This post was authored by William Bommer, MD, FACC, governor of the California chapter of the ACC.

The ACC was founded by dedicated physicians who wanted to improve professional education and cardiovascular health. Subsequent generations have continued to foster optimal cardiovascular care and disease prevention through professional education, promotion of research, leadership in the development of standards and guidelines, and the formulation of health care policy. The development of future leaders requires education, training, and mentoring. In comparing the nurturing, growth, development, and success of our leaders, it is interesting to compare this process to the management and culture of grape vineyards.

A grapevine starts as a grape-seed that requires light, heat, water, air and soil. With the proper nutrients and climate, the seed can germinate and develop shoots that reach out to the sun. With continued cultivation, nurturing, vine training, and pruning, the vine can flourish and produce valuable fruit. The fruit can ultimately provide food and drink to its caretakers. The new seeds can be sewn and produce new vines for future generations.

Similar qualities can be found in our ACC leadership development program. Our leaders begin by starting as Fellows in Training, graduate to become Fellows in the College, and then become involved in College Committees, Chapters or Councils under the tutelage of former leaders. They develop into leaders themselves with their own unique flavor, color, and qualities. At that point they bear fruit to sustain the membership and ultimately the patients that we serve. This fruit will also produce the seeds that will generate new members that will become the future of the College.

Much like the agricultural process, leadership in the ACC depends on the guidance of previous leaders, and requires just the right amount of nourishment.  If you are a leader, I encourage you to reach out to your Fellows in Training to develop a relationship and to help mentor. If you are a Fellow in Training, I encourage you to get involved in the ACC and in your local state chapters, and get to know your leaders.

Together we can ensure that the ACC continues to produce the best of the best.

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