
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 pipeline 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.
Guide The Next Generation of Cardiologists: Seeking Internal Medicine Cardiology Program Mentors

The ACC is seeking mentors for its Internal Medicine Cardiology Programs. Join as a volunteer mentor and be part of the College's workforce diversity efforts. The African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Women's and LGBTQ+ Internal Medicine Cardiology Programs are designed to provide exposure, education, information, networking, and mentorship to underrepresented groups in cardiology.
Led by Quinn Capers IV, MD, FACC, these programs are essential in providing pathways into cardiology fellowship and training. The expertise, experience and guidance from ACC members is crucial in making programs like this a success. Get involved with this important initiative today and help advance ACC's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy as well as the career trajectory of the next generation of cardiologists.
Explore this page to learn more about the program criteria and click the button below to submit your application by March 31st. Please email IMProgram@acc.org with any questions.
New in 2023!

ACC is proud to announce the inaugural LGBTQ+ Internal Medicine Cardiology cohort beginning in 2023.
ACC is continuously working to expand our reach and further diversify the field of cardiology while simultaneously creating an environment of belonging for all. Built on the foundation established by ACC's D&I Committee LGBTQ+ Work Group, ACC is prepared to meet the needs of this community of clinicians.
We hope to nurture and support those of the LGBTQ+ community who aspire to become cardiologists of the future. We have a dedicated ACC LGBTQ+ Work Group that has emphasized the need to build an inclusive and supportive environment for all. We understand the reservations around discussing LGBTQ+ issues in Medicine, although we hope to build your confidence in being who you are as a future cardiologist! Please come join us!!!
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.

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
Chair of D & I Committee

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

Melanie Sulistio, MD, FACC
WG Co-Chair

Mayra Guerrero, 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

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

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

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
Future Programming and Cohorts
American Indian/Alaskan Native
American Indian/Alaskan Native Cohort Applications Open Fall of 2023
ACC's commitment to inclusivity in cardiology includes working diligently with members of the American Indian/Alaskan Native populations to develop a meaningful and supportive cohort for our Internal Medicine Cardiology program. Through networking, relationship building, and nurturing collaborations with these communities, we hope to announce the inaugural American Indian/Alaskan Native cohort in the Fall of 2023.