Nishtha Sareen, MD, director of women’s cardiovascular health programs at Ascension Michigan, has received a 2024 Gold Stevie award for Women in Healthcare for establishing innovative women’s cardiovascular health programs and creating better access to cardiac care for women across multiple states. Her pioneering approach combines specialized medical expertise with community-based healthcare delivery, addressing critical gaps in women’s cardiovascular care while setting new standards for patient accessibility and treatment outcomes.

Leading Ascension Michigan's specialized cardiac initiative, Dr. Sareen developed a healthcare model that delivers cardiac care directly to patients. Her program responds to critical statistics showing that heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined—six times more lethal than breast cancer. Starting with one clinic in Michigan, the program now operates seven locations statewide and three facilities starting in Tennessee. The rapid geographical expansion demonstrates the program’s effectiveness and the pressing need for specialized women’s cardiac care services.

The initiative grew 65% within one fiscal year, serving thousands of women through screening programs, specialized care, and health education. The program connects patients with specialist referrals and guides dietary and exercise requirements, making expert cardiac care more accessible to communities. Through comprehensive health assessments, preventive screenings, and targeted interventions, the program has established a systematic approach to identifying and treating cardiovascular risks specific to women.

Cardiovascular disease is the No.1 killer of women in the US, more than all cancers combined-Dr Sareen’s advocacy has already impacted thousands of lives. There is so much more to do and for this reason she deserves a platform to continue this journey. After assuming her role, within 18 months, she has opened 4 women’s heart clinics, put on two state of the art symposiums dedicated to women's heart care; specific focus on under-served women. She is launching an evidence-based physician compiled book-one of the first, focused on women's heart care(launch in Feb, 2024) dedicated to empowerment of women and their health. Detroit Crain’s business magazine recognized Dr Sareen’s talents in the 40 under 40 most successful women and Detroit business recognized her passion among 30 leaders in the state of Michigan. She was awarded the “Women Who Lead”by WJR radio and most recently the Coeur d’OR (Heart of Gold) award from Ascension Providence hospital for her contributions to the community and teaching future physician generations.
By providing this physician leader and innovator a platform to expand her message on gender equality globally, your recognition can make a giant contribution to this burning health issue on Women’s heart health. Let’s level the playing field for our mothers, daughters and sisters. It is about time.