The 2024 Women’s Cardiometabolic Health and Wellness Masterclass took place on April 18-20, 2024, at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa in Dana Point, California. The retreat-style masterclass, hosted by the Cardiometabolic Health Congress, presented medical education content alongside professional development activities and wellness breaks. Attendees were able to recharge, learn, and connect with experts while soaking in panoramic ocean views in Southern California.
Conference co-chairs Drs. Pamela B. Morris and Christie M. Ballantyne led the three-day conference attended by multidisciplinary providers from across the nation. The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa was the perfect setting for the Women’s Cardiometabolic Health and Wellness Masterclass.
Conference Day 1
The day began with a warm welcome from co-chairs Dr. Pamela B. Morris and Dr. Christie M. Ballantyne at the Women’s Cardiometabolic Health and Wellness Masterclass. Following a nutritious lunch in the exhibit hall, attendees gained insights into the burden of migraine in women from Dr. Susan Hutchinson and explored the vicious cycle connecting depression, obesity, and stress with Dr. Erica Spatz, the impact of vascular risk factors on cognitive change from Dr. Michelle C. Johansen. The intricate connections between mind, health, and body in cardiovascular disease among women were further discussed throughout the day.
During an uplifting panel discussion on Resiliency & Professional Career Development, audience members engaged with luminaries Dr. Bairey Merz, Dr. Michelle Chestovich, Dr. Hala Sabry, Dr. Pam R. Taub, and Dr. Erin D. Michos, asking questions and receiving personal insights and actionable strategies led by co-chair Dr. Pamela B. Morris.
The day wrapped up with a Networking & Dinner Reception hosted by Drs. Pam R. Taub and Erin Michos, honoring Dr. Peter Libby and Dr. Steven E. Nissen for their significant contributions to women’s cardiometabolic health. Many new connections with colleagues were made over a nourishing dinner and tropical cocktails.
“What a great evening to honor two tremendous leaders in cardiometabolic health & sponsors of Women In Cardiology: Professors Steven Nissen & Peter Libby at the CMHC Women's Masterclass. Thank you also to Esperion, Inc. for sponsoring the welcome dinner for meeting attendees.”
Conference Day 2
The second day of the masterclass started with sunrise yoga, offering attendees a refreshing start to their day. Following a nourishing CME breakfast, educational sessions featured topics such as inflammation, MASH, diabetes, and risk factors of cardiovascular disease in women. Here are some highlights:
Dr. Michael Honigberg, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, highlighted that CHIP is more prevalent among women with premature age of menopause.
Our esteemed faculty member, Dr. Peter Libby, emphasized the importance of considering sex as a biological variable in inflammation research.
Dr. Jennifer Green, Professor of Medicine at Duke University, highlighted the burden of MASH/ MASLD during the pre- and post-menopausal cycles in women.
Dr. Sadiya S. Khan encouraged a holistic approach to managing cardio-kidney metabolic health prior to pregnancy.
Dr. Alyssa L. Dominguez uncovered the steps required for pre-conception counseling.
During her talk on CGMs and pregnancy, Dr. Pam Taub emphasized that it is high time to move from fingerstick tests to CGMS to manage diabetes.
With her impactful talk, Dr. Erin Michos uncovered the intricate bidirectional relationship between menopause and diabetes.
On the main stage, Co-Chair Dr. Pamela B. Morris and luminaries Drs. Alyssa Lampe Dominguez, Sadiya S. Khan, Erin Michos, and Pam R. Taub engaged in a riveting panel discussion and live audience Q&A.
“What an honor to share the stage with these amazing women physicians committed to protecting women’s health throughout all life stages!”
At the end of day two of the masterclass, attendees indulged in light appetizers, wine, and cocktails, allowing for intimate conversations with thought leaders and peers. The Laguna Cliffs Marriott offered dining options, spa services, and opportunities for water activities at the nearby beach, allowing attendees to unwind and make the most of their time outside the conference sessions.
Conference Day 3
The third and final day of the Women’s Cardiometabolic Health and Wellness Masterclass started with Zumba, led by Dr. Christie M. Ballantyne.
“Such a great way to start the day with Zumba at the CMHC Women’s Masterclass with Drs. Erin Michos and Pam Taub. Thanks to Vanessa! Meds are great but need to move!”
The CMHC Women’s Masterclass came to a close with insightful sessions on educational sessions on the CV Risk 360* View in Women. Dr. Virend Somers highlighted the risk of insomnia in women during the menopause transition in his presentation on Sleep & Cardiometabolic Risk. Dr. Nosheen Reza raised concerns about the increased risk of HFpEF among women in her talk. Leading expert Dr. Steven E. Nissen, during his insightful talk, shared that women have higher levels of Lp(a), particularly among the African American population. In a highly interactive session, Dr. Geoffrey Barnes covered the challenging cases for the diagnosis and management of CAD and PAD in women. Dr. Mikhail Kosiborod emphasized the systemic impact of obesity on multiple organs in his engaging discussion on obesity and cardiovascular outcomes.
Attendee Feedback
The attendee experience is crucial for shaping the education curated by CMHC. Following each conference, audience members are invited to provide feedback on everything from the venue and food to the education and overall experience. Here are some of the comments CMHC received about the 2024 Women’s Cardiometabolic Health and Wellness Masterclass:
