Contact: Jean Campbell (217) 544-6464, ext. 44307

Dr. Dove is known internationally, but his legacy is here in central Illinois where he created the largest heart program in Illinois and one of the largest in the nation. He is a founding partner of Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants and was instrumental in forming Prairie Heart Institute at St. John’s Hospital in the early 1990s.

“It’s a huge honor,” says James T. Dove, MD, about being elected president of the prestigious American College of Cardiology (ACC). Dr. Dove is known internationally, but his legacy is here in central Illinois where he created the largest heart program in Illinois and one of the largest in the nation. He is a founding partner of Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants and was instrumental in forming Prairie Heart Institute at St. John’s Hospital in the early 1990s. During his 30 years of practice in Springfield, he touched the lives of thousands of patients.

Dr. Dove says he has been active in the ACC for a long time having chaired the board of governors and the budget/finance committee. He also served as president and governor of the ACC Illinois Chapter.

His term as president began in March and will last one year, but as part of the ACC’s presidential team, his commitment lasts four years. As president, he chairs the board of trustees and the executive committee. He serves as ACC’s spokesperson and leads the college in addressing its goals of quality, education and public policy development.

In the area of quality, Dr. Dove says ACC’s role is to amass and share information and data on the latest advances, performance measures and best practices in cardiology. Hospitals and physician practices adapt these tools to ensure the best care for patients. “One of the many issues we’re addressing is improving the timeliness of care of heart attack patients who come to emergency rooms,” he says. “We’re also taking a hard look at the importance of electronic medical records.”

Dr. Dove notes that ACC is very involved in public policy issues, including healthcare reform, Medicare and commercial insurance coverage. “We want to make sure policies don’t compromise care or restrict access to care,” he explains. “We have a significant presence in Washington to advocate for quality care.”