Prof. Iana Simova was elected Chair of the thematic panel “Circulatory System” of the EMA
The panel is part of the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Expert Council for Medical Devices
Prof. Dr. Iana Simova is the Executive Director of the Bulgarian Cardiac Institute. She is a cardiologist, leading specialist in echocardiography, head of a scientific group on post-COVID syndrome; she is involved in comprehensive investigation, diagnosis and treatment of patients with syncope (transient loss of consciousness), including telemedicine and telecardiology, cardiac stress testing, analysis of vascular function. She has held leadership positions in the European Society of Cardiology and the European Cardiovascular Imaging Association. She has received numerous awards for scientific achievements, including the prestigious High Scientific Achievement Award of the Union of Scientists in Bulgaria. A renowned lecturer and professor, editor of six journals, with over 350 scientific publications.
After an election in August this year and among more than 30 candidates, Prof. Iana Simova was elected chair of the thematic panel “Circulatory System” of the Expert Council for Medical Devices of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Her mandate is for three years and will end in 2026. Her medical expertise will be applied/useful in the sub-group “Active implantable cardiac devices and electrophysiological devices”. The Medical Expert Panel consists of recognised leading scientific experts appointed by the European Commission, on the proposal of the Medical Device Coordination Group (MDCG), based on their scientific, clinical and technical expertise in different medical fields and specialties. The expert panels currently number more than 200 experts in 12 different panels. They are orthopedics, trauma, rehabilitation, rheumatology; circulatory system; neurology; respiratory system, anesthesiology, critical care; endocrinology and diabetes; general and plastic surgery and dentistry; Obstetrics and gynaecology, including reproductive medicine; gastroenterology and hepatology; nephrology and urology; ophthalmology; in vitro diagnostic medical devices and expert screening group to assess the need for scientific opinions.
EMA’s thematic panel on the circulatory system also includes 27 experts from different nationalities, led by Prof. It has five sub-groups:
- Active implantable cardiac devices and electrophysiological devices
- Cardiac Surgery
- Cardiovascular stents (metallic and bio-resorbable) and vascular prostheses
- Prosthetic heart valves and devices for heart valve repair
- Structural interventions and new devices
Prof. Iana Simova is the only representative from Bulgaria not only for the thematic panel “Circulatory System”, but also for the entire EMA Expert Council for Medical Devices, as well as the only woman elected Chair in the twelve expert groups.
