ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Dr. Stuart Winston, cardiologist at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System’s Michigan Heart & Vascular Institute, has been selected as a member of the board of trustees of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) for a five-year term commencing in March of 2009.

Dr. Winston who is board certified in cardiology, clinical cardiac electrophysiology and pacemakers, has served the ACC in a number of ways already, as president of its Michigan chapter and on national committees that deal with quality of care and advocacy issues. He had been regionally recognized for his work in coordinating Michigan hospitals' efforts to improve door-to-balloon times for the treatment of myocardial infarction.

In commenting about his new role, he states, "I'm looking forward to this exciting opportunity to further advocate for the care of our patients and our profession."

Dr. Winston joined Michigan Heart, PC in 1988. He performs both outpatient and inpatient evaluation and treatment of patients with heart rhythm disturbances. He is also engaged in the investigation of new interventional techniques, drugs and devices for the treatment of arrhythmias. Dr. Winston has also been the co-author of many scientific articles concerning Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology.

Most recently, Dr. Winston spearheaded Saint Joseph Mercy Health System’s CardiacAdvantage™ concept, which is an Advanced Cardiovascular Approach™ that changes the way patients and their referring physicians experience cardiovascular care. The CardiacAdvantage consistently provides the highest level of communication and collaboration between referring physicians and cardiovascular specialists to achieve high-quality outcomes for patients.

“This collaborative approach to heart care ensures patient safety and that the highest level of care is being provided to all patients,” explains Winston.