LITTLE ROCK –  CHI St. Vincent, a leading regional health network serving Central and Southwest Arkansas, announces that Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Anthony Fletcher has been named President of the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC). The association formally installed Fletcher as President at its spring 2024 Membership Meeting earlier this month in Atlanta. In this role, Fletcher will oversee the organization’s mission by advocating for heart health and wellness in minority communities. 

“Dr. Fletcher is not only a top cardiologist, but he recognizes that medicine is more than diagnosis and treatment — it is about prevention, education and people,” CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute President Marcia Atkinson said. “We are thrilled about his appointment and the work he will continue to do to advance equality in healthcare.” 

As the ABC’s 20th President, Fletcher will drive the organization’s national agenda to reduce cardiovascular disease through awareness and education; advocate for more diverse workforces inclusive of African American cardiologists, researchers and providers; and establish an endowment to advance ABC’s programs. 

“As we work to impact people and our communities, it is especially vital to reach those who are underserved,” Fletcher said. “I am honored to be chosen for this new role, which will allow me to make an even greater impact by advocating for diversity and inclusion in our hospitals, heart health in minority populations and health equality for all people.” 

Fletcher, who practices at the CHI St. Vincent Cardiology and Medicine Clinic in Little Rock, has served patients across Central Arkansas for more than three decades, specializing in all aspects of clinical cardiology, with an emphasis on patient education and prevention, especially in minority and underserved populations. Fletcher also serves as president of the Central Arkansas American Heart Association and is an active member of the Arkansas Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association. Fletcher is a graduate of Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Ohio. 

The Association of Black Cardiologists Inc. is a nonprofit with a global membership of more than 2,000 individuals, including healthcare professionals, community health advocates and corporate and institutional members. To learn more about the Association of Black Cardiologists or CHI St. Vincent, visit abccardio.org or chistvincent.com.