Special Report

of researchers, clinicians, colleagues, and friends. I thank you for being here today and for your commitment to science and to the fight against cardiovascular diseases and stroke. I’d like to extend a heartfelt welcome to all of you who are young investigators and early in your careers. I feel a special bond with you today. It was 25 years ago, just down the road in Anaheim, when I presented an oral abstract at Scientific Sessions on my very first independent research study. I am honored to be back here today as the president of the American Heart Association. I also stand before you today as a nurse, a basic scientist, and an epidemiologist. This unique career journey has enriched me with the opportunity to work alongside many of you in many capacities. More importantly, I have been able to care for patients, pursue scientific discov-ery, and study population health, all with the goal of savin