In honor of HFSA’s 30th anniversary, The Heart Failure Beat brings together six HFSA past presidents to discuss the Society’s evolution and the rapidly advancing field of heart failure. Hosted by Priya Umapathi, MD, and recorded live at ASM 2025, this episode captures candid insights from Nancy Albert, PhD, CCNS, CCRN, NE-BC, Biykem Bozkurt, MD, PhD, Jim Fang, MD, FHFSA, Mark Drazner, MD, MSc, Michael Felker, MD, FHFSA, and Ken Margulies, MD, FHFSA. 

The conversation begins with reflections on what inspired each president to enter the field — from the excitement of hemodynamics and ICU care to the influence of mentors like Lynn Stevenson, MD, FHFSA  and Ken Boffman. As Dr. Bozkurt noted, heart failure became “the field where the science was happening,” while Ms. Albert emphasized the fulfillment of caring for complex patients and improving their lives through education and research. 

Presidential accomplishments ranged from defining the Universal Definition and Classification of Heart Failure to advancing HFSA’s HF-Cert certification program and navigating challenging moments such the cancellation of ASM 2024 due to Hurricane Helene. Several leaders highlighted the importance of strengthening the heart failure workforce and creating more inclusive, multidisciplinary collaboration across cardiology, nephrology, genetics, and beyond. 

Looking ahead, the presidents pointed to prevention, AI, genomics, and point-of-care ultrasound as transformative areas. As Dr. Drazner shared, the integration of genetics may allow clinicians to “personalize therapy in ways we’ve only seen in oncology.” Dr. Margulies emphasized the Society’s role in advancing thoughtful, evidence-based adoption of emerging technologies. 

Together, these voices paint a picture of a Society rooted in collaboration, driven by innovation, and poised to lead the next chapter of cardiovascular care. 

🎧 Listen now to this special episode.