Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s Dr. Kountz Named National Minority Cardiovascular Alliance Co-Chair

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The National Minority Cardiovascular (NMC) Alliance recently announced David S. Kountz, M.D., MBA, FACP, and Fatima Rodriguez, M.D., MPH, have been named the new Co-Chairs of the Alliance.

A fellow of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Kountz serves as Co-Chief Academic Officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. He is also Vice President of Academic Affairs at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, N.J. In addition, he is Professor of Medicine and Associate Dean for Diversity and Equity at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University. Dr. Kountz, a practicing internist, has many roles in health care which have provided him with unique insight in addressing minority health. “I am enthusiastically joining the Alliance and whole-heartedly support its important mission. As someone new to any organization, my primary responsibility is to listen and understand the vision of the Alliance, and those of the members of the steering committee. My personal interests align with the mission of the Alliance, in areas such as the social determinants of health, cardiovascular disease disparities, implicit bias, education, and leadership,” Dr. Kountz said.

Dr. Rodriguez is a Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Stanford University. She is a fellow of both the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, as well as an Associate Editor for the New England Journal of Medicine, Journal Watch Cardiology. Similar of many Steering Committee members, Dr. Rodriguez is determined to create a difference in cardiovascular health. “As a practicing academic cardiologist and health services researcher, I am eager to move the needle to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease among minority populations. I am honored to co-chair the NMC Alliance and look forward to working together to help our communities not only be free from cardiovascular disease, but also achieve optimal cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Rodriquez.

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“We are thrilled to have Dr. Kountz and Dr. Rodriguez join Dr. Velarde as co-chairs, leading the NMC Alliance,” said Lionel Phillips, MBA, board chairman. “Their experience and dedication to the field of minority health will elevate and propel our important work. I look forward to learning from Dr. Kountz and Dr. Rodriguez, and am excited about our collaborations as the Alliance enters its fourth year.”


The National Minority Cardiovascular Alliance is a collaborative initiative that aims to help fill a critical gap in understanding minority cardiovascular health in America. With guidance from diverse Steering Committee Members, the NMC Alliance is working to address and develop actionable solutions to close the gap in CVD health disparities by making sure the impact of culture, genetics, and socioeconomic status are considered.


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