Journal of the American College of Cardiology Vol. 60, No.

21, 2012
© 2012 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation ISSN 0735-1097/$36.00
Published by Elsevier Inc. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2012.10.003

EDITOR’S PAGE

Gratitude

A
previous Editor’s Page discussed the benefits of celebrating achievements, and Anthony N. DeMaria,
the fact that we in medicine do not do this as much as we should. I just had an MD
Editor-in-Chief, Journal
awesome experience in which some accomplishments of mine were commemo-
of the American College
rated by a university that I had served, and in large part by former colleagues. In fact, of Cardiology
the recognition received was largely related to contributions that I had made in mentor-
ing trainees and junior faculty. This event prompted me to recall that very few of us
have achieved success solely on our own; more typically we have benefitted by the coun-
sel and support of others. However, as is likely true of many others, I have not always
expressed the gratitude that was deserved. Hence, this Editor’s Page.
I served as the Chief of Cardiology at the University of Kentucky from 1981 to 1992.
While I worked very hard and think I was reasonably successful, I was stunned when David
Moliterno, now the Chair of Medicine at the university, told me that they wanted to name a
Chair in Cardiology in my honor. I was not sure that I had done anything to warrant a
named Professorship, a recognition that could possibly exist forever. David and Susan Physicians are gen-
Smyth, the Chief of Cardiology at university, organized a special weekend complete with a erally viewed as
formal investiture ceremony that was witnessed by my wife and children, my professional among the most
family (many of whom had worked with me both in Kentucky and San Diego), and many accomplished and
current and former colleagues. Especially meaningful was the role of Mikel Smith, a talented respected individu-
echocardiographer with whom I collaborated for my entire time in Lexington. Mike relived als in society. Vir-
some of our days at the university, with a fair degree of embellishment, which triggered tually all of us
memories of rebuilding a cardiology division that had lost much of its faculty, by recruiting have reached this
bright, young, and ambitious individuals. David and Susan have now developed a truly im- position with the
pressive cardiology program at the Gill Cardiovascular Center, and repeatedly thanked me aid and counseling
(probably naively) for having helped to lay the foundation. Whether the gratitude was war- of others. We owe
ranted or not, the effort they expended to thank me for my contributions to University of it to these individ-
Kentucky made a profound impression. uals or organiza-
There has never been any doubt in my mind that, whatever success I have achieved, tions to convey our
has been majorly due to my mentors. Harold Jeghers was an important influence in thanks, and let
medical school and residency while Tony Damato ignited my interest in cardiology. My
them know what a
major mentor was Dean Mason, who guided me through fellowship and early faculty
crucial role they
years. In addition to serving as my model for clinical care and research, he was a tireless
have played in our
advocate and promoter of those who worked for him. John Thompson provided a ma-
lives and careers.
ture hand when I (probably prematurely) accepted the position of Chief of Cardiology at
age 37. Charles Fisch, my neighbor in Indiana, helped me understand and serve the
American College of Cardiology. Most recently, Eugene Braunwald, as Chair of the
Publications Committee, has provided wise counsel regarding the editorship of JACC.
Many others have, of course, made major contributions to my career, but too little space
is available to mention them all.
Looking back, I am not sure that I ever adequately communicated my gratitude to
these individuals. I am sure that I expressed my thanks, but probably never in an appro-
2254 DeMaria
Editor’s Page
priate manner. Life is too busy, and there are always tasks
waiting to be done. It is just so easy to let things slip
through the cracks, and never get around to extending
gratitude proportional to the value of the support that has
been given. Supervisors are everywhere, but true mentors
are much harder to find. The worst sin, of course, is un-
deremphasizing the importance of the guidance, and as-
suming that the credit for success rests primarily on you
alone.
The failure to show appropriate appreciation seems to
me to be very prevalent. Institutions in particular are no-
torious for having “short memories,” and have been said
to “never love you back.” Presumably, the bigger the insti-
tution, the greater the chance that suitable gratitude will
be lacking. No doubt this could contribute to a relative
lack of commitment and dedication to an institution, and
ease the potential for faculty to be recruited elsewhere.
It seems clear to me that if someone or something has
made a major contribution to the success of an individual,
that should be the cause for at least a small celebration.
Of greater importance, it definitely deserves a genuine
expression of gratitude. Physicians are generally viewed as
among the most accomplished and respected individuals
JACC Vol. 60, No. 21, 2012
November 20/27 2012:2253–4
in society. Virtually all of us have reached this position
with the aid and counseling of others. We owe it to these
individuals or organizations to convey our thanks, and let
them know what a crucial role they have played in our
lives and careers. I have too often been guilty of not ade-
quately expressing my gratitude for the great advice and
support that I have received. David, Susan, and Mike
have shown me how nicely gratitude can be conveyed,
and more importantly, what an impact it can have. In
fact, this thank you was probably the nicest thing that
ever happened to me. Therefore, I am turning over a new
leaf and pledge to show my appreciation in a timely and
public way for all the support that I receive. And so, to
all of you who have helped me so much in the past, al-
though belated, please accept my most sincere and pro-
found gratitude.
Address correspondence to:
Dr. Anthony N. DeMaria
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of the American College of Cardiology
3655 Nobel Drive, Suite 630
San Diego, California 92112
E-mail: ademaria@acc.org