ACC Internal Medicine Cardiology Programs

Quick Links: Statement of Need • Target Audience • Objectives • Steering Work Group (WG) • Program Format and Highlights

ACC is dedicated to creating a strong, diverse and inclusive field of future cardiovascular physicians and scientists. ACC's Internal Medicine Cardiology Programs are designed to introduce participants to a career in cardiology by connecting them with the mentors, peer network and resources they need to understand career opportunities in the field of cardiology. Apply to participate in a future cohort to gain exposure to education, knowledge and a community of support. Click the buttons below and explore this page to learn more!

Sign Up to Be Notified When 2025 Cohort Application Opens!

Applications for the 2025 cohorts will open in Fall 2024, and we are collecting contact information for individuals interested in applying to participate in the program. Please complete the brief form to share your contact information. Once the application opens, you will be contacted to apply to the program. Please note: Sharing your contact information through this form does not guarantee you a place in the IM Cardiology Program.

Please contact Ryan Meyer at rmeyer@acc.org with any questions.

Statement of Need

ACC strives to achieve its Vision of "a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes." Guided by our Strategic Plan, ACC has embarked on diversity and inclusion imperatives that will diversify the cardiovascular workforce, create a more inclusive cardiovascular profession through education and awareness, and lastly, improve cardiovascular health outcomes for all patient groups.

These initial programs will focus largely on those identified groups who have been historically underrepresented in cardiology (URC); African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Women, Native American and Indigenous Peoples, and more.

ACC Internal Medicine Cardiology Program

 

To continue to impact the national and global burden of heart disease we must train a diverse group of talented cardiologists," said Quinn Capers, IV, MD, FACC, chair of ACC's Diversity and Inclusion Committee. "A cardiology workforce that benefits from unique, diverse perspectives will enhance research, education, and clinical care, and will help eliminate health care disparities. The ACC is committed to developing a strong field of future cardiovascular physicians and scientists.  

Target Audience

  • Interns and Residents in US accredited internal medicine programs
  • Completed IM Residency and pursing formal Cardiology fellowship training

Objectives

  • Expose internal medicine trainees (interns and residents) to opportunities in the field of cardiology through an in-person program organized by ACC;
  • Create relationships and connections for interested program participants with ACC mentors and leaders in the cardiovascular field;
  • Establish a network of peers, mentors, and leaders for lifelong communication and support;
  • Provide access to all ACC educational resources and tools; and
  • Ensure successful matriculation into a cardiology fellowship training program along with growth as an ACC cardiovascular professional.

Steering Work Group (WG)

Quinn Capers, IV, MD, FACC

Quinn Capers, IV, MD, FACC
Chair of D & I Committee

Melvin Echols, MD, FACC

Melvin Echols, MD, FACC
ACC Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

Jason Deen, MD, FAAP, FAAC

Jason Deen, MD, FAAP, FAAC
WG Co-Chair

Mayra Guerrero, MD, FACC

Mayra Guerrero, MD, FACC
WG Co-Chair

Melanie Sulistio, MD, FACC

Melanie Sulistio, MD, FACC
WG Co-Chair

Program Format and Highlights

The full-day virtual program will include:

  • Welcome with the ACC leaders
  • Meeting with partnering organization leaders
  • Presentations by leaders in the field of cardiology on available opportunities, success rates, and pragmatics
  • Panel discussion with Q&A to address questions and concerns of trainees
  • Networking with leaders and mentors
  • Relationship building with program cohort
Yetunde Kemi Fatade, MD, MPH, Internal Medicine Program Participant

 Being part of the ACC Internal Medicine African-American/Black cohort has allowed me the opportunity to access information, resources, and mentors to strengthen my journey to the field of cardiology. The cohort program gives me a sense of belonging in the field, without arbitrary entrance rules or gatekeeping. 

– Yetunde Kemi Fatade, MD, MPH, Internal Medicine Program Participant

Ebubechukwu Ezeh. Internal Medicine Program Participant

 Getting into this program transformed everything for me…I gained tremendous mentorship that provided me with a clear vision with measurable targets on how to make progress. In fact, I had a panel of mentors that provided me with collaboration opportunities, accountability and guided me every step of the way in preparing my fellowship application. 

– Ebubechukwu Ezeh. Internal Medicine Program Participant

Sneha Nandy, Internal Medicine Program Participant

 I gained valuable insight into what a career in academic cardiology looks like and was thoughtfully advised on fellowship applications and interviews. 

– Sneha Nandy, Internal Medicine Program Participant