Cincinnati expert on congenital heart disease honored for 'extensive and successful' mentoring of future cardiologists
The American Heart Association presented one of its highest honors, the Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award, to Gary D. Webb., M.D., of the University of Cincinnati "for his extensive and successful mentoring of countless pediatric and adult cardiologists, many of whom have gone on to establish and enhance noteworthy congenital heart disease treatment programs throughout the world."
Webb, professor of clinical pediatrics and internal medicine and director of the Cincinnati Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, received the honor during Sunday opening ceremonies of the American Heart Association 2017 Scientific Sessions, a premier global exchange of the latest advances in cardiovascular science for researchers and clinicians, which was held at the Anaheim Convention Center.
AHA President John Warner, M.D., of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas presented the award, a citation and $1,000 honorarium.
"An indefatigable advocate for excellence at every level, Dr. Webb possesses a wealth of experience and expertise, as a clinician, researcher, teacher and mentor, that makes collaboration with him a special experience," Warner said. "He mentors and assists trainees in innumerable ways that build on their strengths and turn weaknesses into strengths. His enthusiasm, generosity and unqualified support are widely regarded by the many fortunate recipients as second to none."
Webb's tenure as a mentor extends for 45 years - and he has mentored 80 trainees just since 1993, Warner noted.
"Gary Webb probably has mentored and inspired more trainees, residents, fellows and cardiac care associates than any other adult congenital heart disease physician," he said. "His career mirrors the rapid trajectory of the growing population of adults surviving with congenital heart disease. And his history of promoting excellence in acute coronary heart disease care throughout the world testifies eloquently to his abilities shown as a physician, teacher and mentor."
