. Curtis is leading a special session focusing on women and heart disease during the Scientific Sessions.
"Anne brings a wonderful set of skills and knowledge to move the Society forward and advance our mission of improving the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies," says James Youngblood, the Society's executive director.
A Brooklyn native, Dr. Curtis earned her medical degree from Columbia University. She currently leads 14 clinical studies on medical devices and heart rhythm disorders as a principal or co-investigator, and has authored 86 scientific papers and 70 book chapters or reviews.
The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education, and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Society was incorporated in 1979, and has a membership of over 3,500 physicians and associated professionals in over 65 countries around the world.
Heart Rhythm SocietyCONTACT: Amy Lange or Brian Ruberry, +1-202-745-5100, for the HeartRhythm Society