Renowned cardiologist Dr. Valentin Fuster has been awarded the prestigious Antonio M. Gotto Jr. Prize in Atherosclerosis Research. The International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS) presented the award to Dr. Fuster, President of Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital and Physician-in-Chief of The Mount Sinai Hospital, during their annual symposium in Muscat, oman on December 4, 2024.
This distinguished honor recognizes Dr. FusterS groundbreaking contributions to understanding, preventing, and treating atherosclerosis, commonly known as hardening of the arteries.
“I am proud for the recognition and especially for my colleagues who collaborated with me in the research enterprise,” said Dr.Fuster.
Dr. Fuster’s four decades of research have significantly impacted global health.His work encompasses landmark studies on the mechanisms of atherosclerosis, leading to breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment. He has also championed novel, cost-effective preventive methods and treatment strategies to address the global public health crisis of non-communicable diseases. Dr. Fuster’s achievements have transformed clinical practise worldwide.
His pioneering research on the role of inflammation and thrombosis in atherosclerosis has led to major advancements in diagnosis and therapy. Among his many discoveries, Dr. Fuster identified the role of platelets in coronary thrombosis and blockages. He was the first investigator to utilize aspirin in heart disease, specifically to prevent occlusion after bypass grafting.Dr. Fuster’s research also revealed that cell cycle inhibitors reduce coronary in-stent restenosis, a condition where a previously blocked coronary artery narrows after stent placement. His use of high-resolution, non-invasive imaging to monitor the biological effects of statins on atherosclerotic plaque demonstrated that specific medications were associated with meaningful regression in atherosclerotic lesions.
Dr. Fuster played a key role in developing a cardiovascular “polypill”—a single pill containing three medications typically taken separately—proven effective in preventing secondary adverse cardiovascular events in individuals who have previously experienced a heart attack. Dr. Fuster and his team demonstrated that the polypill reduces cardiovascular mortality by 33 percent in this population. This medication was recently included by the World Health Organization in its Essential Medicines List.
Dr. Valentin Fuster,a renowned cardiologist and researcher,has been awarded the prestigious 2023 International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS) Lifetime Achievement Award. This esteemed recognition celebrates Dr. Fuster’s groundbreaking contributions to the understanding and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Fuster’s career has been marked by significant achievements. He played a pivotal role in developing the World health Organization’s “List of Essential Medicines,” a crucial resource for global healthcare. His work is also instrumental in the advancement of a new drug for treating high cholesterol, currently awaiting approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
“Professor Fuster is an internationally recognized biomedical researcher and scientific leader in the field of cardiovascular disease who has provided and continues to provide outstanding scientific, medical, and educational advances that are paving the way to a better understanding of the causes of cardiovascular disease and to reducing their health care and socioeconomic burden,” said Dr. Fuster’s nominators, Vicente Andrés, PhD, and Borja Ibáñez, MD, PhD, of the Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC).
dr. Fuster’s dedication extends beyond research. He has spearheaded early health education programs worldwide, positively impacting underserved communities at higher risk for heart disease. His commitment to improving global cardiovascular health is truly commendable.
As Director of the Cardiovascular Institute at Mount Sinai from 1994 and Director of Mount Sinai Heart from its inception in 2006 until the end of 2022, Dr. Fuster transformed what is now known as Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital into a world-leading center for cardiovascular care, cardiac surgery, and advanced research. He also serves as General Director of the CNIC.
Dr.Fuster’s exceptional contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the highest research awards from the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, the European Society of Cardiology, and the interamerican Society of Cardiology. In 2014, King Juan Carlos I of Spain bestowed upon him the title of Marquis in recognition of his “outstanding and unceasing research efforts and his educational outreach work.”
Dr. Fuster will deliver his award lecture on December 5th at the Annual Scientific Session of the International Atherosclerosis Society in Muscat, Oman.
mount Sinai Fuster Heart hospital at The Mount Sinai Hospital is consistently ranked among the nation’s best for cardiology, heart, and vascular surgery by U.S. News & World Report, solidifying its position as a global leader in cardiovascular care.
