The ACC's Clinical Trials Research (CTR): Upping Your Game Program is a year-long professional development opportunity for cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and doctorate–level trained cardiovascular researchers interested in enhancing their careers and skills in clinical research.

New for 2026, the CTR program will have two specialized tracks:

1. Structural Heart Disease (SHD) Research
2. Electrophysiology (EP) Research

Apply

The Program

• Two, two-day sessions in Washington, DC
• Series of complementary virtual informational sessions
• Professional development exercises
• Writing assignment demonstrating research, writing and analytical skills

Participants will learn about clinical trials research, network with nationally recognized clinical trialists, investigators, regulatory stakeholders and industry leaders, and develop a personal career action plan.

CTR learners will receive support for travel expenses, including coach airfare and a two-night hotel stay for each in-person session in Washington, DC.

Participation in the full program is mandatory, including in-person attendance at on-site sessions, completion of all exercises and submission of writing assignments.

The two tracks will be held concurrently, launching in conjunction with ACC.26 and concluding in late 2026.

Who May Apply

This year's CTR program has two tracks, SHD and EP. These tracks are open to cardiologists, surgeons and congenital heart disease specialists who have a research focus in either SHD or EP and are aimed at increasing Research Equity and Access for Cardiac Health (REACH) in cardiac programs.

How to Apply

A complete application requires the following:

• Online Application Submission
• Letter of support from your research mentor, department chair, or division chief describing how:
  • How the candidate will benefit from attending the Clinical Trials Research: Upping Your Game program
  • Candidate's mentorship plan
  • Current protected research time/effort (or future plans for protected research time/effort)
  • Letter must be:
    • On your institution letterhead and signed
    • Less than 500 words.
• Current curriculum vitae

Send your CV and statement of support to diversity@acc.org with "Upping Your Game Application" in the subject line by December 5, 2025.

Applications must be completed and submitted by December 5, 2025. Only completed applications received by the deadline will be considered.

Apply

CTR Session Format and Highlights

The Clinical Trials Research: Upping Your Game starts in early 2026 and concludes late 2026.
Session Topics include:

Application Process & Selection

Applicants will be selected based on:

• Personal statement describing appropriate and realistic clinical trials research goals given current career stage and clear appreciation of how the program can help advance these goals
• Letter of support outlining mentorship plan, protected research time/effort and current/future research leadership opportunities

Selected applicants will receive their formal invitation to attend by March 1, 2026. Individuals will receive support for travel expenses, including coach airfare and two-night hotel for both in-person sessions in Washington DC.

Apply

Questions?

Please reach out to diversity@acc.org for assistance.

CTR Leadership

Wayne Batchelor, MD, MHS, FACC
Anne B. Curtis, MD, FACC
Melvin Echols, MD, MSCR, FACC
Mary Norine Walsh, MD, MACC

Program Support

The ACC's CTR program is proudly in collaboration with the Association of Black Cardiologists.

The 2026 CTR SHD program is made possible through generous support from Medtronic.

The 2026 CTR EP program is made possible through generous support from Boston Scientific Corporation.