Piña is first female and Hispanic to receive award honoring excellence in volunteer service NEW YORK (November 19, 2013) – Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University are honored to announce Ileana Piña, M.D., M.P.H., associate chief of Academic Affairs in the Division of Cardiology, received the prestigious Chairman’s Award for volunteerism from the American Heart Association (AHA) and is the first female and Hispanic to do so. Dr. Piña was recognized for her dedication to AHA and constant focus on educating about heart health across diverse populations at the opening ceremonies of the AHA Scientific Sessions 2013 in Dallas. “We are so fortunate to have an exceptional clinician and passionate educator like Dr. Piña at Montefiore. Being the first female and Hispanic to receive an award of this caliber is no surprise for someone as dedicated as Dr. Piña,” said Mario Garcia, M.D., chief, Division of Cardiology at Montefiore, and co-director of The Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care. “She is a constant inspiration to everyone she meets and it truly is her mission to impact the health and well-being of anyone willing to listen. This award is much deserved and we are so proud of her.” Dr. Piña also is a recognized researcher and is a professor of medicine & epidemiology and population health at Einstein. She currently is principal investigator for 11 ongoing research projects and will be presenting on several topics at this year’s AHA Scientific Sessions. “I am so honored to represent Montefiore, women and Hispanics in accepting this award. It is true that I believe strongly in the mission of the AHA and I strive to make a difference for everyone when it comes to heart health,” Dr. Piña said. “While this is exciting, our work is never done and I plan to work even harder to make women aware of their risks of heart disease and to ensure heart health is a common topic of discussion.” Members of Montefiore’s leadership and physician community attended an event hosted by the medical center to celebrate Dr. Piña at the Adolphus Hotel. Those in attendance from Montefiore included Robert Michler, M.D., surgeon-in-chief, professor and chairman, Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery; and Dr. Mario Garcia. A large delegation from Montefiore and Einstein is in Dallas for the AHA Scientific Sessions and will be presenting on a variety of topics, including heart failure, surgical options for advanced heart failure and acute chest pain syndromes. Data from Montefiore-Einstein researchers also will be presented on topics, including the COAG Trial, acute kidney injury in pediatric acute heart failure and opportunities for OB/GYNs to improve awareness of CVD among women.