Dr. Rachana Kulkarni First Female President of AHA-Central NJ
Atlantic Medical Group's Dr. Rachana Kulkarni, a cardiologist and managing partner at Atlantic Medical Group's Medicor Cardiology in Hillsborough, New Jersey, has been named the first female president of the American Heart Association-South and Central New Jersey.
The American Heart Association (AHA) is the nation's oldest, largest voluntary organization devoted to reducing cardiovascular disease and stroke risks. The South-Central regional board encompasses thirteen counties and is responsible for the AHA life-saving mission. The regional board, in partnership with the Executive Director, Christie Giambalvo, provides direction for South-Central New Jersey team to ensure the mission and health priorities of the AHA are met throughout the region.
"When I first entered the field of cardiology twenty years ago, I realized the importance of educating patients—especially women—on managing their risk factors to avoid heart disease and its aftermath on themselves and their families," Kulkarni said. "I've since made it my professional goal to raise awareness of heart disease and help inspire communities to lead a heart healthy lifestyle. Today, I am honored and humbled to be the President of the New Jersey-SC chapter of the American Heart Association, whose mission aligns with my professional goals perfectly."
Dr. Kulkarni has been recognized as a 'Top Doc' and 'Top Cardiologist' for the past several years. In addition, she has been named one of the 'Best Doctors for Women,' and commended by her peers as one of the best cardiologists in New Jersey, and as a top cardiologist by The International Association of HealthCare Professionals.
In addition to her managing partner role at Medicor, Dr. Kulkarni speaks internationally and in the United States at seminars to raise awareness of heart disease in women and promote healthy lifestyles and leadership in women. She has been recognized by the American Heart Association for her efforts, and currently serves on the executive leadership team of New Jersey's 'Go Red For Women' movement by the American Heart Association. She has been published extensively and is also a contributing author in cardiology textbooks on heart disease in women.
"Early on, I realized the disparities in cardiac care for women due to lack of understanding, which can lead to lack of symptom recognition and delays in the treatment," Kulkarni said. "It is my hope that my new leadership position encourages more women to enter the field of cardiology, and join me in helping make New Jersey—and America— more heart healthy."
Dr. Kulkarni is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology and Nuclear Cardiology. She completed her internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at UMDNJ- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School following graduation from Government Medical College in Nagpur, India where she was a National Merit Scholar.
Atlantic Health System is committed to advancing the careers of female cardiologists. Although approximately half of all medical school graduates are women, fewer than 20 percent of cardiologists who see adult patients are women, according to an American College of Cardiology survey.
Earlier this year, Dr. Linda Gillam, Dorothy and Lloyd Huck Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine at Morristown Medical Center/Atlantic Health System, was the first woman recognized by the American College of Cardiology with its Gifted Educator Award for mentorship and education excellence.
"I'm definitely committed to bringing more women and other under-represented groups into cardiology and to understanding and trying to remove barriers," Gillam said.
To make an appointment with Dr. Kulkarni or one of her associates, visit:
https://findadoctor.atlantichealth.org/provider/Rachana+Kulkarni/638577.
For more information about Atlantic Health System's Women Heart program, visit:
https://www.atlantichealth.org/conditions-treatments/heart-care/treatment-services/womens-heart-disease.html
Read the original article by Elaine Andrecovich, Dec 17, 2018, on Patch.com here.