Dr. Gotto is among the most influential figures in the field. One of his most notorious research projects was the first to achieve a plasma apolipoprotein synthesis, and along with his associates, they determined the complete cDNA and amino acid sequence of one of the largest proteins ever sequenced in atherosclerosis, apo B-100. Dr. Gotto has also played an important role in multiple clinical trials involving the role of cholesterol-lowering drugs in heart disease risk reduction.
In the context of his significant research on cholesterol-lowering drugs, Dr. Gotto generously donated 33 copies of his book “The Cholesterol Story” to the fellows of this week’s seminar. Published in 2021 and co-written with Dr. Anders G. Olsson, former president of the European Atherosclerosis Society, the book delves into vast experimental studies and dissects the importance of cholesterol in the development of atherosclerosis.
Not only does Dr. Gotto have an exceptional presence in research, but he also holds numerous academic titles. He has been President of the American Heart Association and of the IAS as well as the Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine, presiding over its association strengthening with the New York Hospital and the formation of the New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Truly one of a kind, the OMI would not have reached today’s status and global presence without the support of Dr. Gotto. With his remarkable career and enduring commitment to continue sharing his brilliance with other healthcare professionals, he remains active and teaches 33 fellows from 21 countries this week at Schloss Arenberg with the same enthusiasm as when he first started.
Just as Dr. Gotto, this week’s faculty was equally distinctive. We were honored to host the former NLA presidents Dr. Anne Carol Goldberg (Washington University School of Medicine) and Dr. Alan S. Brown (Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Chicago) as well as Dr. Khurram Nasir (Houston Methodist), Dr. Jessica M. Pena (WCM), Dr. Katherine H. Saunders (WCM), and Dr. Michal Vrablik (First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague). All joined us this week from leadership positions in their home institutions.
Marked by an international faculty combination, we can emphatically define this week’s course in partnership with Weill Cornell Medicine, the International Atherosclerosis Society, and the National Lipid Association as true excellence in the field. We received close to 500 applications, and the 33 selected fellows present had the chance to interact with each other and with the outstanding lecturers. During an exciting workshop, participants took a deep dive into familial hypercholesterolemia, discussing aspects from diagnosis to the role of genetic testing, imaging, family planning, and the latest therapeutic options. In addition, fellows were provided the unique opportunity to take the NLA board exam at the end of the course week.
Reflecting on her fifth time with us and on the unparalleled team gathered this week, we invited Dr. Jessica M. Pena to share her experience at the OMI on her way to becoming one of our veteran faculty members:
“It has been a fascinating week with luminaries in the field teaching everything from the history of the cholesterol hypothesis to the latest clinical trials on Lp(a), hypertriglyceridemia, and state-of-the-art expert management of obesity. We’ve been regaled with stories from Dr. Gotto’s career and have learned many clinical pearls from our faculty. Our discussions always remind me of the universality of medicine and our shared commitment to preserving cardiovascular health.”
Annet Kabarokole, MD
OMI fellow from Uganda
“At the welcome reception, the brilliant faculty introduced themselves and gave inspirational speeches. Dr. Gotto’s and Dr. Brown’s remarks increased my anticipation for the week ahead even more.”
David Sanchez Garcia, MD
OMI fellow from Mexico
“One of the lectures I enjoyed the most was on “Risk Stratification in Cardiovascular Prevention and Management and the Role of Imaging”. Dr. Nasir provided sufficient evidence that completely changed my perspective on imaging studies.”
Elena Teringová, MD
OMI fellow from Slovakia
“During the familial hypercholesterolemia workshop, we engaged in discussions about how to apply our knowledge to specific clinical situations. I found it very helpful to look at different treatment strategies from the perspective of individual patients.”
