Northwell Cardiologist Named AHA Physician Of The Year

Press release from Northwell Health:

April 29, 2021

Stacey E. Rosen, MD, a Northwell Health cardiologist for 26 years, was named the American Heart Association’s (AHA) 2021 Physician of the Year, the organization’s highest honor given annually to a physician who has made outstanding accomplishments in the field of cardiovascular disease and is aligned to the nonprofit’s mission to be a “relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.”

In announcing the award, the AHA acknowledged Dr. Rosen for her expert guidance and counsel throughout the coronavirus disease pandemic and for having made an enormous impact on how AHA’s mission continues to support equitable health and well-being for all.

“Northwell’s department of cardiology congratulates with great pride Dr. Rosen as AHA’s Physician of the Year – one of the profession’s most prestigious awards,” said Jeffrey Kuvin, MD, chair of cardiology of the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset and Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center in New Hyde Park. “Dr. Rosen is an internationally recognized leader and champion for preventing and treating heart disease in women, which is not only complex but has long been misunderstood. Dr. Rosen is a trailblazer; much of her research and education speak volumes in our hospitals and across the country, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for all patients. We are incredibly proud of Dr. Rosen’s achievements, including her steadfast commitment to her patients.”

Dr. Rosen is senior vice president for the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, where she oversees the development and coordination of a comprehensive and integrated approach to women’s health services at Northwell Health. In this role her mission is focused primarily on the elimination of health care disparities through comprehensive clinical programs, gender-based research, community partnerships and education. As a practicing cardiologist, Dr. Rosen previously served as chief of cardiology at LIJ Medical Center and associate chair of cardiology at Northwell Health.

As the first person in her family to become a physician, Dr. Rosen said she was fascinated in medical school by the anatomy of the heart and how it worked leading her on a lifelong mission to understand and try to prevent heart disease, which is the No. 1 killer of men and women in the United States.

“Cardiology was a perfect balance of developing long-term relationships with patients and applying research as well as the most technological advances in the field to help individuals live longer and healthier lives,” she said. “At the end of the day it’s my patients who inspire me.”

Through her cardiology practice, Dr. Rosen became aware that many cardiac conditions present differently in women than in men, meaning that women’s heart issues were often misdiagnosed, mistreated or sometimes missed all together. “My passion is women’s health with a focus on preventing heart disease in women, which is largely preventable,” Dr. Rosen said. “We’ve made great strides in this area, but the research, education, advocacy and clinical care must continue to be at the forefront to save lives.”

For nearly 20 years, Dr. Rosen has volunteered for the AHA with leadership positions at the local, regional and national levels. She has been a national spokesperson for the AHA’s Go Red for Women’s Movement and served as a member of AHA’s national committee. She currently is president of the Eastern States board of directors for the AHA. In 2018, Dr. Rosen received the AHA’s Women in Cardiology Mentoring Award.

Dr. Rosen co-authored the book “Heart Smart for Women, Six S.T.E.P.S. in Six Weeks to Heart-Healthy Living,” which empowers women of all ages with a comprehensive program for heart-healthy living. She also co-produced her first documentary titled “Ms.Diagnosed,” which premiered at the California-based Cinequest film festival in March 2020.

Dr. Rosen is a graduate of the six-year medical program at Boston University School of Medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the American College of Physicians and the American Heart Association. She is Partners Council Professor of Women’s Health and a professor of cardiology at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

“I am truly honored to receive this award that many of my esteemed colleagues have earned, recognizing the collective achievements of staff and volunteers dedicated to the mission of preventing heart disease, promoting healthy living and focusing on health equity. I am so proud of the relentless commitment of the American Heart Association and look forward to further collaborating on initiatives to positively impact individual’s lives and communities,” said Dr. Rosen.

AHA leaders will present the Physician of the Year award to Dr. Rosen at its 2021 National Volunteer Awards digital event on June 22. The award has been given annually to a practicing physician with direct patient care responsibilities since 1991.

This press release was produced by Northwell Health. The views expressed here are the author's own.