AHA Scientific Sessions 2023: Advancing Science, Promoting Engagement

By Amit Khera, M.D., M.Sc.

Professor of Internal Medicine
Director of Preventive Cardiology

AHA Scientific Sessions 2023 will be remembered for many things, but the term best embodying the meeting is engagement. As Chair of the AHA Committee on Scientific Sessions Programming, I led a talented group of experts to develop not only the most compelling scientific and clinical content but also the optimal attendee experience in this new period emerging from virtual scientific meetings.

All told, #AHA23 consisted of more than 4,000 abstracts and over 700 sessions. Participants benefited from increased session times of 75 minutes, ensuring adequate time for dialogue, discussion, and interaction. The center of activity was the Heart Hub and nearby Case Theater, displaying interventional cases; a vibrant Simulation Zone for hands-on critical care cardiology device training; and the Heart Innovations Theater, showcasing the latest advances and “shark tank” competitions. As always, the Late-Breaking Trials took center stage, featuring 27 studies over eight sessions, starting with the SELECT trial of more than 17,000 individuals with CVD who were overweight or obese, but without diabetes, demonstrating a 20% reduction in CVD events with semaglutide treatment. While that study likely will change practice, it also elicited numerous questions from the large audience on hand, and our extended panel debated those questions. It was one of multiple Late-Breaking studies that will foster ongoing dialogue and inquiry for some time to come.

The Scientific Sessions have served many purposes over the years in advancing science and medicine. In this new era, #AHA23 reminded me of this meeting’s importance in promoting connection, scientific dialogue, and community. The momentum from this year will serve well heading into the AHA’s 100th anniversary celebration for Scientific Sessions 2024. See you in Chicago!

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