John Cantwell, M.D., a cardiologist with Piedmont Heart Institute, a team physician with the Atlanta Braves for 41 seasons, a third generation physician, and the father of a physician and a nurse, has had a long, illustrious career of service both in and out of a clinical setting. At the recent scientific conference of the Georgia Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, Dr. Cantwell was honored with a lifetime achievement award.
The award honors a cardiologist who has provided outstanding contributions to medicine through patient care, medical education, teaching, research or community service as a member of the Georgia chapter of the American College of Cardiology. Dr. Cantwell has many achievements in all of those categories.
His work in cardiology has made an enormous impact on the health and wellness of Georgia’s citizens. He co-founded the first outpatient cardiac rehab program in Georgia in 1970 and opened the Preventive Cardiology Clinic in 1972, which was one of the first in the country.
“We are tremendously proud of Dr. Cantwell’s lifetime of incredible achievements, including his work with Piedmont Heart Institute and its patients,†said Charles Brown, M.D., CEO of Physician Enterprise for Piedmont Healthcare. “He has earned many honors and awards from many prestigious organizations, but it is the compassionate care that he delivers to his patients, both in Georgia, as well as on medical mission trips around the world, that truly resonates with his Piedmont colleagues. He has made a positive difference in the lives of an untold number of people.â€
Dr. Cantwell is a third-generation physician. He attended Duke University and was a member of the University’s first ACC championship basketball team. He has always carried a love of athletic pursuits throughout his career, serving as a consultant to the President’s Council of Physical Fitness and Sports and serving as the team physician for the Braves from 1976 through 2016.
He also served as chief medical officer for the 1996 Olympic Games, which made him ultimately responsible for the medical care of 10,000 athletes and more than 1.5 million spectators. He continues to work with Georgia Tech athletic screening and the Georgia Special Olympics.
