Westmead Hospital Cardiologist Receives National Recognition for Heart Health Innovations in Western Sydney
The Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA) has honored Professor Clara Chow, a cardiologist at Westmead Hospital, for her groundbreaking work in cardiovascular research and patient care. The 2025 ACvA Translation Award was presented to Professor Chow and her team, recognizing their innovative approach to healthcare delivery.
Professor Chow's journey began with a $125,000 grant from the Heart Foundation in 2010, which sparked a decade of research focused on improving heart health in Western Sydney. The team's digital health initiative has since grown, receiving funding from various sources, and has already impacted over 10,000 cardiovascular patients.
The innovative approach utilizes text messages, apps, wearables, and AI to provide personalized post-discharge support, reducing readmissions by 10-20%. This service has expanded to Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals, with an estimated 600 people enrolled so far.
The success of this translational project, from co-design to clinical trials to health system integration, demonstrates the real-world impact of research. It has the potential to be adopted across Australia, addressing the immense scale of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death globally.
The ACvA Awards celebrate the diverse and impactful nature of cardiovascular and stroke research in Australia, highlighting the journey from discovery science to clinical translation and its profound effects on patient care.