The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City has been recognized as one of the world’s best specialized hospitals, according to Newsweek‘s prestigious “The World’s Best Specialized Hospitals” ranking.
As part of the Mount Sinai Health System, the largest academic medical system in New York City, the hospital boasts a network of eight hospitals, a leading medical school, and a vast array of ambulatory practices throughout the greater New York region. “We advance medicine and health through unrivaled education and translational research and finding to deliver care that is the safest, highest-quality, moast accessible and equitable, and the best value of any health system in the nation,” the hospital states.
The Mount Sinai Health system encompasses approximately 9,000 primary and specialty care physicians, 11 free-standing joint-venture centers across New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida, and 39 multidisciplinary research, educational, and clinical institutes. Hospitals within the system consistently earn top rankings from Newsweek’s® “The World’s Best Smart Hospitals” and U.S. News & World Report’s® “Best Hospitals” and “Best Children’s hospitals.” Notably,The Mount Sinai Hospital has earned a place on the U.S. News & World Report’s® “Best Hospitals” Honor Roll for 2024-2025.
for more details, visit https://www.mountsinai.org/ or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
## Interview: dr. Valentin Fuster on Winning teh antonio M. Gotto Jr. Prize
**World Today News:** Dr. Fuster, congratulations on receiving the prestigious antonio M. Gotto Jr.Prize in Atherosclerosis Research. This award recognizes your groundbreaking work on understanding, preventing, and treating atherosclerosis. Can you share what this recognition means to you?
**Dr. Valentin Fuster:** I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award. It is a recognition not only of my work but also of the dedication and brilliance of the countless colleagues and researchers who have collaborated with me throughout my career.
**World Today News:** Your research has spanned four decades, leading to notable advances in the field of cardiology. Could you highlight some of the key breakthroughs you’ve made?
**Dr.Valentin Fuster:** My research has focused on unraveling the complex mechanisms behind atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of many cardiovascular diseases. This has led to discoveries about the role of inflammation and thrombosis in plaque formation,leading to improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies. For example, I was among the first to recognize the role of platelets in coronary thrombosis and utilized aspirin to prevent blockages after bypass surgery.
Moreover,I’ve pioneered the advancement of a “polypill,” a single pill containing multiple medications to effectively prevent secondary cardiovascular events in patients who’ve already suffered a heart attack. This breakthrough has the potential to considerably improve global cardiovascular health.
**World Today News:** You’ve dedicated your career to improving cardiovascular health on a global scale. Can you elaborate on your efforts to make healthcare more accessible and equitable, particularly in underserved communities?
**Dr. Valentin fuster:** Cardiovascular disease is a global epidemic,disproportionately affecting underserved communities. I firmly believe that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right.
Therefore,I have been actively involved in establishing early health education programs worldwide,focusing on communities at higher risk for heart disease.
Empowering individuals with knowlege about risk factors, prevention strategies, and early detection techniques is crucial in tackling this global health challenge.
**World Today News:** You have also served as Director of the Cardiovascular Institute at Mount Sinai for many years. How has your leadership transformed Mount Sinai Heart Hospital into a world-leading center for cardiovascular care and research?
**Dr. Valentin Fuster:**
my vision for Mount Sinai Heart Hospital has always been to create a center of excellence that seamlessly integrates cutting-edge research, innovative clinical care, and compassionate patient-centered treatment.
We have assembled a world-class team of physicians, scientists, and support staff who are committed to pushing the boundaries of cardiovascular medicine.
Through continuous investment in research infrastructure,clinical trials,and training programs,we strive to remain at the forefront of advancements in the field,ultimately translating scientific breakthroughs into tangible benefits for our patients.
**world Today News:**
Dr.fuster, your contributions to cardiology are truly remarkable.what advice would you give to aspiring cardiologists and researchers who want to make a difference in the field?
**Dr. Valentin Fuster:**
Always be driven by curiosity, passion, and a genuine desire to improve human health. Never be afraid to challenge existing paradigms, embrace collaborative research, and be persistent in pursuing your goals.
remember, every small step towards understanding and conquering cardiovascular disease can have a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals worldwide.
