ACC announces inaugural fellow for the Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship
The new award provides up to $70,000 in funding to a Fellow-in-Training or an early-career cardiologist
2026-02-18
(Press-News.org) The American College of Cardiology will recognize Plicy Perez-Kersey, MD, as the first recipient of the Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship Award. Perez-Kersey will be honored at American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26) taking place March 28 – 30, in New Orleans.
The Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship was funded through Thad F. Waites, MD, MACC, in honor of his wife Gerry. It reflects their commitment to combating cardiovascular disparities and uplifting underserved populations through evidence-based clinical interventions and innovative research. The fellowship provides up to $70,000 in research funding to a Fellow-in-Training or an early-career cardiologist who demonstrates a commitment to rural cardiovascular care, community engagement and health equity.
“I've always believed in the power of giving back. Over the years, I've witnessed the barriers many face to achieving good health. I envision our fellowship will help break down those barriers and move us closer to improving heart health for all,” Waites said.
Perez-Kersey is an advanced cardiac imaging fellow at Seattle Children’s Hospital and an acting instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington.
Guided by a commitment to equity, advocacy and service, Perez-Kersey has consistently sought opportunities to support underserved communities. As a medical student, she co-managed a free clinic in Harlem that provided medical care for people without health insurance and those experiencing homelessness. During pediatric residency at the University of Washington, she provided culturally conscious health care to Alaska Native communities through the Alaska Medical Track program. Perez-Kersey’s research seeks to identify and address social drivers of health that impact outcomes for children and adults with congenital heart disease.
“Throughout my training, I have developed a deep awareness of the barriers that prevent vulnerable populations from receiving optimal care – and an enduring commitment to addressing them so that circumstance no longer dictates cardiovascular outcomes,” Perez-Kersey said. “The Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship is an extraordinary opportunity to advance this mission, and I am honored and excited to be selected as the inaugural fellow for this innovative program.”
Through this research fellowship, Perez-Kersey will investigate gaps in maternal and fetal cardiac care in rural communities and establish a community-based screening program for pregnant patients.
“The ACC is honored to recognize Dr. Perez-Kersey and the legacy of Thad and Gerry Waites with the inaugural Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship Award,” said Cathy Gates, CEO of the American College of Cardiology. “This fellowship embodies the heart of the ACC’s mission to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health for all.”
To learn more about the Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship, visit here.
ACC.26 will take place March 28 – 30, 2026, in New Orleans, bringing together cardiologists and cardiovascular specialists from around the world to share the newest discoveries in treatment and prevention. Follow @ACCinTouch, @ACCMediaCenter and #ACC26 for the latest news from the meeting.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or follow @ACCinTouch.
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[Press-News.org] ACC announces inaugural fellow for the Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship
The new award provides up to $70,000 in funding to a Fellow-in-Training or an early-career cardiologist
