Quick Links: Course Overview/Statement of Need • Program Format • Registration Fees • Eligibility Criteria • Application Process

Mid-career cardiovascular physician women are invited to empower the next phase of their professional lives with The Sandra J. Lewis Mid-Career Women's Leadership Institute.

Apply NOW to participate in the next cohort of this unique two-year leadership development program designed specifically to support and guide mid-career CV professional women.

Cohort participants connect with mentors, take the opportunity to re-assess their career paths, learn more about themselves as professionals and leaders and so much more.

Click here for a complete list of participants.

Course Overview/Statement of Need

For many mid-career women, this professional stage serves as an opportunity to re-assess, re-imagine and/or re-invent their professional lives. While the mid-career leadership journey may serve as a professional renaissance for many, it is also a stage that requires unique guidance and targeted leadership development to successfully transition forward. Thus, The Sandra J. Lewis Mid-Career Women's Leadership Institute is designed to provide mid-career women cardiovascular physicians with the essential skills, tools and dedicated support to flourish during this distinct and exciting phase of the career journey.

The programmatic framework addresses:

• Who am I now? Are my personal mission, vision and values in concert with my professional life? Personal life?
• Where am I going? Is my future path clear? What might a pivot look like, and how do I lead through this effort?
• Do I have support? Is my current network reflective of my ideal future? Do I have active sponsorship aligned with my vision and values?
• How does ACC support my goals? Am I set up to lead within the College? Am I channeling my energy to meaningful roles and/or needs? Do I have the influence and self-awareness to grow in area(s) of interest at this stage of my professional life?

Program Format

Cohort III will launch in January 2026 and conclude in December 2027. Each appointee is expected to participate in a mix of virtual learning sessions and in-person learning sessions (approximately three in-person per year) over a two-year period. Appointees will participate in individual assessments, group activities, mentoring and individual coaching.

Registration Fees

The cost of participation is $1,000.

Eligibility Criteria

Interested individuals must meet the criteria outlined below to apply for the program. Applicants must be:

• A Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC)
• Defined as mid-career, between 12-21 years post cardiovascular fellowship
• Able to meet the time commitment for in-person and virtual learning sessions
  • 2026 In-person session dates:
    • March 27, 2026 - New Orleans, LA
    • June 27-28, 2026 - Washington, DC
    • Oct. 3, 2026 - Washington, DC
  • 2027 In-person session dates:
    • April 9, 2027 - Houston, TX
    • June 19, 2027 - Washington, DC
    • Oct. 23, 2027 - Washington, DC

(Participants will be responsible for their travel costs to in-person sessions.)

• Submission of ACC's online application with emphasis on your leadership journey and career goals, your personal "story".
• Submit a completed application, curriculum vitae and statement(s) of support as outlined in the application instructions.

Application Process

Applications for the Sandra J. Lewis Mid-Career Women's Leadership Institute Cohort III 2026 are now closed.

An ACC member-led committee will review applications and select participants for Cohort II based on the parameters listed under "Eligibility Criteria." Applicants and appointees will be notified of their selection status by Fall 2025.

To apply you must:

• Submit a completed online application including a statement of interest that emphasizes your "story," your professional journey and why you're interested in participating in the program.
• Submit your curriculum vitae (CV)
• Submit up to three (3) statements of support. Only one (1) statement of support is required, but you may submit up to there (3). The statement(s) should come from a friend, family member, colleague, mentor, etc. who has observed your career progression. Those submitting statement(s) on your behalf may email them directly to midcareerwomen@acc.org or, you may upload them to your online application.

For questions and inquiries, please email midcareerwomen@acc.org.

Sandra J. Lewis Mid-Career Women's Leadership Institute Finding Your "Next" Webinar Series
Sponsored by Novartis

The Finding Your "Next" webinar series is designed to inspire and guide mid-career women in cardiology. Hear candid conversations with accomplished leaders as they share the key moments and choices that shaped their paths. This series supports women advancing their leadership journey and building a stronger future for cardiovascular medicine, together. Watch the videos here and on the ACC YouTube channel.