Gladys P. Velarde, MD
2024 Women with Heart Honoree
Gladys P. Velarde, MD
Dr. Gladys P. Velarde, a distinguished medical professional, is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Florida Health - Jacksonville. She serves as the Director of the Women Cardiovascular Health Program and Cardiovascular Fellowship Training Program. Her journey, from Peru to New York University for her bachelor's and medical degrees, was further enhanced by rigorous training in Internal Medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and Cardiovascular Disease fellowships at Mount Sinai Hospital and Boston University.
Dr. Velarde's pioneering role at the University of Rochester as the first woman and minority cardiologist on faculty led to gender and ethnic-specific clinical research. There, she established the Strong Women’s Heart Health Program, one of the first ones in the nation devoted to the care of women afflicted with heart disease and the Latino health pathway, an immersive experience for US medical students to expand their education in global disparities of cardiovascular disease.
In her capacity as Cardiovascular Fellowship Program Director at the University of Florida- COM Jacksonville, she passionately mentors and guides the training of future cardiologists.
Dr. Velarde is a Fellow of esteemed organizations such as the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, where she holds active roles. She currently serves as Secretary General for the National Hispanic Latino Cardiovascular Collaborative section of the American Heart Association, and co-chairs the National Minority Cardiovascular Health Alliance of the Make Well Known Foundation.
Dr. Velarde’s numerous awards include the National Hispanic Medical Association Leadership Award, Women of Distinction Award from the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology Florida Chapter Gifted Teacher Award, and the Leon Haley Inaugural Inclusive Excellence Leadership Award from the University of Florida - COM Jacksonville. She was also recognized as an Exceptional Woman in Medicine by Castle Connolly in 2022 and 2023 and selected as a TOP Certified Cardiologist by Jacksonville Magazine in 2023.
Dr. Velarde's extensive body of work includes over 100 publications and a comprehensive textbook on cardiovascular disease in women. She is a widely respected figure in the medical field.
