News
January 31, 2024Cardiologist and Credit Union to receive Donald Led Duke Award at Feb. 9 Heart Ball
Cardiologist Mandeep Sidhu, M.D., MBA, was inspired to become a part of the American Heart Association after attending Scientific Sessions, the American Heart Association’s annual conference that brings together thousands of scientists to present new cardiovascular research, when he was a medical student. Since then, he has served in numerous leadership and research capacities with the Association.
Broadview Federal Credit Union, as it exists today and as both of its legacy organizations, SEFCU and CAP COM, has long been a strong supporter of the American Heart Association as part of its mission of putting people first.
Dr. Mandeep Sidhu and Broadview Federal Credit Union will receive the Donald Led Duke Heart Hero award at the Capital Region Heart Ball on Friday, Feb . 9, at the Albany Capital Center.
A cardiologist at Albany Medical Center, a member of the Albany Med Health System, Dr. Sidhu also is the associate dean of Clinical Science and Research Affairs, a professor of Medicine and a professor of Medical Education at Albany Medical College.
He’s part of a team involved in a multi-year study funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, studying ischemia and chronic kidney disease. He has been a member of the Association’s National Atrial Fibrillation Systems of Care Advisory Group; the National Research Funding Subcommittee; and the National Research Group. He is serving a second term as president of the Capital Region Board of Directors for the American Heart Association, and is a member of the New York State advocacy committee of the Association. He co-chaired CycleNation in Troy in 2019, and is a member of the Cor Vitae giving society. For many years, he ran “Swinging for Stroke,” a golf tournament that benefitted the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association. He also speaks regularly to community and business groups and the media on behalf of the Association.
Broadview’s support of the American Heart Association has let the Association help Capital Region residents make measurable changes to their health.
“Broadview Federal Credit Union has always been a top sponsor of the American Heart Association,” said Kaweeda Adams, chair of the board of directors of the American Heart Association in the Capital Region. “In the past few years, they have supported the Check It! Challenge, a four-month-long self-monitoring blood pressure program that makes it easier for people across the state to know what their blood pressure is, and understand why having a healthy pressure is critical to good health. Monthly Webinars also provide information that allow people to take steps to improve their heart health.
“In addition, Broadview has a long history of volunteering with and leading American Heart Association events, helping to share our message in the community,” Adams continued. “The funds that Broadview staff and members raise to support the American Heart Association make it possible for us to continue investing in the research that will save lives for years to come.”
Choosing cardiology was an easy decision for Dr. Sidhu.
“It’s the intricacy of the physiology and anatomy of the heart,” he said. “The heart is literally and figuratively at the center of it all. Without the heart, there’s nothing else.”
Two people influenced Dr. Sidhu’s decision to practice cardiology: his father, Dr. Kanwarjit Sidhu, also a cardiologist, and Dr. Deeb Salem, a cardiologist and cardiac surgeon at Tufts Medicine, where Dr. Sidhu received his undergraduate and medical degrees and completed his residency. He also held a fellowship at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in cardiovascular disease and electrophysiology.
Dr. Sidhu recalled his reaction to that first Scientific Sessions, attending the Boston Heart Walk and seeing Dr. Mark Estes receive the Paul Dudley White award, named for the founder of the American Heart Association, in Boston in 2006.
“I remember thinking, ‘wow, what a special organization the American Heart Association is,’” Dr. Sidhu said. “I knew then that I wanted to dedicate my life to this.”
Dr. Sidhu also touted the education that the American Heart Association provides, and its scientific research.
“The American Heart Association has been known for 100 years as an organization that educates the community and advocates for better heart and brain health,” Dr. Sidhu said. “That education is the center of prevention. The Association has always been at the forefront of science, funding the research of so many scientists that have led to advancements in treatment.”
“I’m touched to receive this award,” Dr. Sidhu said. “The recognition has reminded me of each and every volunteer I’ve worked with since 2013, at Heart Balls, Luncheons, and Swinging for Stroke; of their efforts to raise funds and support science and improve education.”
A native of Franklin, MA, Dr. Sidhu and his wife, Dr. Sona Bhullar of the Albany Med Health System, have two sons.
“Broadview is deeply committed to changing and improving lives across the communities we serve. By providing financial services with heart and compassion, we have the means to invest in the critically important initiatives of the American Heart Association – an organization that provides education, raises awareness, funds innovation, and provides hope to those working to improve their heart health,” said Broadview CEO Michael Castellana. “The American Heart Association holds a special place in the hearts and minds of everyone at Broadview because of its commitment to ending health disparities and helping people to lead better lives. We are deeply honored to receive the Donald Led Duke Heart Hero Award at this year’s Capital Region Heart Ball and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with the American Heart Association, medical professionals, and dedicated volunteers who continue to make the Capital Region a place where we prioritize people, and promote health, happiness, and well-being.”
“Criteria for the Donald Led Duke Heart Hero award includes achievement in areas of health care, especially heart disease or stroke, support for the mission of the American Heart Association, and civic efforts that have an impact on the Capital Region,” said Kaweeda Adams, chair of the board of directors of the American Heart Association. “Both Dr. Sidhu and Broadview have made an enormous difference to the quality of life in our community, and we congratulate them both on receiving this award.“
The Donald Led Duke Heart Hero Award is named for Donald Led Duke, founder of BBL Construction. His imprint on the Capital Region remains through area construction projects, and his philanthropy. Mr. Led Duke died suddenly of a heart attack in 2010.
