Dr. Charlie W. Shaeffer, MD at Desert Cardiology Center in Rancho Mirage has recently been awarded Diplomate status with the American Board of Clinical Lipidology (ABCL). The ABCL is a non-profit certifying organization dedicated to reducing the morbidity and mortality from dyslipidemia and related diseases by assessing qualifications and certifying knowledge in clinical lipidology.

Dr. Charlie W. Shaeffer joins over 180 physicians from across the nation who have achieved this important credential. Dr. Shaeffer, past president of the Medical Staff at Eisenhower Medical Center and current member of the Eisenhower Medical Center Board, has also been a longstanding member of the Western States Affiliate Advocacy Task Force and is renowned for his valuable contributions to the American Heart Association's tobacco control, obesity prevention and heart disease and stroke research funding priorities

To obtain Diplomate status with the ABCL, a physician must complete a range of continuing medical education requirements and successfully pass a rigorous examination. Professionals in the area of lipid management or "lipidologists" specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cholesterol disorders known as dyslipidemia, which may cause atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is responsible for approximately one-third of all deaths in the U.S.

For more information on certification, visit www.lipidboard.org. To learn more about dyslipidemia and the field of lipidology, visit the National Lipid Association website at www.lipid.org.

For more information on the American Board of Clinical Lipidology, contact Daniel Sosnoski, Director of Communications, at dsosnoski@lipid.org.