From the promise of AI and precision medicine to new guidelines and earlier intervention, the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) programming at the 2026 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions (AHA26) reflects where cardiovascular care is headed. The ABC invites you to spend Saturday, November 7, with us at the AHA26 in Chicago. Learn from leading voices in cardiology, connect with colleagues, and hear what’s ahead for ABC, across three events built around quality care and health equity.

ABC will also be exhibiting throughout the full conference at Booth #3380 – stop by to connect with ABC leaders, members, and staff.

To help you navigate AHA26, ABC has created a highlights document featuring select members who will be speaking, presenting, moderating, or participating in other roles at the conference.

Download the ABC Members at AHA26 Highlights here.

1. ABC–AHA Joint Symposium

Time: 1:30 – 2:45 PM CT
Location: McCormick Place Convention Center, Room N139
Advancing Quality Care and Equity Through Digital Health, AI and Precision Medicine

Explore how artificial intelligence, digital health, and precision cardiovascular medicine are transforming the future of quality equitable heart care. This dynamic session will highlight innovative, community-centered strategies that leverage emerging technologies to improve cardiovascular outcomes while addressing disparities in access, trust, and representation. Participants will gain practical insights into advancing culturally responsive, technology-enabled cardiovascular care and research. Conference admission required

Co-Chairs:

  • Sharonne N. Hayes, MD, Mayo Clinic
  • Sherry-Ann Brown, MD, PhD, Florida International University

Agenda:

  • Digital Trust, Equity, and Community Engagement in Cardiovascular Care: LaPrincess C. Brewer, MD, MPH, Mayo Clinic
  • From Images to Impact: AI in Echocardiography for Equitable Cardiovascular Care Across the Caribbean and United States: Dawn Scantlebury, MBBS, DM, University of the West Indies
  • Using Electronic Health Record Intelligence to Advance Cardiovascular Equity: Keith C. Ferdinand, MD, Tulane University School of Medicine
  • Digital Cardiovascular Health Equity Through Faith, Community, and Mobile Innovation: Luisa Brandt, MD, ScM, PhD, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG)
  • Group Discussion

2. ABC Membership Update Meeting & Dinner

Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM CT
Location: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago, Prairie Room (2233 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Chicago, IL 60616)

ABC members are invited to the Membership Update Dinner Meeting on Saturday, November 7, during the American Heart Association’s 2026 Scientific Sessions (AHA26). Start the evening with a 5:30 p.m. CT reception, then settle in from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. CT for a firsthand update from ABC President Dr. Kevin Kwaku and dinner at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago. Hear what’s next for ABC, including the work to close maternal cardiology deserts, and the phase 2 launch of Brother to Brother: Know Your Numbers campaign. Then stay for the Dr. Walter M. Booker, Sr. Memorial Symposium, which begins at 7:30 p.m. CT at the same location. Free for ABC members; registration required.

Schedule

  • 5:30 – 6:00 PM: Reception
  • 6:00 – 7:00 PM: Presidential Update
  • 7:00 – 7:30 PM: Dinner

3. 2025 Dr. Walter M. Booker, Sr. Memorial Symposium

Time: 7:30 – 9:00 PM CT
Location: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago, Prairie Room (2233 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Chicago, IL 60616)

The Future of Cardiovascular Prevention: Guidelines, Genetics, and Earlier Intervention

Cardiovascular prevention is evolving rapidly, with new evidence, updated guidelines, and advances in precision medicine reshaping how clinicians identify and manage risk. This CME symposium will examine contemporary approaches to prevention, from optimizing lipid and hypertension management with the latest guideline recommendations to identifying individuals at risk for sudden cardiac death before disease manifests. The faculty will share practical strategies for bringing emerging science into everyday practice, with particular attention to health equity, diversity in clinical research, and improving outcomes in historically underserved populations. Free; registration required.

Co-Chairs: Drs. Aubrey Grant and Ugochukwu Egolum
Program Faculty: Drs. Modele Ogunniyi and Merije T. Chukumerije
Dr. Elijah B. Saunders Memorial Lecture: Dr. Sara Collins

Agenda:

  • 7:30 – 7:35 PM: Welcome and Opening Remarks
  • 7:35 – 8:05 PM: Keynote, Dr. Elijah B. Saunders Memorial Lecture: Beyond the Numbers: New Lipid Guidelines and the Future of Preventive Cardiology, Sara Collins, MD
  • 8:05 – 8:15 PM: Hypertension in 2026: Translating New Guidelines Into Better Patient Outcomes, Modele Ogunniyi, MD
  • 8:15 – 8:25 PM: Before the First Event: Preventing Sudden Cardiac Death Before It Happens, Merije T. Chukumerije, MD
  • 8:25 – 8:50 PM: Panel Discussion (All Speakers)
  • 8:50 – 9:00 PM: Closing Remarks

Continuing Medical Education: Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. (ABC) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. ABC designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Connect with ABC at AHA26:
Don’t forget to visit Booth #3318 during the conference for information on membership, programs, and upcoming initiatives.