Contributed SYMPOSIUM — Among the participants in the cardiovascular symposium held Feb. 23 in Canonsburg, Pa., were, from left, Dr. Triston Smith, interventional cardiologist; Olympian Kirani James, the featured speaker; Dr. John Schirger, interventional cardiologist; and Dr. Gregory Suero, interventional and structural Cardiologist.

STEUBENVILLE — Trinity Health System, through a joint providership with Allegheny General Hospital, hosted the second-annual cardiovascular symposium Feb. 23 at the AC Marriott Hotel — Southpointe in Canonsburg, Pa.

The topics were sudden cardiac death, advanced diagnostics and technologies, and prevention in athletes.

“Cardiovascular education is fundamental to enhancing the care we deliver as a service line,” said Dr. Triston Smith, an interventional cardiologist with Trinity. “We are happy that we were able to deliver a world-class symposium that addressed contemporary cardiovascular issues in a way that was educational and enjoyable. The fact that Trinity was able to host such an event with the participation of national authoritative figures speaking alongside its own cardiologists speaks volumes about the growth and maturity of the program over the past few years. We are excited about the future as we continue to expand our services to meet the demands of our patients.”

The event drew 175 attendees and featured national speakers from institutions including the Heart Institute of Lincoln, Neb.; Virginia Mason; UPMC; Allegheny Health Network; and Trinity Health System.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming support of our sponsors that helped to make this event possible,” said Kelly Bettem, Trinity’s director of cardiovascular services. “The symposium was a resounding success, with all attendees providing positive feedback and accolades for the event. We were thrilled to host such a diverse and nationally renowned group of speakers to discuss sudden cardiac death. By sharing best practices and cutting-edge research, we hope to improve outcomes for our community and athletes, preventing cardiac sudden death in the future.”

One highlight of the symposium was a fireside chat with Olympian Kirani James, who won the 400 meter run at the World Championships in 2011 and the 2012 London Olympics; the silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics; and the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“Trinity Health System continues its commitment to high-quality care and evidence-driving medicine by hosting our second-annual CV symposium, where excellent speakers enlightened a very engaged audience in relevant topics regarding cardiac care,” added Dr. Gregory Suero, an interventional and structural cardiologist with Trinity. “We had the pleasure of listening firsthand to the Olympian Kirani James, whose story was truly inspiring to all of us. We would like to thank the support of the industry leaders and all of the public that attended. We are excited to start planning next year’s symposium.”

James was the first man to earn the full set of three medals. He shared his personal experience with the sudden cardiac death of his coach, Harvey Glance.

“It is deeply gratifying, as part of the Trinity cardiovascular team and internal medicine residency program, to have participated with colleagues making outstanding presentations and residents developing their skills and research at the symposium,” said Dr. John Schirger, an interventional cardiologist at Trinity. “Kirani James graced us with an outstanding presentation and witness to excellence, personal integrity and advocacy for cardiovascular health. We had an outstanding turnout and are grateful to all of our guests and attendees and look forward with excitement to next year’s symposium.”