About C.A.R.E.
Cardiac Arrhythmias Research and Education Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation based in Washington state.

Cardiac Arrhythmias Research and Education (C.A.R.E.) Foundation, Inc., is in no way affiliated with Care International.

Robert J. Myerburg, M.D.
In 1986, a small group of clinicians and scientists who shared concern about the problem of sudden cardiac death met informally to discuss the issues of the lack of public, professional, and political attention to this huge problem. It was subsequently agreed that an expanded group would meet regularly to discuss relevant topics and to take those actions which would enhance public recognition, and encourage political and scientific action. Recognition of the importance of sudden cardiac death as a public health problem had to be a prelude to finding methods of prevention.

Thus, the Coalition for the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death was established, without portfolio, but with a mission that was pure. Among the founding precepts was the fact that we were not tied to the complexities of other larger organizations and could focus entirely on our problem of interest.

In 1995, we were joined by Doris Goldman, who brought with her a vision. We developed a new foundation as a spin-off of the parent organization. It would be more proactive than the Coalition in fund raising for the specific purpose of research and education in cardiac arrhythmias, targeted to the purpose of prevention of sudden cardiac deaths. The Cardiac Arrhythmias Research and Education (CARE) Foundation was born in April 1995, and began its existence with purpose and vigor.

While the Coalition and CARE were evolving, the world of cardiac electrophysiology and clinical management of arrhythmias was rapidly changing. Under our watch, the excitement of new procedures, such as catheter ablations, validation of efficacy and refinement of implantable defibrillators, and a broadened appreciation for the epidemiological mechanisms and causes of cardiac arrhythmias, all emerged. Among the latter, the field of electrophysiological genetics was born into the realm of long QT interval syndromes and now other entities as well.

Thus, in part because of its own initiatives and in part because of the emergence of the exciting new era in basic and clinical insights into the management of life-threatening arrhythmias, CARE has become a highly relevant organization.

Under the leadership of our first president, David Cannom, the organization has matured to the point where we are funding research grants, having impact on public information and education, and is viewed as a highly desirable organization in which to participate by leaders in cardiac electrophysiology. With this background and current perspective, it is with a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement that I accepted the honor of being asked to serve as the next President of CARE. My hopes are that we will continue the growth and directions started by Art Moss and Dave Cannom, and also move forward to new vistas in which we can exert an ever increasing impact on problems in cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The enthusiasm of the members with whom I have spoken is testimony to my belief that the coming years will witness increasing growth of CARE and of its importance to the field to which all of us have dedicated so much of our lives. CARE lives so that others may too.

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