Innovations and Trends in Cardiovascular Care

Saturday, October 18, 2025, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick, NJ

Despite continuous advancements in diagnostics, pharmacology, and device-based therapies, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the United States. As treatment paradigms evolve, clinicians face growing challenges in staying current with best practices, leading to measurable gaps in clinical knowledge, decision-making, and coordination of care.

Clinicians are increasingly expected to integrate rapidly changing clinical evidence into practice. However, studies and real-world data show that many continue to underuse or inconsistently apply contemporary guidelines in key areas. Additionally, there is a growing disconnect between technological innovation and clinical integration. Many practitioners report limited confidence in incorporating artificial intelligence–driven diagnostic tools, advanced echocardiographic strain imaging, and multimodal imaging strategies into daily workflows.

Compounding these knowledge and performance gaps are systemic barriers, such as inconsistent referral pathways for advanced therapies, variable institutional resources, and fragmented communication between generalists and subspecialists. These deficiencies contribute to inappropriate treatment selection, delayed diagnosis, and increased care disparities.

This activity brings together national experts and multidisciplinary teams to deliver practical, case-based education on the latest evidence, emerging technologies, and referral strategies. Participants will gain valuable insights to improve the assessment, treatment, and management of cardiovascular risk in their patients.

Target Audience
This activity is designed for cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, internists, residents, fellows, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, cardiac nurses, cardiovascular technologists, cardiovascular program administrators, and researchers.

Planning Committee

Connor Barrett, MD, MBA, Senior Vice President, Chief Clinical Officer, Heart and Vascular Services, RWJBarnabas Health

Lance S. Berger, MD, Cardiologist, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, Medical Director of Cardiovascular Program Development, Community Medical Center

Sabahat Bokhari, MD, Professor of Medicine; Director, Cardiac Amyloidosis of Excellence, Director, Advanced Cardiac Imaging, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Michael Cargill, BSN, RN, CCRN, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Theodore Maglione, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Co-Director of Electrophysiology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Anthony Patten Jr., PA-C, Administrative Director, Chief, Advanced Practice Providers, RWJBarnabas Health

Nancy Rizzuto, DNP, MSN, APRN, CCRN, Assistant Vice President Heart & Vascular Service Line, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Mark Russo, MD, MS, Professor of Surgery, Chief, Division of Cardiac Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Arash Salemi, MD, Clinical System Chairman, Cardiothoracic Surgery, RWJ Barnabas Health; Professor of Surgery Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; Chair, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

Partho P. Sengupta, MD, Henry Rutgers Professor of Cardiology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Professor of Medicine, Chief, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hypertension, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Chief, Cardiology Service Line, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Kimberley Skelding, MD, Division Chief, Cardiovascular Services, Jersey City Medical Center

Alfonso H. Waller, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Radiology, Chief, Division of Cardiology, Director, Cardiac Imaging, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Sergio Waxman, MD, MBA, Professor of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; Director of Cardiology Strategy and Operations, RWJBarnabas Health Heart and Vascular, Chief, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

1. Apply current evidence-based guidelines to the management of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and valvular heart disease across various stages of disease progression.
2. Identify patients with underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed cardiac conditions using multimodal diagnostic tools and clinical red flags.
3. Differentiate between appropriate candidates for novel therapeutic agents based on patient risk profiles and current clinical indications.
4. Interpret the clinical value of advanced imaging modalities and integrate findings into diagnostic and treatment decision-making.
5. Evaluate the role of artificial intelligence in cardiovascular imaging and clinical risk stratification, including potential applications, limitations, and ethical considerations.
6. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate timely referrals and optimize patient-centered care.
7. Implement best practices for timely referral and selection of patients for advanced interventions based on current guidelines and risk-benefit assessments.

