In honor of Nanette Wenger, MD, one of the first physicians to discover that women had different heart attack symptoms than men, the American Heart Association launched an annual award to recognize research focused on women's heart disease and stroke.
The Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Award will recognize the best women-focused heart disease and stroke research manuscript published in one of the AHA's 12 scientific journals, according to a May 11 announcement. Starting June 1, 2021, all authors submitting related manuscripts may apply for consideration for the first award, set to be presented in November during the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2021.
Dr. Wenger, emeritus professor of medicine at Atlanta-based Emory University School of Medicine's division of cardiology, led some of the earliest efforts focused on coronary heart disease in women. In 1956, she became the first female chief cardiology resident at New York City-based Mount Sinai Hospital.
"Dr. Wenger's name is practically synonymous with women's cardiovascular research and care — she has been a formidable leader in the field of women's heart health and a strong ally and advocate for women in cardiology and medicine," said Mitchell Elkind, MD, AHA president. "This award recognizes her incredible legacy of paving the way, supporting and mentoring women as scientists and medical professionals, as well as her pioneering efforts in cardiovascular disease research about, for and by women."
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