Waites Receives ACC Presidential Citation Award
Thad F. Waites, MD, MACC, with Hattiesburg Clinic Heart & Vascular received the 2026 Presidential Citation award by the American College of Cardiology (ACC), for his contributions to the field of cardiology. The Presidential Citation is presented to individuals whose contributions to the cardiovascular profession have been truly exceptional. Recipients are nominated by their peers and selected by the ACC Awards Committee.
For Dr. Waites, the recognition is both humbling and deeply personal. “I have been a member of the American College of Cardiology for many years, and throughout that time the ACC has truly been my professional home,” Waites shared. “Over time, my involvement deepened into something more personal. I came to see the ACC not simply as a professional organization, but as a family made up of colleagues and friends I deeply value.”
Waites previously served as Mississippi ACC Governor, a role that also includes serving as President of the ACC Mississippi Chapter. Through that leadership position, he became increasingly engaged in the work and mission of the ACC. He recalls walking into the Heart House in Washington on his first day serving as governor, when a friend told him, “You are about to meet some of the best friends of your life.” Reflecting on that moment, Waites said, “He was absolutely right.”
Waites explained that the news of receiving the Presidential Citation award came as a surprise. “It was something I had never imagined as a possibility, so when the phone call came, it truly took my breath away,” Waites said. “I have been fortunate and deeply honored in the past, but this recognition feels different. It represents the pinnacle, the acme of my professional journey within the ACC, and I am profoundly grateful.”
Waites also noted the special significance of this year’s recognition being presented during the presidency of a close friend with strong ties to Mississippi and his hometown of Waynesboro, MS, making the honor even more meaningful.
The American College of Cardiology is a global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. Since 1949, the ACC has served as the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team, credentialing cardiovascular professionals in more than 140 countries and leading in the development of health policy, standards and guidelines. Learn more at www.ACC.org.
Waites shared that he views this recognition as a reflection of the meaningful work he has been privileged to do throughout his career. He expressed pride not only in the recognition itself, but in the opportunity to serve patients and colleagues through his ongoing commitment to advancing cardiovascular care. In particular, he is especially proud of his recent efforts to help create the Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship designed to expand access to specialized heart care in underserved communities. The first fellow participating in this program will be introduced during the upcoming American College of Cardiology 75th Annual Scientific Session & Expo. Waites believes strengthening the pipeline of cardiologists in rural areas is essential to improving outcomes and ensuring patients receive high-quality care close to home.
Congratulations to Dr. Waites on this extraordinary achievement! Thank you for your leadership, dedication and unwavering commitment to advancing cardiovascular care for our patients and our community. His impact reaches far beyond our organization, and we are happy to celebrate this well-deserved honor alongside him.
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About Hattiesburg Clinic Heart & Vascular:
Hattiesburg Clinic Heart & Vascular is a full-service cardiology clinic, dedicated to helping patients with their vascular and cardiology needs. It is our goal to offer quality care to each patient, by utilizing a variety of innovative products and procedures to take care of the patient’s heart and vascular needs. We provide hospital services, disease management, diagnostic services and vascular services across the Pine Belt.
About Hattiesburg Clinic:
Hattiesburg Clinic is Mississippi’s largest privately-owned, multispecialty clinic. Founded in 1963, Hattiesburg Clinic has expanded to include over 450 physicians and providers, along with 2,500 employees, serving patients across more than 17 counties in Mississippi. Hattiesburg Clinic is committed to being the health care provider of choice in the communities we serve.