Registration Fees	Through 9/6/2025	After 9/6/2025
Physician	$75	$125
Other Healthcare Professional	$50	$85
Industry	$125	$225
Resident/Fellow/Healthcare Student (with letter)*	Complimentary

* Registration must be accompanied by program director’s letter confirming resident/fellow/student status. Please upload your letter when registering or email it to [email protected].

Registrants may be asked to furnish documentation confirming their employment status in order to be eligible for a reduced rate. If it is determined that a registrant does not meet the eligibility criteria, the registrant will be required to pay the necessary tuition fee.

Registration fee includes continental breakfast, refreshment breaks, lunch, continuing education credits, and course material. Registration can only be accepted through our secure online website until October 15, 2025. Registration will not be confirmed until payment is received. If payment is not received in time for the activity, Rutgers reserves the right to cancel the registration

Pre-registration is recommended. On-site registration will be accommodated on a space available basis.

Confirmation
Once registered, you will receive a confirmation message and additional information to assist you with your plans to participate in this activity.

Cancellation/Refund
A full refund, less a $25 cancellation fee, will be granted if notice is received no later than October 17, 2025. Refunds will not be issued for any cancellation received after October 17, 2025 and cannot be given for no shows. To cancel, email your cancellation request to [email protected].

For any other questions, concerns, or if you require special arrangements to attend this activity, please contact CCOE by email at [email protected].

Rutgers Health and RWJBarnabas Health reserve the right to modify program content, faculty and program activities. It also reserves the right to cancel the activity if necessary. If the activity is cancelled, liability is limited to the registration fee.

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences and RWJBarnabas Health. Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Physicians: Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences designates this live activity for a maximum of 7.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nurses: This activity is awarded 7.25 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should only claim those contact hours actually spent participating in the activity.


Physician Associates: Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 7.25 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.


Method of Participation
In order to meet the learning objectives and receive continuing education credit, participants are expected to register for the activity, check in at the registration desk, attend the program, and complete the online evaluation at the conclusion of the activity. A CE certificate will be emailed to participants upon completion of the online evaluation.

Course Material
In an effort to provide the most complete materials to attendees and conserve resources, PDF versions of the lecture slides will be made available online to registered attendees. Additional information will be provided in future confirmation communication.

Questions
For any other questions, concerns, or if you require special arrangements to attend this activity, please contact CCOE by email at [email protected].

Disclaimer
Rutgers and RWJBarnabas Health reserve the right to modify program content, faculty and program activities. It also reserves the right to cancel the activity if necessary. If the activity is cancelled, liability is limited to the registration fee.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (7.25 hours), AAPA Category 1 CME (7.25 hours), ANCC Contact Hours (7.25 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (7.25 hours)

Hyatt Regency
2 Albany St
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

For hotel reservations, call the Hyatt directly at (732) 873-1234.

Click here for information for parking and other transportation means. Complimentary parking will be available at the Hyatt for symposium attendees. Participants will receive additional information in their confirmation materials.

Invited Program Faculty

Chonyang L. Albert, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Medical Director, Left Ventricular Assist Devices and Mechanical Circulatory Support, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Anthony Altobelli, III, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Clinical Chief of Cardiology, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Emad F. Aziz, DO, Professor of Medicine, Section Chief, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Kulpreet Barn, MD, Director of Advanced Heart Failure, RWJBarnabas Health Heart and Vascular at Barnegat

Lance S. Berger, MD, Cardiology, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, Medical Director of Cardiovascular Program Development, Community Medical Center

Sabahat Bokhari, MD, Professor of Medicine; Director, Cardiac Amyloidosis of Excellence, Director, Advanced Cardiac Imaging, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

David P. Dobesh, MD, Director of Electrophysiology, Jersey City Medical Center

Claudia G. Gidea, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; Medical Director of Heart Transplant, Mechanical Circulatory Support, and Advanced Heart Failure, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

Igor Gosev, MD, PhD, Section Chief of Heart Transplantation & Mechanical Circulatory Support Northern, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

