This year’s ambitious VP.org symposium was attended by over 250 members of the global vulnerable plaque community. Despite a series of management problems at the Hilton and delays in AHA's evening program, Vp.org was able to hold a dinner reception with 6 presentations from speakers as well as the exciting Vulnerable Plaque Lifetime Achievement Award presentation.

            The evening commenced with a moving tribute to Dr. Jeffrey Isner which given by Dr. James Muller. Dr. Renu Verami, the Chairperson of the Scientific Advisory Board followed.  

The Lifetime Achievement Award was jointly presented by Drs James Willerson and the first recipient of the award, Dr. Valentin Fuster.  Unfortunately, due to severe illness, Dr. Davies was unable to attend the event to accept the award in person. Prof. John Camm from the British Heart Foundation represented Dr Davies, accepting the award on his behalf.  Willerson, Fuster and.Camm spoke eloquently about Davies’ contributions to the field of vulnerable plaque.

            Several members of the community spoke about progress made in the field of vulnerable plaque within the last year as well as future endeavors.  Dr. Muller gave an in-depth review of the overall progress in the detection and treatment of vulnerable plaque.  Dr. Ward Casscells followed with his presentation of the first guidelines on the criteria for the definition of VP. On behalf of Dr. Erling Falk, Head of the Pathology Council, Dr. Morteza Naghavi gave a brief update on emerging techniques in the detection of VPs. Other presenters included Dr. Juan Badimon, who gave an update on new biological findings of VP that have come to light within the last year.  Dr.  Robert Schwartz presented a comprehensive view about coated stents as a potential treatment of VP. An informative update on animal models of atherosclerosis and VP was given by Dr. Mark Rekhter.  Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, we were unable to unveil our much anticipated vp.org website.  And lastly, although an industry panel discussion was slated to be the final event of the evening, lack of time did not permit it. We extend our sincerest apologies to the members of the industry panel.

            Overall, we were pleased that so many members of the community were able to attend the dinner reception and enjoy the social and scientific gathering of VP scientists and industrial partners.  

We are looking forward to our next gathering in Atlanta at ACC in March of 2002.