Dr. Jaqueline Scholz | Prevention – Public Politic | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Jaqueline Ribeiro Scholz, MD, PhD, is a distinguished cardiologist and academic based at the Instituto do Coração (InCor), Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. Renowned for her pioneering work in tobacco control, Dr. Scholz has made significant contributions to cardiovascular health through clinical innovation, research, and public policy. She directs the Smoking Cessation Program at InCor, offering advanced treatment modalities for tobacco dependency and developing innovative digital tools such as the PAF software and COVID-19 cessation chatbot. Her expertise has been instrumental at state, national, and global levels, including collaborations with the World Health Organization’s Tobacco or Health Program. Dr. Scholz’s commitment extends beyond clinical practice into impactful public health advocacy, contributing to legislation and preventive programs aimed at reducing tobacco-related harm globally. Her work aligns closely with international efforts to combat non-communicable diseases, positioning her as a global leader in preventive cardiology and tobacco cessation.

Profile

• Orcid
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🎓 Education

Dr. Jaqueline Scholz received her medical training and specialized education entirely at the prestigious Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. She completed her Residency in Cardiology at the Instituto do Coração (InCor), gaining extensive clinical expertise in cardiovascular medicine. Pursuing her academic ambitions, she specialized further with a degree in Cardiopneumology at Faculdade de Medicina da USP, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of cardiopulmonary diseases and their systemic impacts. In 2002, Dr. Scholz earned her PhD in Cardiology from Universidade de São Paulo, focusing her research on the intersection of tobacco use and cardiovascular health. Her academic foundation has underpinned her multidisciplinary approach to clinical care, research, and public health advocacy, blending cutting-edge science with practical interventions aimed at tobacco cessation. This strong educational background has positioned her as a respected authority in preventive cardiology, with a special emphasis on combating the global tobacco epidemic.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Jaqueline Scholz has over three decades of progressive experience in clinical cardiology, research, and public health policy. Since 2003, she has served as Director of the Smoking Cessation Program at Instituto do Coração (InCor), São Paulo, leading innovative cessation strategies, including the development of patient-support technologies like the PAF software and a COVID-19 chatbot for smokers. Between 1995 and 1996, she contributed her expertise to the São Paulo State Health Department’s Commission on Tobacco Control, directly influencing state-level anti-tobacco policies and campaigns. Earlier, from 1993 to 1996, Dr. Scholz served as a medical collaborator with the World Health Organization’s Tobacco or Health Program, participating in global strategy development for tobacco reduction. Her multifaceted career bridges clinical innovation, technology integration, public health leadership, and international policy advising, marking her as a key figure in tobacco control and preventive cardiovascular care on both national and global stages.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Although specific awards are not listed, Dr. Jaqueline Scholz’s career is marked by distinguished recognition through her leadership roles and global collaborations. Being appointed as Director of the Smoking Cessation Program at one of Brazil’s most prestigious cardiology institutes reflects professional excellence. Her selection to serve on the São Paulo State Commission on Tobacco Control and as a collaborator with the World Health Organization underscores her expertise and international reputation in tobacco control. Her innovative development of patient-centric tools such as the PAF software and the COVID-19 cessation chatbot has further garnered professional acclaim. Dr. Scholz’s extensive involvement with leading health organizations and her continuous contributions to public health policy highlight the respect and trust she commands within the cardiovascular and tobacco control communities. Her work aligns with the global health agenda, earning her recognition as a leading advocate and innovator in preventive cardiology and tobacco harm reduction.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Jaqueline Scholz’s research focuses on tobacco dependency treatment, smoking cessation strategies, and their direct impact on cardiovascular health outcomes. Her work bridges clinical practice, digital health innovation, and public health policy to develop effective, scalable interventions for tobacco users. At InCor, she leads studies on novel cessation methodologies, including the integration of digital platforms like the PAF software and automated chatbots to enhance patient support, particularly during public health crises like COVID-19. She has contributed to global tobacco control frameworks through collaborations with the World Health Organization, emphasizing the cardiovascular consequences of smoking and advocating for robust public health responses. Her research also informs state-level policy development, contributing to evidence-based regulations and campaigns targeting smoking reduction. Dr. Scholz’s work aims to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular diseases by addressing one of its leading risk factors—tobacco use—through innovative, patient-centered, and policy-driven approaches.

✅ Conclusion