Janet Hays, M.D., associate professor of medicine in the division of cardiology, has devoted several years to the clinical care and teaching of cardiac disease. Her extensive knowledge and expertise has earned her two state-level awards from the American Heart Association.
Dr. Hays is the recipient of the American Heart Association’s 2004 Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding work in fulfilling the mission of the American Heart Association in Texas. Because of her exemplary volunteer service in the continuing battle against cardiovascular diseases and stroke in Texas, a 2004 research grant was named in her honor.
“Dr. Hays is always willing, able and available to help when asked,” said Inez Gonzales, health initiatives director for the San Antonio division of the American Heart Association. “She has been instrumental in helping the division reassess and transition Professional Education programming.”
Dr. Hays’ main role during the program year was to serve as the San Antonio Cardiovascular Society Executive Committee Chairman, a society strongly supported by the American Heart Association. The San Antonio Cardiovascular Society provides high quality, unbiased continuing medical education to cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons across the city. While it has received administrative support and sponsorship from the American Heart Association for over 20 years, it has also in turn contributed financially to the American Heart Association.
This past year, Dr. Hays helped facilitate a major realignment of the two organizations, which required many discussions with the American Heart Association at the state level.
Dr. Hays joined the Cardiovascular Society in 1991 and has served as programming committee chairman, vice president and president, as well as chairman of the executive committee in the Cardiovascular Society.
“Dr. Hays is always very committed and involved in the Cardiovascular Society to ensure the success of the society,” Gonzales said.
The Walter M. Kirkendall, M.D., Scientist/Educator of the Year Award, a second prestigious award that Dr. Hays received, recognizes a volunteer who has advanced the American Heart Association’s goals in the area of cardiovascular science or education.
A graduate of the Health Science Center, she received her medicine and cardiology training at Brooke Army Medical Center. After gaining experience in both military medicine and private practice, and gaining additional skills in interventional and nuclear cardiology, she came to the Health Science Center in 1998. Here, she focuses on clinical teaching and the care of patients with cardiac disease. She has a special focus on nuclear cardiology and has opened a state of the art outpatient nuclear cardiac facility, where fellows are welcome to join reading sessions. Her research interests lie in the clinical care and management of patients.
