Dr. George Sokos named West Virginia governor for the American College of Cardiology

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – George Sokos, D.O., Abnash C. Jain Professor and Chair of Cardiology at the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, has been elected West Virginia governor for the American College of Cardiology (ACC). 

Dr. Sokos will serve as the official representative for practicing cardiology professionals across West Virginia and act as a liaison between the ACC and cardiovascular clinicians throughout the state.  

In this leadership role, he will advance the ACC’s mission by promoting high-quality cardiovascular care, supporting education and professional development, and advocating policies that improve cardiovascular outcomes. 

“As Governor, my goal is to strengthen collaboration across our state and ensure patients in West Virginia have access to the highest quality cardiovascular care. We have a unique opportunity to address the challenges facing rural communities by advancing education, expanding access to innovative therapies, and supporting clinicians delivering care on the front lines,” Sokos said.  

“One of our goals is to continue to focus on the cardiovascular care team. Team-based practice is essential to patient care — especially in rural areas — and one of the College’s top priorities.” 

Sokos is a board-certified cardiologist with advanced certification in heart failure and transplant cardiology and serves as medical director of Cardiac Transplant, Mechanical Circulatory Support, and Advanced Heart Failure. He also holds multiple leadership roles within the WVU School of Medicine. 

His clinical and research work focuses on improving outcomes for patients with complex cardiovascular disease, particularly in rural and underserved populations. 

“Dr. Sokos is an exceptional leader with a deep commitment to improving heart health in West Virginia. At the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, we are committed to not only serving our patients in their home environment with access to the most innovative options available, but also to the elevation of the science and education of our specialties,” Vinay Badhwar, M.D., executive chair of the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, said.  

“Dr. Sokos is emblematic of these ideals and will work to elevate all of West Virginia through his leadership of our state chapter of the American College of Cardiology.” 

Sokos was formally installed as governor during the ACC Annual Scientific Session, which was held March 26-31 in New Orleans.

For more information on the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, visit WVUMedicine.org/Heart.