WVU Heart and Vascular Institute hosts first Rural Cardiovascular Care Symposium

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The WVU Heart and Vascular Institute (HVI) and the WVU School of Medicine hosted the inaugural Rural Cardiovascular Care in the U.S. Symposium on Oct. 1 and 2, to address the persistent challenge of delivering high-quality heart care to rural and underserved communities. 

Rural communities across the United States face significant barriers to cardiovascular care, including geographic isolation, limited access to specialists, workforce shortages, and fewer resources for advanced services. 

“Rural cardiovascular disparities are well recognized. The challenge now is to move from describing the problem to building solutions that work in the communities we serve,”  George Sokos, D.O., Abnash C. Jain professor and chair of Cardiology at HVI, said.  

“This symposium brought together clinicians, health system leaders, and innovators who understand that improving rural cardiovascular health requires collaboration across institutions, disciplines, and communities. Our goal was not simply to exchange ideas, but to identify strategies that can be translated into better care for patients.” 

Over two days, participants examined the spectrum of rural cardiovascular care from prevention and risk reduction to advanced subspecialty care, emergency systems, and new care delivery models.  

Sessions focused on telecardiology, remote patient monitoring, cardiovascular imaging, hybrid care strategies, and treating acute emergencies, such as heart attacks and stroke. The program also highlighted the value of multidisciplinary teams and the importance of connecting specialty expertise with local care through regional networks, telehealth, and community partnerships. 

“Improving cardiovascular health in rural America requires a different playbook,” Alison L. Bailey, M.D., vice-chair of Cardiology and chief of Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Services at HVI.  

“We cannot simply take models designed for large urban medical centers and expect them to solve rural healthcare challenges. Most importantly, we must build systems around the realities of the patients and communities we serve.” 

The symposium also addressed women’s cardiovascular and maternal health, rural research, workforce development, and healthcare policy. 

“There is tremendous expertise and innovation in rural America,” Dr. Bailey said. “The opportunity is to connect local clinicians and communities with the resources of larger cardiovascular systems in ways that allow more patients to receive the right care, in the right place, and as close to home as possible.” 

The WVU Heart and Vascular Institute remains committed to improving cardiovascular care throughout West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region. 

“The success of this first symposium reflects how strongly people across cardiovascular medicine believe in this mission,” Dr. Sokos said. “The next step is to turn these conversations into sustained partnerships, new models of care, and measurable improvements in cardiovascular health for rural patients.” 

The Rural Cardiovascular Care in the U.S. Symposium is part of HVI’s ongoing effort to advance heart health in rural communities and develop adaptable models for health systems nationwide.

To learn more about the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, visit WVUMedicine.org/Heart.