Dr. Valentin Fuster, PhD, physician-in-chief at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, accepted the gold medal for scientific merit from the Barcelona City Council on Jan. 23.
Dr. Fuster, who was born in Barcelona, Spain, had been the director of Mount Sinai Heart from its establishment in 2006 through 2022 before becoming its president. Under his leadership, Mount Sinai Heart has grown into a leading center for cardiovascular care and surgery, according to a Jan. 23 news release from the health system.
Dr. Fuster is one of the most highly cited Spanish research scientists of all time, with his research focusing on the causes, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, the release said.
Dr. Fuster also serves as general director of the Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research. In 2014, he was granted the title of marquis by King Juan Carlos I of Spain for his research efforts and educational outreach.
According to the release, Dr. Fuster is the only cardiologist to receive the highest research awards from the four leading cardiovascular organizations: the European Society of Cardiology, the Interamerican Society of Cardiology, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.
The ACC has also established the Valentin Fuster Award for Innovation in Science in his honor.