Lipid Metabolism, Cholesterol, Statins, and More

Cardiovascular disease remains the major cause of death and disability in Europe and many parts of the world. The Salzburg Weill Cornell/ IAS/ NLA Seminar in Lipid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis, which took place from September 24 to 30, 2023 at Schloss Arenberg, trained young physicians in the diagnosis and management of lipid and metabolic disorders that lead to atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Dr. Antonio M. Gotto Jr., Dean Emeritus of Weill Cornell Medicine, served as the course director, marking his 12th participation in an OMI course. Additional international faculty included Dr. Filippo Crea (Italy), Dr. Anne Carol Goldberg, Dr. Khurram Nasir, Dr. Jessica M. Pena, and Dr. Karol E. Watson from the USA, and Dr. Michal Vrablik from the Czech Republic. The experienced OMI faculty team put together an exciting schedule for 30 fellows from 23 countries. The 20 didactic lectures covered the topics of Atherosclerosis, CVD, and Cholesterol, Hypertriglyceridemia, Roles of Imaging, Guidelines for Lipid Management, Secondary Dyslipidemia, and more.

Tuesday afternoon offered a workshop that focused on Identification and Management of Patients with FH, which was led by Dr. Khurram Nasir, Dr. Jessica M. Pena, and Dr. Anne Carol Goldberg. Participants were divided into three groups in which they discussed and prepared a clinical analysis of an assigned case. A representative from each group then presented the case to the cohort, in which great discussions took place and the faculty were able to provide advice and feedback.

Dr. Anne Carol Goldberg and Dr. Michal Vrablik presented Monday afternoon about case management presentation, which assisted the fellows in preparation for their own case presentations on Thursday afternoon. Fellows have typically never had such an experience, presenting in English in front of experts in their field, but they always walk away feeling enriched, enlightened, and encouraged.

Thursday evening brought a special treat for the fellows, in which a chamber music concert was held here at Schloss Arenberg, just for them. In the city of Mozart, this is an experience you can’t miss! On Friday afternoon, the fellows had a special opportunity to take the NLA Lipid Assessment Exam, and if sufficiently passed, they received a special letter of recognition and a certificate.

The seminar week was full, but the time flew by. Before we knew it, the Friday evening graduation ceremony took place, in which fellows and faculty could relax and reflect on the week together. Fellows received their certificates of participation and departed with full minds and hearts. We know that they will take this insight and expertise back home, apply what they have learned, and make an impact in the medical profession in their countries.