James Dunford, MD, Honored as Physician Volunteer of the Year

James V. Dunford, MD, board president of the San Diego Division of the American Heart Association, has been honored as the American Heart Association's 2008 Physician Volunteer of the Year, an award that honors the physical volunteer who demonstrates the most distinguished commitment to the mission of the American Heart Association and who shows outstanding achievement in advancing the objectives of the Western States Affiliate during the year and over time.

Dr. Dunford is a leading advocate for improving patient quality of care. His work is most evident through his local leadership as a STEMI and Stroke Champion, including his involvement with the ST elevation heart attack (STEMI) medical oversight committee and the San Diego County Stroke committee that is nearing the rollout of improved stroke destination protocols.

"The thing I am most proud of is our work in building teams that have successfully translated cutting edge scientific advances in heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest into everyday care here in San Diego," Dr. Dunford said when notified of the honor. "The American Heart Association has helped me realize a regional cardiac receiving system for STEMI, a regional public access to defibrillation program for cardiac arrests, and a soon-to-be regional stroke system," he explained, adding, "In turn, these regional successes have been amplified to the state level where our best local practices are now being emulated."

Dr. Dunford is medical director for the City of San Diego, a UCSD emergency physician, and long-time member of the San Diego County Medical Society. Congratulations, Dr. Dunford!