Keynote Speakers
Anthony S. Fauci, MD
Former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases World-Renowned Infectious Disease Specialist; Trusted Advisor to 7 U.S. Presidents
Dr. Anthony Fauci is perhaps the most recognized and influential figure in public health and policy in modern time. With a career bookended by the HIV/AIDs and COVID-19 pandemics, Dr. Fauci’s impact spanned 7 presidents, covered 50 years of public service, and touched billions of lives.
Dr. Fauci has served the country with a relentless pursuit of discovery and innovation. Serving as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for 38 years and being a public servant for more than 50 years, Dr. Fauci oversaw an extensive research portfolio devoted to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious and immune-mediated diseases. As the key advisor to 7 Presidents and their administrations, Dr. Fauci lead medical and public health preparedness and treatments against emerging infectious disease threats, including HIV/AIDS, pandemic influenza, Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19.
Throughout his career, Dr. Fauci faced his research and his critics with an unwavering devotion to the science, and a deep concern and empathy for those suffering from disease, and a human-centered pragmatism that ultimately led to extraordinary results.
Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Dr. Fauci was at the forefront of HIV/AIDS research efforts and is recognized for his pivotal contributions to our current understanding of the disease and the development of preventative therapies and medications. During President George W. Bush’s administration, Dr. Fauci became one of the principal architects of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which helped save more than 25 million lives throughout the developing world.
Awarded by President George W. Bush both the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest Presidential honor bestowed to a civilian and the National Medal of Science, the highest presidential honor bestowed to American scientists and engineers, Dr. Fauci’s trust in the science approach above political party agendas was a driving force during his illustrious career. His unwavering dedication to doing what’s best for the public fueled support for his scientific and medical contributions across political party lines. Dr. Fauci has been awarded numerous additional awards for his scientific and global health accomplishments, including the Mary Woodard Lasker Award for Public Service, the Prince Mahidol Award from Thailand, the Robert Koch Gold Medal from Germany, and the Gairdner Global Health Award from Canada.
Dr. Fauci is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Science, the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and many other professional societies. He has been awarded 58 honorary doctoral degrees from U.S. and global universities, and has authored, coauthored, and edited more than 1,400 scientific publications, including major textbooks about internal medicine, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases.
Keynote Address
Monday, March 11, 2024
8:15 PM – 9:15 PM
International Ballroom
Sam Conaway
Sam Conaway is a strategic senior leader in the medical device industry known for his compassion and entrepreneurial spirit. His experience in healthcare spans over 40 years, and he is driven to improve access to care for women and people of color.
As President, U.S. Cardiology Sales, Sam provides strategic direction for U.S. commercial sales which includes three medical technology businesses:
- Atrial Fibrillation Solutions (LAAC & Electrophysiology Therapies)
- Cardiac Rhythm Management & Diagnostics
- Interventional Cardiology & Structural Heart Therapies.
As a member of the Cardiology Group executive team, Sam influences commercial strategy and engagement across the entire Cardiology portfolio and leads cross-functional teams focused on strategic alliances that enable Boston Scientific’s compelling value proposition. Sam has 30+ years of medical device experience, including past leadership roles at Guidant and Abbott Vascular.
Sam is passionate about driving system change to improve access to care, and chairs the Close the Gap program, Boston Scientific’s Health Equity initiative. The convergence of Sam’s leadership roles within Boston Scientific positions him to wrap meaning around innovation. Sam believes that in working united, we can improve patient outcomes for women and people of color.
During his tenure at Boston Scientific, Sam has been recognized by SAVOY Magazine as one of the Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America and was the first recipient of the Cardiovascular Research Foundation’s Inaugural Pulse-Setter Leader Award for embodiment of an elevated standard of excellence and demonstration of unwavering commitment to advancing health equity. Most recently, he was recognized by BlackDoctor.org as one of fourteen Top Blacks in Healthcare.
Sam grew up in Baltimore, MD, and started his career in the laundry room of the Washington Hospital Center (MedStar) in Washington, DC. Soon thereafter, he enrolled and graduated from the Cardiovascular Technology program at the Washington Hospital Center School of Nursing (Cardiovascular Technologist), and completed a certificate degree program in General Studies at American University.
Sam holds a BS Degree from the University of Phoenix and in 2022 earned his MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Sam sits on the boards of JDP and the International Andreas Gruentzig Society.
Equity, Inclusion & Diversity in Interventional Cardiology Symposium
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Dominique Dawes
Owner of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies, Dominique opened the gyms to continue her commitment to developing a healthy and compassionate culture in the sport of gymnastics. Her first academy opened in the midst of a global pandemic, July 2020 and her second location is slated to open in early 2023. Dawes also holds minority ownership of the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League, and served as the co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition under the Obama administration alongside Drew Brees. Alongside LeBron James and Maverick Carter, she recently served as Executive Producer of the Peacock docu-series “Golden”, the journey of USA’s elite gymnasts on the road to the Tokyo Olympics, which has been nominated for a Sports Emmy.
Dawes holds her degree from the University of Maryland and was inducted into UMD’s prestigious Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2023, her hometown of Montgomery County, Maryland will honor her career and legacy with a life size statue to continue inspiring the next generation to follow in her footsteps.
As a wife, mother of four, Olympian and business owner, Dominique Dawes has transcended the world of sports, politics, entertainment and culture.
Women and Heart Symposium
Sunday, March 10, 2024
