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On Nov. 1, 2025, UVA Health hosted its inaugural Cardiovascular Disease in Women Symposium, designed to reshape how cardiovascular disease in women is studied, diagnosed, and treated. Led by Patricia Rodriguez-Lozano, MD, MS, Director, UVA Health Women’s Heart Program — the event brought together national leaders, UVA Health and UVA experts, trainees, and patients for a day of learning, inspiration, and collaboration. 

Changing Trajectory

In her opening remarks, Dr. Rodriguez-Lozano (pictured above) shared the motivation that launched the Women’s Heart Program — and now, this symposium: the persistent evidence gap in cardiovascular are for women. The symposium hopes to change that trajectory — by advancing sex-specific science, training the next generation of clinicians, and centering women’s voices in cardiovascular medicine. 

Christopher Kramer, MD, Chief, Cardiovascular Medicine, UVA Health, and President, American College of Cardiology (ACC), then highlighted ACC’s national priority of advancing women’s cardiovascular health and supporting women leaders in cardiology — reinforcing the alignment between UVA Health’s local vision and the broader national movement’s local vision and the broader national movement.

Esteemed National Speakers 

The symposium featured an extraordinary lineup of national faculty whose pioneering work has defined the field: Ana Barac, MD, and Garima Sharma, MD, Inova Health; Pamela Douglas, MD, and Tracy Wang, MD, Duke University;  Esther Kim, MD, Atrium Health; Agnes Koczo, MD, University of Pittsburgh; Gina Lundberg, MD, Emory University; Nosheen Reza, MD, University of Pennsylvania; Arnethea Sutton, PhD, Virginia Commonwealth University; and Olga Toleva, MD, Georgia Heart Institute. 

Their presentations explored sex-based differences in ischemia and myocardial infarction, cardio-obstetrics, prevention, spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), microvascular disease, leadership, and advocacy — each contributing to a dynamic and unifying theme: advancing cardiovascular care that reflects the unique biology and lived experiences of women. 

Across seven sessions, the program also covered emerging research on ischemia with nonobstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) and microvascular dysfunction, innovative imaging and diagnostic pathways, cardio-obstetric care, prevention strategies across the lifespan, SCAD and fibromuscular dysplasia, leadership and advocacy in women’s cardiovascular health, and the role of clinical trials and translational science in closing the evidence gap. 

The symposium also showcased the depth and wide range of UVA Health’s cardiovascular expertise. Antonio Abbate, MD, PhD; Mohammad Abuannadi, MD; Merry Ellen Barnett, MD; Jared Beller, MD; Christopher Ennen, MD; Nisha Hosadurg, MD; Jonathan Lindner, MD; Mohamed Morsy, MD; Amit Patel, MD; Patrick Stafford, MD; Steven Philips, MD; Randy Ramcharitar, MD; Angela Taylor, MD; and Leora Yarboro, MD, led engaging presentations reflecting UVA Health’s collaborative, team-based model of care and commitment to innovation in women’s cardiovascular health.

Science + Compassion 

Among the most impactful moments of the event: patient testimonials, featuring Heather Broach, SCAD survivor;  Christina Evans, who courageously shared her journey to a diagnosis of coronary microvascular disease after years of uncertainty; and Alyce Pollock, a clinical trial participant who reflected on the difference that compassionate, research-informed care made in her recovery. Their stories reminded everyone that science and compassion must move hand-in-hand — and that each patient’s story drives progress. 

Shared Purpose 

Throughout the day, one message resonated clearly: advancing women’s heart health requires collaboration, advocacy, and education at every level. The symposium is not just an academic event — it’s the foundation of a movement — uniting clinicians, scientists, patients, and community leaders with a shared purpose. 

 UVA Health is a national leader in women’s cardiovascular health — combining excellence in clinical care, research innovation, and mentorship to drive change for generations to come.