Drezden's CHD Work
Advisory roles, research, and advocacy in the congenital heart community
About Drezden
Drezden Plotkin is a CHD patient advocate, advisory board member, and community leader. Born with multiple congenital heart defects — pulmonary valve stenosis, pulmonary artery stenosis, and a VSD — he underwent three heart surgeries before age 18, including open-heart.
Today, Drezden serves on strategic planning committees, patient advisory boards, and research initiatives across multiple CHD organizations. His work focuses on patient engagement, mental health support, access to care, and ensuring research reflects what actually matters to patients and families.
The One Percent Heart podcast is one extension of this work — a platform to amplify the voices of patients, advocates, and clinicians he's met through years of service in this community.
Current Roles
Adult Congenital Heart Association
Strategic Planning Committee
Helping shape ACHA's long-term strategy for serving the adult CHD community. Chair of the Revenue & Infrastructure Subcommittee, leveraging finance and operations experience to support organizational sustainability.
Patient & Family Advisory Board
Since 2022South Central Region representative advising on patient-centered programming and legislative advocacy.
Chair, Nashville Walk for 1 in 100
2024 & 2025Leading Nashville's largest adult CHD awareness and fundraising event.
Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative
Communications Committee Member
Supporting patient and community engagement initiatives.
Producer, CNOC Talk
Helping produce the organization's official podcast sharing research and resources with the CHD community.
EmpowerMyCH (UCSF)
Advisor & Board Member
Since 2023Strategic advisor for this NIH-supported initiative developing digital navigation tools and a medical passport for CHD patients.
Research & Speaking
Neurocognitive and Psychological Interventions for Adults With CHD
Co-author, JAHA Consensus Statement — 'Neurocognitive and Psychological Interventions for Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: A Consensus Statement From the Adult Congenital Heart Disease/Neuro 2024 Conference'
Read ArticleACHA Webinar: Transitions and Transfers of CHD Care
Panelist, 'Taking the Next Step: Transitions and Transfers of Your CHD Care'
WatchNeurocognitive Research Conference
Patient Representative, Meil Family Foundation Neurocognitive Research Conference — collaborating with neuropsychologists, cardiologists, and researchers on CHD cognitive outcomes
Read MoreCNOC Pre-Conference Workshop
"Unraveling the Heart-Brain Connection: Insights into the Care of Adults with CHD" — St. Louis, MO
View ProgramACHA Webinar: Mental Health and CHD
Panelist, 'Starting Off the New Year: A Conversation About Mental Health and CHD'
WatchTennessee Regional Conference
Presenter, Vanderbilt University Medical Center & ACHA — "What ACHA Means To Me"
View EventRecognition
ACHA Volunteer Award
Drezden was recognized for his contributions to the Adult Congenital Heart Association
View AnnouncementNashville "30 Under 30"
Drezden was named to Nashville's 30 Under 30 by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
View AnnouncementAbout the Podcast
The One Percent Heart exists because of these relationships. When you hear Mark Roeder from ACHA, Dr. Anu Agarwal from EmpowerMyCH, or Connor Hill from Stronger Hearts Foundation on the show — these aren't cold outreach interviews. They're conversations with collaborators and friends.
The podcast is how Drezden shares the community that welcomed him with others who need it.
Want to Share Your Story?
If you're a CHD patient, family member, or medical professional with a story to tell, I'd love to hear from you.
Get in Touch