Vizmary Pineda Frías assumes presidency of the Dominican Society of Cardiology

Specialist warns that, although there are more than 700 cardiologists, their distribution in the country remains uneven Santo Domingo. – The Dominican Society of Cardiology (Sodocardio) swore in its new board for the period 2025-2027, headed by cardiologist Dr. Vizmary Pineda Frías. In her inaugural address, the specialist warned that, although more than 700 cardiologists practice in the country, significant inequalities persist in their geographical distribution, with a marked concentration in large urban centers, while rural and peripheral regions lack specialized care. Also, the new president of Sodocardio described the barriers patients face in receiving specialized care.

“Patients’ access to diagnostic studies, procedures, and advanced cardiovascular treatments continues to be limited by high costs and deficiencies in medical insurance coverage. This negatively impacts prevention programs, early detection, and effective control of heart diseases,” he noted.

Pineda also highlighted that the low fees for consultations, procedures, and hospitalization force many specialists to work in multiple centers to obtain decent incomes, a situation that affects their well-being and the quality of care. He assured that improving these conditions will be one of the priorities of his management.

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Challenges and Priorities

Among the most urgent challenges, he mentioned the increase in the prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases throughout the population, with special incidence in young people, and the lack of implementation of care protocols at all levels of the health system.

“Para la prevención es indispensable garantizar atención médica de calidad en todo el sistema y facilitar el acceso a medicamentos de reciente introducción, que han demostrado resultados favorables en el tratamiento de las enfermedades cardiovasculares”,
manifestó.

The president of Sodocardio called on all cardiologists and institutions in the sector to join the new board of directors to achieve a greater positioning of the specialty in Dominican society, with emphasis on the prevention of cardiovascular risk factors and the control of high blood pressure.

Awareness Campaigns

He underscored the need to develop research that allows us to understand the epidemiological reality of cardiovascular disease in the country and urged health authorities and educational institutions to implement joint policies that strengthen prevention through awareness campaigns and continuing medical education programs. Finally, he expressed his commitment to lead Sodocardio to become a vanguard society that successfully faces current challenges in the era of digital transformation and artificial intelligence, with actions focused on scientific research, the creation of protocols, patient education, national and international strategic alliances, and the promotion of legislation that contributes to the cardiovascular well-being and health of the Dominican population. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Embassy Suites By Hilton hotel in Santo Domingo, with the presence of prominent cardiology professionals and the medical community in general. Doctor Pineda is accompanied by: