On August 22, 2020 the Florida Heart Research Association named Ki Park, MD as the “Stop Heart Disease” Researcher of the Year at the virtual annual meeting of the Florida Chapter of the American College of Cardiology.
Dr. Park is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine and an Interventional Cardiologist at University of Florida and Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville. Dr. Park’s interventional skill set includes complex PCI and structural interventions. Clinical and research interests are focused on women’s cardiovascular health specifically the association between pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and gestational diabetes and long-term cardiac risk. In line with these interests, she serves as Director of University of Florida Women’s Cardiovascular Health Services. Dr. Park has published numerous manuscripts in the field of women’s cardiovascular disease including research on microvascular dysfunction and adverse pregnancy outcomes and long-term cardiac risk. She started the first dedicated Women’s Heart Health Clinic at the University of Florida with a focus on postpartum cardiovascular risk modification. Dr. Park has presented at national and international cardiology conferences on the topic of pregnancy and cardiovascular disease. She has also served as site principal investigator for multiple studies focused on cardiovascular disease conditions in women. Most recently, Dr. Park presented research from her clinic noting a significant proportion of women, with low to intermediate risk for cardiovascular disease, have a history of pregnancy complications which affects consideration for statin therapy. This data was presented at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions.
Dr. Park will use the $25,000 award funds to build upon preliminary data to perform further study on the role of coronary CTA imaging to guide consideration for lipid therapy in women with borderline to intermediate risk of cardiac disease with history of pregnancy complications. This work is innovative as it bridges gaps in care and risk stratification within obstetrics and cardiology – two disciplines which only recently have come together to improve care for young women who are at risk for cardiac disease as they age.
This prestigious award is made possible only through the sale proceeds of the “Stop Heart Disease” license plate in the State of Florida. The Florida Heart Research Foundation, Inc. awards funds to support research within the State of Florida to further understand heart disease and its causes, treatment, cure and prevention. Heart disease is the primary cause of death among Americans, more than all of the major diseases combined!
To Switch at No Cost to the Stop Heart Disease plate and support research, education and prevention programs in the State of Florida, please visit our website at www.stopheartdisease.org and get your plate today.