Over the past few weeks I’ve gotten a glimpse into the not-so-distant future of the ACC and Cardiology. Last week’s 21st Annual Legislative Conference was a huge success thanks to the efforts of 400 attendees, many of whom traveled to our nation’s capital and participated in the Hill visits. This was a record attendance! We were very pleased to have over 70 fellows-in-training (FITs) and over 60 Cardiac Care Associates (CCAs) in attendance during the briefings and Hill visits. I was inspired to see this growing support from the physicians and associates who are the future of cardiology. Their involvement was indeed palpable and inspiring. You can read about the perspective of different member types including an FIT, CCA, Cardiovascular Administrator and International member here on the blog in coming days.

After the conference, I had a chance to attend the “Teaching Skills Workshop for Emerging Faculty” at Heart House conducted by Drs. Pat O’Gara and Rick Nishimura and generously supported since its inception in 2005 by ACC Past President Dr. Michael Wolk. I also had dinner with these bright young cardiologists and CV surgeons, some of whom came all the way from Israel. The workshop promotes the development of skills (effective individual presentations, teaching, and communication) for those emerging faculty who are committed to contributing to the College’s mission of education and to facilitate this transfer of knowledge into their professional environment. It is invigorating to see such stellar and engaged professionals, a glimpse of our future educational and thought leaders.  I had a chance also to address them formally and tell them about the College and how they can get involved.  I even showed them an impromptu taped testimonial (that I did in my office on my iPhone!) of the effect of this intense workshop on a previous graduate who is among our faculty—Dr. Steve Little, who is now a young star.

This program has been phenomenal. Since 2005, we’ve had a total of 82 participants in 4 courses (given every other year); the skills and relationships developed at the workshop have led to their involvement in close to 600 activities or appointments at ACC to date. During my presentation I reiterated the fact that the ACC is always looking for involvement at every career stage. The College is accepting nominations and applications for committee and council membership through Oct. 31. All ACC Fellows (FACC/MACCs), FITs, CCAs, and Cardiovascular Administrators are invited to nominate a colleague or apply for membership online at https://services.acc.org/CommitteeNominations.

Looking ahead, the College is now accepting applications for the Chief Executive Officer of the ACC. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, the College selected Korn/Ferry International, a leading global executive recruitment and talent management firm, to work with the search committee tasked with hiring our new CEO. Our hope is to have the CEO named by next year’s Annual Scientific Sessions held March 9 – 11, 2013 in San Francisco, CA. You can read the job description, apply or refer someone for the position here.

The College’s future leaders and CEO will help guide the College in its continued pursuit of the singular mission to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health. From what I can see, the future is very promising and exciting indeed!

(pictured above: Over 70 FITs attended Legislative Conference, view more photos here)

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