From March 27–30, 2026, the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) will host a series of educational programs, leadership gatherings, and scientific discussions in New Orleans, held alongside the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology (ACC.26).

These events bring together cardiologists, trainees, researchers, and partners to advance cardiovascular science, support the next generation of clinicians, and address the persistent inequities affecting cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health in underserved communities.

March 27
Cardiologists-in-Training Educational Program & Dr. Jay Brown Best Abstract Competition

ABC’s centerpiece of the program is the Dr. Jay Brown Best Abstract Competition, a distinguished research award established in 1992 to support ABC members who are early-career cardiologists and scientists. The competition highlights original research across clinical, basic, and population sciences, with four finalists selected to present their work before a panel of judges during the Fellows Forum.

The award honors the legacy of Dr. Jay Brown, former Chief of Cardiology at Harlem Hospital Center and past ABC President, whose pioneering work and mentorship helped shape generations of cardiovascular specialists.

March 28
ABC General Membership Dinner Meeting

ABC members will gather for the General Membership Dinner Meeting, an opportunity for the organization’s leadership to share updates on key initiatives, strategic priorities, and recent accomplishments.

The evening also provides a space for members to reconnect, exchange ideas, and strengthen the collaborative community that drives ABC’s mission.

During this year’s meeting, ABC will formally install its 21st President and welcome incoming officers and board members for the 2026–2028 leadership term, marking an important milestone in the organization’s continued growth and impact.

March 29

Dinner Program: From Genotype to Injustice: APOL1 as a Window Into Cardiometabolic and Kidney Disparities

ABC will host a special educational dinner program examining the disproportionate burden of kidney disease experienced by people of African ancestry and its intersection with cardiovascular health.

The program will explore APOL1-mediated kidney disease, including the evolution of APOL1 gene variants, their role in kidney disease risk, and emerging opportunities for earlier diagnosis and more targeted care.

The evening will feature a special presentation by Margaret B. Collins, Medical Director of Global Medical Affairs–Kidney Diseases at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, titled Bridging the Gap: Understanding APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease.

Discussions will also highlight how advances in genetic testing and cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic risk assessment tools—such as the PREVENT calculator—may he

help clinicians identify risk earlier and improve patient outcomes.

March 30

ABC/ACC Joint Symposium: Innovation as Friend, Not Foe: Leveraging Digital and Genetic Innovations to Promote Equity in Cardiovascular Disease

ABC will conclude its programming with a joint symposium with the ACC, focusing on how emerging digital and genetic innovations can be leveraged to improve prevention, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular disease.

The interactive session will examine how advances in technology and precision medicine can be applied to close persistent gaps in care for Black communities and other populations disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease.

By bringing together experts across clinical practice, research, and policy, the symposium will explore practical pathways for translating innovation into more equitable cardiovascular care.