A Message from Outgoing President J Todd Belcik, BS, ACS, RCS, RDCS (AE) (PE), FASE

Dear CCI Community,

As I step down from my role as President of Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) following the end of my term, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your commitment to advancing excellence in cardiovascular care through professional credentialing and certification. It has truly been an honor to serve this organization and collaborate with so many talented and dedicated individuals.

As credential holders, we represent the highest standards in cardiovascular care, demonstrating not only our expertise but also our ongoing dedication to the health and well-being of patients. But as we know, credentialing is just the beginning of the journey. The world of cardiovascular medicine is constantly evolving, and the importance of staying connected, informed, and engaged cannot be overstated.

That is why I want to emphasize the importance of joining a professional society like ACC, ASE, HRS, SCAI, SVU, SDMS, and/or even a local professional society. This is where credential holders can not only validate their accomplishments but continue to grow both personally and professionally. By being part of a community of like-minded professionals, we gain access to invaluable resources such as cutting-edge research, continuing education opportunities, networking with peers, and staying informed on industry advancements.

Personally, one of the first objectives early in my career was to join the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) knowing it would provide me not only with education but also opportunities for professional growth. Like volunteering for CCI, the connections through networking have led to many whom I now call best friends. Over the years, I served on the ASE and IAC Board of Directors, the JASE Editorial Board, and numerous committees/task force/writing groups. I am still most proud of starting the Greater Houston Society of Echocardiography (GHSEV) in 1997 in a community where a local professional society was much needed. To date, it continues to thrive by providing education and networking to Physicians, Sonographers, and students alike.

With that said, you will hear soon about the exciting partnership between the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) aimed at advancing cardiovascular care and empowering healthcare professionals worldwide through education and professional networking.

Being an active CCI credential holder allows you to take part in advocating for the cardiovascular profession, influencing policies, and ensuring that we are constantly striving for improvements in patient care and professional standards. By uniting together, we strengthen and elevate our profession, inspire future generations, and have an impact on the world of cardiovascular health.

Thank you again for the privilege of serving as your president. I look forward to continuing to work alongside all of you in the years to come.

Warm regards,

J Todd Belcik, BS, ACS, RCS, RDCS (AE) (PE), FASE
Outgoing President, Cardiovascular Credentialing International