Change and evolution have always been a part of medicine. The past year epitomizes that in the field of cardiovascular medicine in particular. As we planned our 11th Monterey Bay Regional Heart Symposium, we focused on exploring areas of cardiology that are particularly prone to change. In keeping with last year’s successful format, we have assembled an excellent group of expert faculty to delve into a wide array of topics, including management of atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and heart disease in women. We’ll also explore the latest updates in echocardiography and the preoperative assessment of cardiac patients. In addition, this year’s symposium will address the timely subject of the future of cardiology in the new medical economic climate.

Our 2010 Monterey Bay Regional Heart Symposium will once again be held at the beautiful Intercontinental The Clement Hotel, overlooking spectacular Monterey Bay. This historic location in the heart of Cannery Row is a fitting site for our annual presentation of the Ricketts Cardiovascular Scientific Award at the symposium banquet on Friday night.

We think you will find this year’s conference an enjoyable, exciting, and informative review of evolving topics in cardiology — the “nuts, bolts, and volts.”

Michael T. Galloway, M.D., FACC

John Schatz, M.D., FACC

Program co-chairs