American Heart Association Awards Heart Hero Award
Cardiologist Joseph Sacco, M.D., grew up working in his family’s Rocky Hill, CT, pharmacy. When he was a student at MIT, he thought his career would be conducting science experiments in a lab.
“But I realized I wanted more people interaction,” Dr. Sacco, who will receive the Donald Led Duke Heart Hero Award at the Capital Region Heart Ball on Feb. 28 at the Albany Capital Center, said. “A friend asked, ‘Why not med school?’ and a light bulb went off.”
From MIT, Dr. Sacco went to the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He completed a residency in internal medicine in a Yale School of Medicine program, and finished his cardiology fellowship at Albany Medical College in 1985. He has worked in the Capital Region since then.
In Albany he became a professor of medicine at Albany Medical College; was chief of cardiology at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center; and retired from Albany Medical Center, a member of the Albany Med Health System, after working for 40 years as a cardiologist there. He specialized in difficult hypertension, valvular disease, atrial fibrillation and was part of more than 35 clinical research trials. He also served as president and member of the board of directors of the American Heart Association in the Capital Region.
His work as a cardiologist and his support of the American Heart Association made him the choice for this year’s Donald Led Duke Heart Hero award. Named for the late Donald Led Duke, founder of BBL Construction, the award honors someone who made as significant a contribution to the community as he did.
“It was a big surprise to learn I was receiving this award,” Dr. Sacco said. “It got me thinking about why we do what we do. It’s been a nice way to look back at things I’ve done, and it makes me feel I’ve accomplished something for my profession and the community.”
Dr. Sacco’s work with the American Heart Association ranged from attending large gatherings like Scientific Sessions, where thousands of scientists present current advances in the field of cardiology, to grass-roots efforts in the Capital Region.
“I remember an initiative before the 2000s,” he said. “We left business cards in restaurants that thanked the proprietor for having a non-smoking section.”
Dr. Sacco has been a regular media spokesperson for the American Heart Association. He, his wife and family have participated in many Heart Association events ranging from Hoops for Hearts to Walks to the Heart Ball. After turning 65, Dr. Sacco and his wife, Gail, were part of the Healthy for Good 5K training program, which culminated in a successful finish to the 5K at the Heart Walk and Run.
In his medical practice, Dr. Sacco particularly liked the physical diagnosis of his work, and teaching medical trainees and clinical providers at all levels.
“Clinical research is very rewarding,” Sacco said. “I got to work with the premier people in the field of cardiovascular disease, and I realized I’m good at translating the hard science into application. It’s interesting work to figure out how to put findings into practice; how to carry it to primary providers.”
Dr. Sacco pointed to two primary factors that guided him through his career.
“Medicine is all about education,” he said. “Every patient encounter is a teachable moment. There are things to pass on that can help people make good choices. I know when I go to the doctor, I want to know what they’re finding and how it applies to my life.
“I also learned early in my career that if you’re with people who are smarter than you, you’re in the right place,” he said. “It keeps you humble; it gives you something to strive for, and you sure as heck are going to learn something.”
Neil Yager, D.O., is the president of the Capital Region Board of Directors in the Capital Region, and someone who has worked with and learned from Dr. Sacco.
“After decades of dedication to heart health, learners and the well-being of the community, Dr. Sacco leaves behind a legacy of compassionate care, healing, and service,” said Dr. Yager, a cardiologist at Albany Medical Center, a member of the Albany Med Health System. “He treated his patients with respect and diligence, and all of us who were lucky to learn from him will carry those qualities with us throughout our careers.”
Dr. Sacco is married to Gail Sacco, retired director of the Voorheesville Public Library. They live in Glenmont and have two children, a daughter-in-law and almost-son-in-law, and two grandchildren. The Saccos ski and sail.
For information and to purchase tickets to the Capital Region Heart Ball, visit www.heart.org/heartball518.
