Westmead’s Prof Clara Chow elected first female president of 68-year-old cardiac society

Westmead Hospital cardiologist Professor Clara Chow will be the first-ever female president of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ).

The CSANZ was established in 1951.

Professor Chow, who just last week secured $1 million from Google to develop an artificial intelligence program to prevent heart disease, said she was looking forward to her new position with the CSANZ.

“I’m excited and proud to take up the president-elect position,” Prof Chow said.

“I think that electing a female president shows the strong commitment of our society to change and address the challenges of diversity for our members as well as our patients.”

At Westmead Hospital, Prof Chow is the program director of community based cardiac services. She is also a professor of the faculty of medicine and health  at the University of Sydney and an academic director at the Westmead Applied Research Centre.

The CSANZ is the professional body for cardiologists and those working in the area of cardiology, including researchers, scientists, cardiovascular nurses, allied health professionals and other healthcare workers.

CSANZ president Professor Len Kritharides said the society was fortunate to have Clara as its incoming president.

“Professor Chow is an outstanding cardiologist and researcher and will bring great energy and insight to the role,” Prof Kritharides said.

Prof Chow will serve as president of the CSANZ for 12 months.