Masters of Medicine Conference
Obesity, genetic heart disease as regional health priorities
Published:Wednesday | January 21, 2026 | 12:06 AMKeisha Hill/Senior Gleaner Writer
As cardiovascular disease continues to rank among the leading causes of death in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, regional and international medical leaders convened in Kingston for the 2026 Masters of Medicine Medical Conference, themed ‘The Weight of the Matter: Redefining Health and the Heart’.
Held January 16 to 18, 2026, at the AC Marriott Hotel, the conference was presented by the Heart Institute of the Caribbean (HIC) and Yale University Continuing Medical Education, and sponsored by BridgeBio.
The Masters of Medicine Conference is a signature initiative of the Heart Institute of the Caribbean Foundation (HICF), rooted in a longstanding commitment to advancing cardiovascular education, prevention, and equitable care throughout the region.
According to Dr Edward J. Miller, the conference reflected the strength of sustained global partnerships in addressing complex health challenges.
“The Masters of Medicine Conference is a signature initiative of the Heart Institute of the Caribbean Foundation, grounded in a long-standing commitment to advancing cardiovascular education, prevention, and equitable care. We are pleased to once again co-host the conference with HIC and Yale Cardiovascular Medicine, reflecting a shared dedication to excellence, mentorship, and global engagement,” Miller said.
“Together, these partnerships demonstrate the power of cross-border collaboration to translate innovation into impact,” Dr Miller added.
This year’s theme, “Bridging the Divide: Tackling Obesity and Genetic Heart Disease in the Era of Preventive Cardiology,” confronts two of the most pressing drivers of cardiovascular illness worldwide. Obesity and inherited cardiac conditions are increasingly reshaping disease patterns in low- and middle-income regions, including the Caribbean.
Heart disease remains a leading cause of mortality in Jamaica, accounting for a significant proportion of adult deaths. Across the Caribbean, non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease, are responsible for the majority of premature deaths. Afro-Caribbean populations are disproportionately affected, with higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and heart failure compared to many other ethnic groups, often presenting at younger ages and with more severe complications.
Against this backdrop, the conference programme examined obesity and genetic heart disease across the full continuum of scientific discovery, clinical care, health systems, and population health, with a strong emphasis on translating research into practical, prevention-focused solutions.
Despite the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa, which affected parts of western Jamaica, Kingston and its infrastructure remain fully intact. Organisers noted that the broader context reinforces the relevance of the conference, as climate change, natural disasters, and health system resilience increasingly intersect with cardiovascular health and health equity.
In response, the conference opened with a Pre-Conference Summit on Health Systems Resilience, underscoring the need for adaptable, resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to both chronic disease and acute environmental shocks.
AI RESEARCH
Reflecting on the opening day, Dr Ernest Madu, conference co-chair of the 2026 Masters of Medicine Conference, highlighted the calibre and relevance of the scientific programme.
“The opening session of the Masters of Medicine Conference showcased the very best of global cardiovascular science and its relevance to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean,” Dr Madu said.
Dr Jagat Narula, president of the World Heart Federation, set a powerful scientific foundation with a compelling keynote on the epigenetic drivers of coronary artery disease. This was followed by an equally insightful address from Dr Panithaya Chareonthaitawee, Immediate Past President of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, who expertly examined the intersection between obesity and heart failure.
The programme further explored the human dimensions of cardiovascular care.
“We were further enriched by Dr Erica Spatz of Yale University, who emphasized the biological underpinnings of obesity and the critical need for compassionate, science-based care that avoids patient shaming,” Dr Madu said.
Dr Mark Anderson, dean of medicine at the University of Chicago, provided invaluable insight into training models and career pathways for young physicians in Jamaica.
A standout moment of the opening day was the presentation of cutting-edge artificial intelligence research currently being conducted at the Heart Institute of the Caribbean in Kingston by post-doctoral fellows from Yale University and HIC. The work highlighted the transformative potential of AI to enhance early detection, risk stratification, and equitable delivery of cardiovascular care across the region.
“The presentation of groundbreaking artificial intelligence research being done at the Heart Institute of the Caribbean here in Kingston highlighted the potential of innovation to reshape healthcare delivery in our region,” Dr Madu said.
Founded in 2008, the Heart Institute of the Caribbean Foundation was established on the principle that quality cardiovascular care should be accessible to everyone in the Caribbean, regardless of their ability to pay. That mission continues to guide the Masters of Medicine Conference as it brings together clinicians, researchers, educators, and policymakers from across the world.
“With outstanding moderation by Dr Dainia Baugh and strong leadership from the Co-Chairs, this has been an extraordinary conference defined by phenomenal science, meaningful collaboration, and a shared commitment to advancing cardiovascular care in Jamaica,” Dr Madu added.
As the conference ended, organisers and participants alike remain focused on a shared goal: redefining how obesity and genetic heart disease are understood, prevented, and treated, while ensuring that scientific advances translate into real improvements in health outcomes for Caribbean people.