More than 350 cardiovascular professionals gathered in Washington, D.C., from Sept. 13 to 15 for ACC’s 2009 Legislative Conference that drew the largest crowd in the event's history. Participants from nearly every state came to the nation's capitol to learn about issues facing the cardiovascular community, including the proposed 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, health care reform, medical malpractice and state advocacy.

Attendees took advantage of the proximity to Capitol Hill and met with their national senators and representatives. They spent their time reaching lawmakers and their staff to discuss the impact of the proposed cuts and the need for broad-based health system and payment reform.