Dr. Megan McLaughlin, an assistant professor of medicine at University of California, San Francisco, has been selected to receive the 2025 Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red Award for her groundbreaking study on postpartum care disparities. The award recognizes the best research article focused on cardiovascular disease and stroke in women published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals.
Dr. McLaughlin's research, published in the Association's journal Hypertension on April 2, 2025, examined care patterns for over 47,000 postpartum individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study revealed that while most patients attended postpartum visits, attendance varied significantly by race, ethnicity, insurance status and socioeconomic factors. More critically, many patients reported not receiving essential counseling or screening for cardiovascular risk factors during these visits.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy represent a major risk factor for future cardiovascular disease, making proper postpartum care crucial for long-term heart health. The study identified missed opportunities for providing lifestyle guidance, smoking cessation support, and diabetes testing during the critical postpartum period. These findings are particularly important because cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women in the United States.
Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., the American Heart Association's 2025-2026 volunteer president, emphasized the significance of Dr. McLaughlin's work. "This study provides important, meaningful and impactful information that can help us to improve postpartum care and help more women live longer, healthier lives," said Dr. Rosen, who also serves as executive director for Northwell's Katz Institute for Women's Health.
The Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red Award honors the pioneering career of Dr. Nanette K. Wenger, an emeritus professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine who has dedicated her career to advancing women's cardiovascular health. The award selection process involved evaluation by 25 expert peer reviewers who assessed submissions for scientific impact, innovation, methodology, and quality of evidence.
Dr. McLaughlin's manuscript was selected from 123 submissions from 17 different countries published between June 1, 2024, and May 29, 2025. The American Heart Association's Research Goes Red initiative, which the award supports, aims to empower women to contribute to health research and address gender disparities in cardiovascular care.
"I have been such an admirer of Dr. Nanette Wenger's trailblazing career. And I'm deeply honored to receive this recognition from the American Heart Association on behalf of my co-authors," said Dr. McLaughlin. "As a woman and a clinician, I'm passionate about pursuing research that leads to better cardiovascular care for women."
The implications of this research extend beyond academic recognition. The findings highlight systemic gaps in postpartum care that could have long-term consequences for women's cardiovascular health. By identifying specific areas where care falls short—particularly for vulnerable populations—the study provides a roadmap for improving clinical practice and policy interventions.
For women who experience hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, proper postpartum care represents a critical window for preventing future cardiovascular events. The study's findings suggest that current care models may be missing opportunities to intervene early in high-risk individuals, potentially contributing to the development of chronic cardiovascular conditions later in life.
The award will be presented during the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2025, scheduled for November 7-10 in New Orleans. This premier global exchange brings together cardiovascular professionals to share the latest scientific advancements and evidence-based clinical practice updates. The recognition of Dr. McLaughlin's work at this prestigious forum underscores the importance of addressing cardiovascular care disparities in women's health.