Jagpreet Grewal, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Maya Guglin, MD, Professor of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Section Chief, Heart Failure, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Bruce J. Haik, MD, Chief, Division of Cardiology, Director, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center

Yasmin Hamirani, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Director of Structural Heart Imaging and Innovations, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital 

Deepa Iyer, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Medical Director VAD Program, Medical Director Heart Transplant Program, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Khalil Kaid, MD, Director of Interventional Cardiology, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

Yekaterina Kim, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; Associate Program Director, Cardiovascular Fellowship, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

Issam Koleilat, MD, MPH, Vascular Surgeon, RWJBarnabas Health Community Medical Center, Associate Professor of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Program Director, Rutgers Health Community Medical Center General Surgery Residency

William J. Kostis, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Rachana A. Kulkarni, MD, Regional Director, Cardiovascular Services, Director, Women's Heart Center, RWJBarnabas Health

Leonard Y. Lee, MD, Professor of Surgery, James W. Mackenzie, MD Endowed Chair in Surgery, Chair, Department of Surgery, Chief, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Jonathan A. Levison, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; Division Director, Vascular Surgery, Clara Maass Medical Center

Kameswari Maganti, MD, Professor of Medicine, Section Chief, Non-Invasive Cardiology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Director of Echocardiography Lab, Cardiodynamics and Vascular Laboratory, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Theodore Maglione, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Co-Director of Electrophysiology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Julie Master, DO, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Director, Noninvasive Cardiac Services, Monmouth Medical Center

John Merlino, III, DO, Electrophysiology of Ocean City

James D. Mills, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Brandon S. Oberweis, MD, Director, Echocardiology, Cardiology Associates of New Brunswick

Neil H. Poulsen, MD, Cardiovascular Care Group

Saum A. Rahimi, MD, Normand and Ruth Rosenberg Chair in Vascular Surgery, Associate Professor of Surgery, Chief, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Rutgers Robert Wood Medical School

Marc Roelke, MD, System Director, Electrophysiology, RWJBarnabas Health

Mark Russo, MD, MS, Professor of Surgery, Chief, Division of Cardiac Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Arash Salemi, MD, Clinical System Chairman, Cardiothoracic Surgery, RWJBarnabas Health; Professor of Surgery Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; Chair, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

Clifford M. Sales, MD, MBA, Cardiovascular Care Group

David H. Schaer, MD, Co-Director, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Partho P. Sengupta, MD, Henry Rutgers Professor of Cardiology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Professor of Medicine, Chief, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hypertension, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Chief, Cardiology Service Line, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Suzanne Shugg, DNP, Director, Preventive Cardiovascular Services, New Jersey Cardiology Associates

Ashish Shukla, MD, MPH, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Heart Specialists of Central Jersey

Kimberley Skelding, MD, Division Chief, Cardiovascular Services, Jersey City Medical Center

Louis H. Stein, MD, PhD, Surgical Director, ECMO and Temporary Mechanical Support Program, Director, Cardiovascular Research, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

Nidhi Tripathi, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Medical Director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Tudor Vagaonescu, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Esad Vucic, MD, PhD, Director, Cardiac Imaging, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center; Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Alfonso H. Waller, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Radiology. Chief, Division of Cardiology, Director, Cardiac Imaging, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Sergio Waxman, MD, MBA, Professor of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; Director of Cardiology Strategy and Operations, RWJBarnabas Heart and Vascular, Chief, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

Katherine Wood, MD, Surgical Director, LVAD Program Northern, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

Naveena Yanamala, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Director of Data Science and Machine Learning Research, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Ramzan M. Zakir, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Director, High Risk PCI and Research, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

 

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

The relevant financial relationships of all individuals who affect the content of continuing education activities and any discussion of off-label/investigational uses will be disclosed to the audience at the time of the activity.

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Exhibit Opportunity Available

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This activity is jointly provided by

RWJBarnabas Health
Heart and Vascular

and

Rutgers Health