The American Heart Association has named Southcoast Health’s Dr. Robert Schwengel, MD, FACC, as the new president of the Southern New England Board of Directors.

Dr. Schwengel is a cardiologist practicing in our Rhode Island offices at Middletown, Providence, and Portsmouth, as well as at the Southcoast Cardiovascular Care Center at Charlton Memorial.

“It is a great honor to be chosen as President of the American Heart Association‘s Board of Directors in Southern New England,” said Dr. Schwengel. “I am passionate about helping the American Heart Association continue to raise awareness about cardiovascular and neurovascular health and reduce the health disparities that exist in our communities. I thank my fellow volunteers and Board Members for this opportunity.”

Dr. Schwengel has been instrumental in the American Heart Association’s local influence toward funding cutting-edge research and promoting quality systems of care. Dr. Schwengel works tirelessly with his clinical team at the Southcoast Health Cardiovascular Care Center in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island to improve the cardiovascular health and well-being of patients and communities. His devotion to research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement is evident through his day-to-day clinical practice and leadership.

When asked what he specifically hopes to accomplish during his time as board president, he says, “I hope to support ongoing and new fundraising, as well as the important advocacy and education the chapter provides in our catchment area of southern New England.”

Dr. Schwengel decided to join the board due to always being a proponent of the research support and health advocacy of the American Heart Association. “I felt it was important to contribute personally, especially in support of the local Southern New England Chapter.”

He has served on the Southern New England American Heart Association Board of Directors for almost three years. He also volunteered for the Southern New England Heart Ball Executive Leadership Team from 2014-2016, where he helped plan and execute the annual Heart Ball. “My wife and I were the Medical Co-Chairs of the 2016 Southern New England Heart Ball.”

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of the American Heart Association, and Dr. Schwengel’s unwavering commitment, time, and compassion inspire endless possibilities to further our mission in Southern New England,” shared Alissa Memoli, Regional Vice President of the Southern New England American Heart Association. “During these unprecedented times, the work of the Association is more important than ever, and we are honored to have him at the helm as we pioneer innovative solutions to build a world of healthier and longer lives.”

The American Heart Association’s current and future work in our region is vital to improving the overall cardiovascular health of the communities we serve. This includes education, awareness, local and state government advocacy, and fundraising for research, Dr. Schwengel says.

“I am looking forward to working with Southcoast Health to improve and coordinate the relationship with the American Heart Association Chapter to go forward as a team in the fight for cardiovascular health and stroke prevention.”

Congratulations, Dr. Schwengel!